sierra-barter.com – The Star (2017) is an animated film that offers a fresh and lighthearted take on the biblical Nativity story. Directed by Timothy Reckart, this family-friendly movie takes audiences on a delightful adventure with the animals of the first Christmas. With its charming characters, captivating animation, and important messages about friendship, faith, and the true meaning of Christmas, The Star brings a unique perspective to the holiday classic. The film is notable for its emphasis on the animals involved in the Christmas story, particularly a brave donkey named Bo and his animal companions, who play pivotal roles in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.
The film is not just a retelling of a well-known religious story; it also provides an entertaining and heartwarming journey, with humor, action, and moments of heartfelt emotion. The Star aims to make the Nativity story more accessible and engaging for children, while also conveying timeless themes about kindness, love, and perseverance. The film was well-received by audiences, particularly families, for its ability to entertain while maintaining the spiritual significance of the original Christmas story.
Plot Overview: The Journey to Bethlehem
The Star focuses on Bo (voiced by Steven Yeun), a small, courageous donkey who dreams of leaving his humble life as a stable animal and doing something heroic. Bo’s life changes forever when he escapes from his life of labor at a mill and sets off on an adventure to find freedom. Along the way, he encounters Ruth (Gina Rodriguez), a lovable and resourceful sheep, and Dave (Keegan-Michael Key), a rooster with a big personality. Together, this quirky trio embarks on a journey that leads them to the heart of the greatest story ever told—the birth of Jesus Christ.
The story is told from the perspective of the animals, offering a lighthearted and fun way to explore the Nativity narrative. As Bo and his new friends travel to Bethlehem, they unknowingly become part of the divine plan to bring the Savior into the world. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including being pursued by the villainous King Herod’s forces, led by a pair of mischievous dogs named Felix (Ving Rhames) and an aggressive wolf named Thaddeus (Christopher Plummer).
Despite the obstacles they encounter, Bo and his companions remain determined to fulfill their destiny. The animals eventually arrive in Bethlehem just in time for the birth of Jesus, where they witness the miracle and play a crucial role in the Nativity scene. In doing so, they come to realize that they were part of something much greater than they could have ever imagined—a message of peace, hope, and love for the world.
The plot of The Star is both exciting and heartwarming, with a balance of light comedy, action, and heartfelt moments that reflect the true spirit of Christmas. It provides children with a fun and entertaining way to engage with the biblical story while also offering important life lessons about bravery, faith, and friendship.
Main Characters: Animals with Big Hearts and Bold Actions
1. Bo: The Brave and Determined Donkey
Bo (voiced by Steven Yeun) is the protagonist of the film. A small but spirited donkey, Bo is unhappy with his current life as a mill donkey. He dreams of being part of something greater and more heroic. His curiosity and courage lead him to run away from the mill, and thus begins his adventure. Though small in size, Bo is incredibly brave and determined, and his journey is one of self-discovery and fulfillment. Over the course of the film, Bo learns that heroism comes in many forms, and sometimes the most important roles are the ones that may seem the least significant at first.
Bo’s character is charming and relatable, especially to young viewers, as he grapples with the idea of finding his place in the world. He is kind-hearted and always ready to help others, making him a true hero by the end of the story. Through Bo, the film teaches children about the value of perseverance and the importance of following one’s heart, even when faced with difficult challenges.
2. Ruth: The Loyal and Lovable Sheep
Ruth (voiced by Gina Rodriguez) is another key character in the film. Ruth is a sheep who, like Bo, yearns for something more than her usual life. She is feisty, funny, and a loyal friend, and she quickly becomes Bo’s ally on his journey. Ruth’s character brings a sense of fun and joy to the story, and her playful nature contrasts nicely with Bo’s determination. Ruth also has a deep sense of loyalty, and she supports Bo throughout their adventure, helping him overcome obstacles and cheering him on when he doubts himself.
As the film progresses, Ruth evolves into a character who finds strength in friendship and selflessness. Her relationship with Bo exemplifies the power of kindness, and her steadfast loyalty is a valuable lesson for young viewers. Ruth represents the importance of being true to yourself while also embracing the bonds of friendship.
3. Dave: The Energetic and Enthusiastic Rooster
Dave (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key) is a rooster who is full of energy and enthusiasm. Though he often acts as the comic relief, Dave also plays an important role in the group’s dynamic. With his quick wit and unfiltered commentary, Dave adds a layer of humor and lightness to the film. While his comedic antics are entertaining, Dave’s character also demonstrates growth throughout the story. He begins the film as a bit of a self-centered character but learns the value of being a part of a team and helping his friends.
