Retelling the Nativity story from a completely different angle, Sony Pictures’ animated family movie The Star puts the animals at the centre of the very first Christmas — and brings in a huge voice cast to do it.
The film follows Bo, a small but brave donkey (voiced by The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun) who’s tired of his daily grind at the village mill and dreams of a bigger adventure. When he finally works up the courage to break free, that adventure finds him in a way he never expected.
Along the way, Bo teams up with Ruth (Aidy Bryant), a loveable sheep who’s lost her flock, and Dave (Keegan-Michael Key), a dove with big ambitions. Add in three wise-cracking camels — voiced by Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry and Tracy Morgan — plus a colourful cast of stable animals, and Bo’s unlikely group of friends end up following the Star and becoming heroes in the greatest story ever told.
The cast doesn’t stop there. The Star also features the voices of Kristin Chenoweth, Gina Rodriguez, Kris Kristofferson, Zachary Levi, Ving Rhames, Anthony Anderson, Kelly Clarkson, Patricia Heaton, and Christopher Plummer as King Herod.
You can watch the trailer here:
So, Is It Silly or Charming?
The Star is a playful retelling that keeps any irreverence to a minimum. Telling the story of Jesus’ birth from the animals’ point of view is a fresh angle, one that’s bound to appeal to younger kids, and it carries a simple, warm charm that fits right in with other family favourites at Christmas time.
The Music
The film’s main theme song is sung by Mariah Carey, who also voices Rebecca the feisty hen. The music video features a cameo from her twins, Morocco and Monroe (known as Roc and Roe):
The Star was released in 2017, so if you’re planning a family movie night, check your usual streaming service or digital store for current availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Star about?
The Star retells the story of the first Christmas from the perspective of the animals involved, led by a brave donkey named Bo who sets off on an unexpected journey and ends up part of the Nativity story.
Who provides the voices in The Star?
The voice cast includes Steven Yeun, Aidy Bryant, Keegan-Michael Key, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Tracy Morgan, Kristin Chenoweth, Gina Rodriguez, Kris Kristofferson, Zachary Levi, Ving Rhames, Anthony Anderson, Kelly Clarkson, Patricia Heaton, Mariah Carey and Christopher Plummer.
Is The Star suitable for young children?
It’s a gentle, family-friendly retelling with a simple, warm tone rather than an irreverent one, which makes it a good pick for younger children watching a Nativity-themed film for the first time.
Where can we watch The Star this Christmas?
Streaming and rental availability change over time, so it’s worth checking your usual streaming service or digital store closer to Christmas for current options.
Looking for More Christmas Movie Ideas?
If The Star has you in the mood for more festive family viewing, browse our roundup of family Christmas movies for more ideas to add to your watchlist this year.
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