By CYNTHIA BIDDLECOMBLos Alamos
“The Star” is an animated feature film telling the story of the first Christmas through the eyes of animals. It is a lovely film with compelling animal characters and an uplifting message. For those who would enjoy a new perspective on the first chapter of “the greatest story ever told”, this is a film for you.
The film is co-produced by Affirm Films, Sony Pictures’ arm for movies that tell wholesome stories, often on faith topics. “All Saints”, released earlier this year, was a recent production of theirs; War Room, Heaven is for Real, Risen, and Fireproof, all came out of this studio. Some Affirm films are for a more conservative evangelical audience and others offer a more general appeal. The Star, in my opinion, would appeal more generally to anyone who holds the Christmas story dear.
One of the other production companies involved in this film was Walden Media, whose tag line is, “We tell stories that recapture the imagination, rekindle curiosity, and demonstrate the rewards of virtue.” Walden released the film “Wonder” on the same day they released “The Star”. Other Walden titles include A Dog’s Purpose, The BFG, The Giver, and The Chronicles of Narnia movies. Patronizing the films of these two production companies seems like a good idea in these dispiriting days.
The Star opens with a jerboa (small jumping rodent) named Abby happening upon the scene of the Annunciation, the moment young Mary learns that God has chosen her to give birth to the long awaited savior of humanity. Immediately a star appears which entrances all the animals we will meet in the film. Dave the dove, knowing nothing about this event, goes to visit his young donkey friend. Later named Boaz, the donkey works at a mill, yearning to be free of his ‘daily grind.” His chance will come soon, and he will serve Mary and Joseph in their time of need. Along the road to Bethlehem, Boaz and Dave meet Ruth, a ewe who left her flock to follow the star. These three save Mary and Joseph from the spy Herod has put on their tail.
Following the star are three camels carrying the wise men. They are pretty comical and you may be amused to see who voices them! The camels help Boaz, Ruth and Dave head off King Herod’s henchman and his two vicious dogs, Thaddeus and Rufus. And then there are the somewhat eccentric animals who live in the stable Mary and Joseph end up using. Ruth manages to get her flock to help, but only after an angelic apparition scares them into listening to her.The Star is respectful of the meaning of Christmas and, if anything, adds to the awe and wonder of the season. If you are tired of the same old Christmas movies and songs playing on the radio, this film will renew your Christmas joy. The Star is “Rated PG for some thematic elements”, which would include the vicious dogs and the scary henchman. Otherwise, this is a great movie for all ages, and especially for families with children. The Star will brighten your Christmas season!