Dave’s character is an embodiment of the humorous moments in the film, and his antics provide a fun contrast to the more serious themes of the Nativity story. His character arc is also one of personal growth, as he learns that being part of something bigger than himself can bring greater joy than any solo adventure.
4. Felix and Thaddeus: The Villainous Pursuers
Felix (voiced by Ving Rhames) and Thaddeus (voiced by Christopher Plummer) are the two antagonists in The Star. They are loyal to King Herod and are tasked with capturing Bo and his friends before they can reach Bethlehem. Felix is a highly intelligent, calculating dog, while Thaddeus is a gruff and menacing wolf. The two characters provide comedic tension and serve as obstacles for Bo and his companions to overcome. While they bring conflict and excitement to the story, Felix and Thaddeus ultimately learn that their pursuit of the animals is in vain and that their true purpose may lie elsewhere.
Felix and Thaddeus represent the forces of opposition that stand in the way of Bo and his friends. Through their pursuit of the animals, the story reinforces the idea that love and faith can overcome the darkness of the world. The two villains are not portrayed as evil for the sake of evil, but rather as misguided characters who learn the value of humility and goodness by the film’s conclusion.
5. King Herod: The Malevolent Ruler
King Herod (voiced by Christopher Plummer in a dual role, as Thaddeus), though only appearing in a small role, is an important figure in The Star. In the Nativity story, King Herod is infamous for his attempt to find and kill the newborn Jesus, fearing the child’s future reign. In The Star, Herod’s role as a threat serves to further illustrate the stakes of the animals’ mission, and his pursuit of the baby Jesus adds a layer of danger and urgency to the adventure.
Although the film maintains a lighthearted tone, King Herod is still portrayed as a formidable antagonist whose presence looms large. His desire for control and power contrasts sharply with the humility and love that the birth of Jesus represents.
Themes: Friendship, Faith, and the Spirit of Christmas
1. The Power of Friendship
One of the central themes of The Star is the importance of friendship and teamwork. Throughout the film, Bo, Ruth, Dave, and their animal companions learn to rely on one another and work together to overcome the challenges they face. Each character brings their own unique skills and talents to the group, and through their combined efforts, they are able to fulfill their purpose. The story demonstrates that even the most unlikely heroes can make a difference when they join forces and support one another.
The film teaches young viewers the value of loyalty, trust, and collaboration, showing that true strength lies in the bonds of friendship.
2. Faith and Belief in a Greater Purpose
Another key theme of the film is the power of faith and believing in a greater purpose. Throughout their journey, Bo and his friends demonstrate unwavering faith in their mission, even when the odds seem stacked against them. Bo’s determination to reach Bethlehem and be part of something bigger than himself serves as an inspiration for the characters and for the audience. In the end, the animals discover that they were part of a divine plan—a plan that is greater than anything they could have imagined.
The theme of faith resonates deeply in the context of the Christmas story, reminding viewers that even in moments of uncertainty, there is always a greater purpose and a reason to believe in something greater than ourselves.
3. The True Meaning of Christmas
At its core, The Star is a film about the true meaning of Christmas. While the movie adds a fun and adventurous twist to the Nativity story, it also retains the essential message of the holiday: love, peace, and hope for the world. The animals’ journey to Bethlehem serves as a metaphor for the journey of life itself, reminding viewers of the importance of kindness, compassion, and understanding.
The film presents the Christmas story in a way that is accessible to children, allowing them to engage with the story’s deeper themes and values. Through Bo’s journey, viewers learn that Christmas is not just about the gifts or the festivities—it is about celebrating love, hope, and the birth of Jesus, who brings joy and light to the world.
Animation and Visual Appeal: A Colorful, Wholesome Experience
The Star boasts vibrant and colorful animation that captures the whimsy and magic of the Christmas season. The design of the characters is endearing and simple, which makes them relatable and accessible for younger audiences. The backgrounds are richly detailed, from the vast desert landscapes to the charming streets of Bethlehem, creating a visually appealing environment that transports viewers into the heart of the Nativity story.
The animation style complements the tone of the film, which blends comedy, adventure, and heartfelt moments. The use of bright, warm colors and playful character designs adds to the festive atmosphere, making The Star a visually enjoyable experience for audiences of all ages.
Conclusion: A Heartfelt Christmas Adventure
The Star (2017) is a delightful and engaging animated film that offers a new perspective on the timeless Nativity story. With its lovable characters, lighthearted humor, and powerful messages of friendship, faith, and the true meaning of Christmas, the film successfully captures the spirit of the holiday season. The story is a perfect choice for families looking for an entertaining and meaningful way to experience the Christmas story, offering both a fun adventure and important life lessons. Ultimately, The Star reminds us that the true message of Christmas lies in love, kindness, and the belief in a brighter, more hopeful world.