The first Nativity film was a worthwhile enough Christmas movie for all the family, I had a feeling that any sequel that may follow would not work as well, and I was correct, with critics giving it pretty low marks, directed by Debbie Isitt (Confetti). Basically anxious teacher (David Tennant) has moved house with his pregnant wife Sarah (Gavin & Stacey's Joanna Page), he accepts a teaching job at St. Bernadette's primary school. He is taking over the class of former teacher Mr. Maddens, who now lives in America, enthusiastic and child-like teaching assistant Mr. Desmond Poppy (Marc Wootton) has been teaching the class unaided. The class want to enter a competition called "A Song for Christmas", in which schools take part to produce a Christmas song, with a prize of £10,000 and a chance to be Christmas Number One. However headmistress Mrs. Bevan (Pam Ferris) refuses the class permission to enter without a qualified teacher, she thinks no teacher will stay in the job due to the inappropriate behaviour of Mr. Poppy. Donald lives in the shadow of his domineering father (Ian McNeice), and his "golden boy" identical twin brother Roderick (David Tennant), a world-famous composer and conductor. Mr. Poppy decides to go against the headmistress and for St. Bernadette's to enter the competition anyway, he persuades Donald to sign the entry forms, and kidnaps him for an impromptu road trip to Gastell Llawen in Wales, where the competition is being held. Roderick is also taking part in the competition, mentoring the choir of posh St. Cuthbert's College, and previous rival Mr. Gordon Shakespeare (Jason Watkins) has also entered his class of Oakmoor School. Donald, Mr. Poppy and the children, accompanied by a stray donkey and a baby, end up lost in the wilds of Wales, and must survive the challenges on the journey to the castle, but in the end they make it and compete, gaining a standing ovation, and Donald, Roderick and their father make amends. Also starring Jessica Stevenson as Angel Matthews and Prey's Rosie Cavaliero as Miss Rye. Tennant is amusing as the hapless teacher pushed to breaking point, and as the professional twin brother he is smooth, supporting cast members Ferris and Watkins do their thing fine, and Wootton does again steal more of the show, but this time he is so child-like and over-the-top it becomes irritating. The story is predictably sentimental, like the predecessor it overdoes the mushiness, the children are almost as entertaining as seen previously, but there is not enough charm, it is old-fashioned laughs and very annoying, a disappointing family comedy film for the festivities. Adequate!
