Judy Greer plays a mother who takes on the challenge of directing her church’s annual Christmas play in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Judy Greer plays a mother who takes on the challenge of directing her church’s annual Christmas pageant in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever .

Greer 's lead role is in a Christian family movie from the son of the guy who co-wrote the Left Behind books.

The perception of Greer has long been that she's a tried-and-true second fiddle.

The movie has the overall feel of a cartoon Christmas special come to life.

Judy Greer radiates kindness in the role, mostly but not always succeeding in doing so without dipping into condescension.

There's little room for the quirk and wit fans have come to expect of Greer 's best performances.