Black Nativity

You'd have to be pretty full of seasonal humbug to resist this spirited screen homage to Langston Hughes's "gospel song play"...

The Christmas angel is played by Mary J. Blige, sporting a gorgeous platinum natural which, when backlit, becomes a halo.

...will come on like a dream fulfilled.

The inspirational quality of the film is heightened by a fabulous soundtrack — especially a moving, revamped rendition of Silent Night...

...an earnest slice of uplifting holiday drama that benefits from a smartly chosen cast.