I was at the first screening for this movie in the LA area. They wanted Christian college students so they rented a bus and got some kids from our school to come down and see it. It was a surprisingly well done film. It's definitely not Oscar material, but it's better than any Christian movie a Christian could make (this is sad for me to admit, but it's true none-the-less). Besides some bad editing, a few minor details overlooked, and some uncessary additions, the message and story are still healthy and alive. The acting on the part of Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac was definitely one of the high points. The movie did have some bad transitions and a bad opening, but they admitted before it began that the special effects were not done along with music and a few other minor things. I didn't get into the focus group (because I didn't give them the top rating when they went around and asked us about how we answered on their review sheet...), but a friend of mine talked to an employee of New Line who was able to point out the director and writer. Solid film, should be better when it comes out. I'd moderately recommend it for both secular and Christian movie-goers at this point in time.

Funny you should mention the archangle. At the screening he was presented very typically. He wore a white robe, and that's about it haha. Not even much glowing effect. I'm assuming this is where their special effects are going to be beefed up. Furthermore, at the time where "a great multitude of angels" should sing to the shepherds we're met with a single shepherd and the single archangel. No singing involved, nothing near a multitude and an almost lonely and anything-but-majestic scene. Another short-coming in the film. He plays the part well, but the presentation needs a great deal of work. Hopefully this will change in the upcoming revisions.

Sounds to me like the negatives are all things that will be fixed before the film is released