The Star (2017)
Synopsis:
A small but brave donkey named Bo and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the first Christmas in this animated adventure. Bo, along with a spirited cast of barnyard animals and other creatures, finds himself caught up in the greatest story ever told. The journey brings together Mary and Joseph as they make their way to Bethlehem, with Bo and his companions playing unexpected roles in the nativity story. Through courage and friendship, these unlikely heroes discover their place in history's most celebrated event. The film features voice performances from Steven Yeun as Bo, Gina Rodriguez as Mary, and Zachary Levi as Joseph, alongside a talented ensemble cast including Keegan-Michael Key, Kelly Clarkson, and Anthony Anderson, bringing warmth and humor to this family-friendly retelling of the Christmas story.
Where To Watch: The Star
Parental Feedback
The Star offers a lighthearted and family-friendly retelling of the Nativity story through the eyes of barnyard animals, blending gentle humor with moments of heartfelt emotion. Parents can expect a moderately paced animated adventure that balances comedic animal antics with reverent storytelling, making it accessible for younger viewers while maintaining enough warmth to engage the whole family. The tone remains uplifting throughout, with themes of courage, friendship, and faith woven into an approachable narrative that avoids overly intense or frightening sequences.
Why Kids Should Watch The Star
The Star provides several positive elements that make it worthwhile family viewing.
The animation brings a fresh perspective to a timeless story by centering on Bo the donkey and his animal companions, making the narrative engaging and relatable for young audiences. This creative approach helps children connect with familiar themes through characters they can root for and enjoy.
The voice cast, including Steven Yeun, Gina Rodriguez, and Zachary Levi, delivers warm and energetic performances that bring personality to each character. Keegan-Michael Key and Kelly Clarkson add comedic charm that keeps the story entertaining without overshadowing its meaningful core.
The story emphasizes bravery, loyalty, and the importance of helping others, with Bo and his friends demonstrating courage as they become unlikely heroes. These themes provide natural conversation starters for families about kindness and doing the right thing.
The film's PG-13 rating reflects its accessibility for a wide age range, offering gentle adventure suitable for younger children while maintaining enough substance to hold the attention of older kids and parents alike.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Star
Parents may want to consider a few aspects before viewing with their children.
Some families seeking a strictly traditional or solemn retelling of the Nativity may find the comedic animal perspective and lighthearted tone less reverent than expected. The humorous approach, while family-friendly, takes creative liberties with the biblical narrative.
Certain scenes include mild peril and chase sequences involving the animal characters that could be slightly intense for very sensitive or younger viewers. While not graphic, these moments add tension that may require reassurance for anxious children.
The runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes may test the attention span of restless preschoolers, particularly during slower story-building moments between the more action-oriented sequences.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Star earns approval as a wholesome, entertaining option that successfully balances humor with heart while introducing younger audiences to a meaningful story.
What Parents Should Know About The Star
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the animal characters demonstrate bravery, loyalty, teamwork, and selflessness as they help Mary and Joseph on their journey. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | There are mild moments of peril during chase scenes and some emotional beats related to the characters' journey, but they remain age-appropriate and resolve positively. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters who act selfishly or create obstacles face natural consequences, while helpful and brave actions are rewarded and celebrated. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the story strongly emphasizes teamwork and cooperation as the animals work together toward a common goal, showing how different strengths contribute to success. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, children will understand messages about courage, the importance of helping others, and how even small individuals can make a significant difference. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate The Star as a creative and accessible way to introduce children to the Nativity story, praising its humor and heart while noting it takes a less traditional approach. Many families value the positive messages about bravery and friendship, along with the talented voice cast that keeps children engaged throughout. Some parents mention that the comedic animal perspective works well for younger viewers who might struggle with more serious retellings, while others note that families seeking a strictly reverent presentation may prefer more traditional options. Overall, feedback suggests the film succeeds as wholesome entertainment that sparks meaningful family conversations about kindness, courage, and the Christmas story.
Official The Star Trailer
Why Kids Love The Star
Bo the donkey dreams of breaking free from his mill routine, and when he finally escapes, kids watch him gallop through dusty streets and dodge obstacles in his quest for adventure. His clumsy getaways and determined spirit make every chase scene a blast, especially when he teams up with Dave the dove, whose over-the-top commentary and frantic flying add nonstop laughs.
The animal crew grows as Bo meets Mary and Joseph, bringing along a whole barnyard of chatty sidekicks including Leah the horse and a pair of goofy camels named Zach and Thaddeus. Each creature has its own silly personality and funny voice, turning simple travel scenes into comedy gold with bickering, pratfalls, and unexpected animal antics that keep the energy high.
Kids love watching this ragtag team work together to outsmart dangers on their journey, using teamwork to navigate tricky situations and protect Mary. Bo transforms from a runaway dreamer into a brave hero who stands up for his new friends, proving that even the smallest donkey can save the day when adventure calls.