The Star (2017)
Release Date:
2017
Movie Rating:
PG-13
Runtime:
1h 44m
Synopsis:
The Star is an animated adventure that follows a small but brave donkey named Bo. Tired of his daily grind at the village mill, Bo dreams of a life beyond his routine. One day, he finds the courage to break free and embarks on an exciting journey. Along the way, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. As they travel, they encounter three wisecracking camels and a host of eccentric stable animals. Together, they become unlikely heroes in the greatest story ever told, as they follow a bright star and find themselves in the midst of a significant event in Bethlehem. The film is filled with fun and adventure, making it a delightful watch for kids and families.
The Star, released in 2017, is an animated adventure-comedy film aimed at kids, with a PG rating. It retells the Nativity story from the perspective of the animals, offering a fresh and engaging take on a classic tale. Parents generally appreciate its heartwarming message and the humor that appeals to both children and adults, though some note that the religious themes may not resonate with all families.
Why Kids Should Watch The Star
The Star is praised for its positive messages and engaging storytelling.
- Promotes themes of friendship and courage
- Features a strong character arc for Bo, the donkey, who learns the value of helping others
- Colorful animation and lively music keep kids entertained
- Offers a unique perspective on a well-known story
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Star
Some parents express concerns about the film's religious content and its potential to confuse young viewers.
- Religious themes may not align with every family's beliefs
- Some scenes might be intense for very young children, such as Herod's soldiers pursuing Mary and Joseph
- Complex themes of faith and destiny might be challenging for younger audiences
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive messages of friendship, engaging storytelling, and vibrant animation.
What Parents Should Know About The Star
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Bo the donkey demonstrates bravery and selflessness, encouraging kids to help others. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The pursuit by Herod's soldiers may require parental guidance to explain the context. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the film shows that selfish actions can lead to negative outcomes, while kindness is rewarded. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The animals work together to protect Mary and Joseph, highlighting teamwork and cooperation. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of friendship, courage, and helping others in need. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Star is generally well-received for its heartwarming story and positive messages, making it a good choice for family viewing. While the religious themes may not suit every family, the film's humor and engaging animation appeal to a broad audience. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the story's themes and messages with their children. For those seeking similar content, movies like "The Prince of Egypt" or "The Lion King" offer comparable themes and storytelling styles.
Official The Star Trailer
The Star, released in 2017, is an animated adventure-comedy film aimed at kids, with a PG rating. It retells the Nativity story from the perspective of the animals, offering a fresh and engaging take on a classic tale. Parents generally appreciate its heartwarming message and the humor that appeals to both children and adults, though some note that the religious themes may not resonate with all families.
Why Kids Should Watch The Star
The Star is praised for its positive messages and engaging storytelling.
- Promotes themes of friendship and courage
- Features a strong character arc for Bo, the donkey, who learns the value of helping others
- Colorful animation and lively music keep kids entertained
- Offers a unique perspective on a well-known story
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Star
Some parents express concerns about the film's religious content and its potential to confuse young viewers.
- Religious themes may not align with every family's beliefs
- Some scenes might be intense for very young children, such as Herod's soldiers pursuing Mary and Joseph
- Complex themes of faith and destiny might be challenging for younger audiences
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive messages of friendship, engaging storytelling, and vibrant animation.
What Parents Should Know About The Star
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Bo the donkey demonstrates bravery and selflessness, encouraging kids to help others. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The pursuit by Herod's soldiers may require parental guidance to explain the context. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the film shows that selfish actions can lead to negative outcomes, while kindness is rewarded. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The animals work together to protect Mary and Joseph, highlighting teamwork and cooperation. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of friendship, courage, and helping others in need. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Star is generally well-received for its heartwarming story and positive messages, making it a good choice for family viewing. While the religious themes may not suit every family, the film's humor and engaging animation appeal to a broad audience. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the story's themes and messages with their children. For those seeking similar content, movies like "The Prince of Egypt" or "The Lion King" offer comparable themes and storytelling styles.
Official The Star Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Star
The Star's most common core values include Friendship, Courage, and Teamwork. Throughout the movie, kids see how friendship is vital as Bo, the donkey, forms bonds with other animals, showing that true friends support each other through thick and thin. Courage is highlighted when Bo decides to leave his familiar life to pursue a greater purpose, teaching children the importance of Being brave in the face of uncertainty. Teamwork is showcased as Bo and his new friends work together to overcome obstacles, demonstrating that collaboration can lead to achieving great things.
These values are woven into the story, providing children with clear examples of how they can apply these lessons in their own lives.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Appreciating family | Being a good friend | Being brave | Compassion | Determination | Doing the right thing | Empathy | Family love | Helping others | Kindness | Loyalty | Perseverance | Respect | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Star
Believing in Yourself: In the movie, Bo's journey is a testament to the power of self-belief. Kids learn that even a small donkey can achieve great things when he believes in himself and follows his dreams, despite the challenges he faces.
Building Friendships: The bond between Bo, Ruth, and Dave highlights the importance of forming strong friendships. Children see how supporting and trusting friends can help overcome obstacles and make adventures more enjoyable.
Choosing Right Over Easy: Bo and his friends often face choices where doing the right thing isn't the easiest path. Kids learn the value of making ethical decisions, even when it's difficult, as they watch the characters choose integrity over convenience.
Finding Courage: Bo's story is filled with moments where he must summon courage to face the unknown. This teaches children that bravery isn't the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it.
Working as a Team: The characters' journey emphasizes teamwork, showing kids how combining different strengths and working together can lead to success. The film illustrates that collaboration is key to overcoming challenges.
Other Lessons Learned: Doing What’s Right | Embracing Differences | Importance of Family | Keeping an Open Mind | Making a Difference | Never Giving Up | Practicing Empathy | Supporting Your Friends
Why Kids Love The Star
The Star is a whimsical journey where kids are swept into a world of talking animals and epic quests. Bo, the spirited donkey, and his quirky friends, like the hilarious dove Dave and the endearing sheep Ruth, bring laughter and excitement as they embark on their grand adventure. The movie is filled with fun animal antics and unexpected friendships that keep kids entertained. As Bo and his crew navigate through thrilling challenges, they encounter a lively cast of characters, including wisecracking camels and eccentric stable animals, adding humor and charm to their journey.
The vibrant settings and action-packed scenes captivate young audiences, while the camaraderie and teamwork among the animals create a sense of belonging and joy. Kids will be enchanted by the magical world and the heroic deeds of Bo and his friends, making The Star a delightful and engaging experience that sparks imagination and wonder.