The Star

The Star is a delightful and charming animated film from 2017. It's a captivating and unique retelling of one of the world's most famous stories - the birth of Jesus Christ. This refreshing exploration of the Nativity story reveals the event from an exciting new perspective - the viewpoint of the animals. Directed by Timothy Reckart and brought to life through exceptional animation by Cinesite Studios, this film adds a delightful spin on a well-known biblical tale, providing both laughter and heart-warming moments for all viewers.

The leading figure of this adventurous tale is a spirited and ambitious young donkey named Bo, voiced by Steven Yeun (of The Walking Dead fame). Bo aspires to much more than just milling life in the village, yearning for freedom and adventure. His adventurous dreams aren't too far-fetched when he finds himself embarking on the journey of a lifetime after a daring escape from his everyday routine.

As the narrative unfolds, Bo stumbles upon Mary and Joseph, voiced by Gina Rodriguez and Zachary Levi. Mary is pregnant with the baby Jesus and their mutual story is intertwined with Bo's adventure when he decides to follow the star that appeared in the sky. The journey isn't smooth, but Bo's courage, determination, and simple faith make him a lead worth rooting for.

The comic relief in this warm-hearted narrative comes largely from the very funny Keegan-Michael Key, voicing Dave, a witty and sardonic dove. Dave accompanies Bo on his journey, and their entertaining banter, hilarious predicaments, and enduring friendship add a whole lot of laughter and fun. Aidy Bryant also lends her distinctive voice as Ruth, a lovable sheep who’s left her flock, becoming part of the unconventional yet lovable trio on their quest.

Remaining true to the biblical story, The Star incorporates messages of faith, selflessness, friendship, and bravery. It's a film that successfully manages to blend the important elements of the original tale while adding its own fresh, contemporary touch. The film has imaginative fun with the animal characters’ viewpoint, without undermining the core essence of the nativity story.

The Star shines brightly with a star-studded cast. The supporting path includes big names such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Tracy Morgan as the voices for - what else - a trio of camels belonging to the Three Wise Men. With the added touch of several original songs by top artists like Mariah Carey and Fifth Harmony, the film is a full package of top-notch voice acting and resonant musical performances.

This film takes a well-known story and presents it in a new and inventive manner. Light-hearted comedic moments are balanced with moving scenes and significant plot points, resulting in an unforgettable Christmas tale with universal appeal. Despite being a festive film, the universal themes of faith, courage, and friendship resonate, making this an engaging watch at any time of the year.

The Star is not only a film that entertains; it also imparts poignant lessons, making it an enjoyable watch for children and adults alike. Spiritual without being preachy, funny without being irreverent, this animation uses the medium's full potential to tell an old story with a new twist, bringing a fresh perspective while maintaining reverence and respect for the original tale.

To conclude, The Star is a gem of a movie. Its appeal lies not just in its imaginative storytelling or the talents of its perfectly cast voice actors but also in how it portrays deeper themes. It expertly captures the wonder, excitement, and significance of the Nativity story, making it a must-watch animation. Whether you view it as a fun-filled family entertainer, a refreshing retelling of the Nativity tale, or a light-hearted comedy with a heart, The Star truly shines as an animation that caters to all.