I caught both films as well. Nativity Story was awful - it was like watching something some high schooler put together. You'll be MUCH more moved if you go to a local church and see a live nativity. I though Apocalypto was fantastic, probably Mel's best work since Braveheart.
I know my comments will upset Mel Gibson fans. But IMHO, his drunken rant was staged to get publicity for the film. First there is his statement, predictably followed by media outrage, then his apology - more publicity, then reaction to the apology and how it will impact the film, and on and on. The killing of an innocent woman because she was Jewish at the Seattle Jewish center never received even half as much publicity as a celebrity's drunken rant.
How many would have paid attention to "Apocalypto" if not for this publicity even though it is an excellent and exciting film with not a single dull moment?
I say they same thing about Richards. The worst thing for a washed up comic is to be ignored. Look at the publicity he received. Many of us didn't know his name until now.