The Star follows the story of Bo the Donkey and his wisecracking friends as they incidentally become the heroes of the very first Christmas. Personally, I think the film introduces a fun new way to tell the tale of the birth of Jesus Christ to kids while simultaneously peppering in some laughs to keep them entertained.
Hosted by Sony Pictures Animation
While The Star isn’t all too cheery, it does get me into the Christmas spirit ( yes, I know it hasn’t been Thanksgiving yet, I’m just as excited for that as you are ), and I think it does a fantastic job at reminding us of why we celebrate Christmas every year.
My favorite thing about The Star is the cast, easily. Oprah, Tyler Perry, and Tracy Morgan as the wise men’s camels, Aidy Bryant as Ruth, the Sheep, and Keegan Michael-Key as Dave the outspoken dove. I don’t think there could’ve been a better casting job than what was presented here, and I really like how diverse the cast as a whole is, coming from someone who’s mixed, like me.
The Star’s protagonists, Bo, along with Mary and Joseph are being chased throughout the majority of the film, and I think that added an engaging tone that was refreshing while reintroducing the older story-telling of the Nativity.
The Star will most certainly keep your little one’s entertained while simultaneously tell them a significant story to the Christian faith. Joy quietly sat through two screenings of The Star and didn’t start whining or taking off her shoes like she usually does when she’s not feeling a film. The characters are all colorful and full of energy, which alone is enough to keep the kiddos in their chairs. Also, there are lesson kids will learn from The Star, which go beyond the birth of Christ.
We were blessed to interview Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi ( Mary & Joseph), Patricia Heaton (Edith) and Director Timothy Reckart and during the interview, they shared what they hope kids will learn from seeing this film.
Here are 3 Lesson Kids Will Learn From The Star
“The story of Christmas is about the fact that great things sometimes have humble appearances and that’s the lesson of God coming to Earth as a little baby… That’s a good theme, no matter where you are and how you relate to Faith, that great things sometimes don’t look so great on the outside. I think it’s relatable for kids… because we all want to be part of something big and significant in our lives. If your a kid in third grade doing spelling tests what’s so great about that or I’m a mom and a dad I’m a janitor … I know I’m just doing this work that doesn’t look all that great. That doesn’t mean that the work isn’t going to be great. and I think that’s what I’d like the movie to communicate is that wherever you’ve been placed and whatever you’ve been called to do that’s the field where you’re going to do something great with your life even if it doesn’t look so great on the outside.” ~ Director Timothy Reckart
“…Nativity Story is based Christian but the way in which story is told this movie allows people to hear the story outside of their faith.” ~ Gina Rodriguez
…To be reminded of what Christmas… bring it back to the essence of Christmas the great gift of Christmas. …. The whole message of Christmas is Christ his forgiveness and he’s forgiven us … so I think that being able tell the story in a way for kids to really get it and in a friendly is in a new way for everybody and have it through the animals … is a great way to get a message through”~
So there you have it guys, The Star arrives in theaters November 17th so be sure to grab your tickets and enjoy a superb viewing option for the family. Before I wrap this off, I must say Dave the Dove completely stole the show for me, and I hope to see Keegan Michael-Key in more animated films. Furthermore, I should note that gold, frankincense, and myrrh are not required to enter the theater.
Until Next Time
JJ King & Mrs. Kathy King
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