Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?! (2014)
Certified: U
Duration: 109 minutes
Directed by: Debbie Isitt
Starring: Martin Clunes, Marc Wootton, Catherine Tate, Celia Imrie, Jason Watkins, Stewart Wright, Adam Garcia
KRS Releasing Ltd

The Nativity series of movies reaches the third instalment and it is aimed to please the fans of those who have enjoyed the previous two in what is a very British style comedy in the BBC vein.

These are movies that focus on the season of peace and goodwill and mix it in with an adorable set of children, along with an unusual sense of humour.

The film once again sees a new leading man, after Martin Freeman and David Tennant, who had been the leading men of the 1st and 2nd instalment respectively alongside with regular Marc Wootton.

The main role here is taken over by Martin Clunes who is a veteran of the British sitcom scene and this is the kind of flavour that he brings to the film.

Another addition is veteran actress Celie Imrie. Here she has the role of Clara Keen, the school principal.

Walking in the same footsteps as the previous two, Nativity 3 is a chirpy and cheerful film that seemss to be always flitting around

The setting is once again that of St Bernardette’s primary school. Marc Wootton returns as Mr Poppy, the teaching assistant with a heart of gold but a nightmare to have as one’s assistant, as he is a veritable whirlwind.

The psychological evolution of Mr Poppy seems to have been halted as Wootton plays this character in the same manner that he has previously played him on the previous two movies.

Mr Poppy is an over-the-top, hilarious, manic and scene stealing character that is hell bent on being a primadonna. It is this character’s hustle and bustle that puts the legs in this feature film.

Martin Clunes is Mr Shepherd, a teacher who has a young daughter called Lauren (Lauren Hobbs).

She wants her father to get married and he is about to do just that by marrying Sophie (Catherine Tate).

However, when at school due to a school misadventure that involves a donkey, he ends up suffering from amnesia with no memory of his girlfriend, his wedding and even Christmas itself. Only Mr Poppy has the solution!

The solution is to get the children to carry out a flash mob dance in the spirit of Christmas, take part in a competition and win the prize and go to New York where Mr Shepherd can get married. The children at St Bernardette also find that Gordon Shakespeare (Jason Watkins), a teacher with whom they have crossed swords before, is also entering his pupils for the competition.

Another obstacle is the fact that the competition is being organised by Bradley (Adam Garcia) who is Sophie’s ex but wants her back.

Marc Wootton continues in his furious antics as he propels the film along while Catherine Tate as the very worried bride-to-be looks the part well.

Walking in the same footsteps as the previous two, Nativity 3 is a chirpy and cheerful film that seems to be always flitting around.

The kids are regular scene stealers as they hog the camera with aplomb. With the soundtrack including the likes of One Direction,the film’s intended audience has already been carved in stone. Debbie Issitt delivers Christmas over-the-top antics with a made in Britain style.