L'étoile de Noël

"The Star" is an animated story of the first Christmas, with cartoon animals as the main characters. I think it's a good production, and one that may help toddlers and tykes get some inkling of the Christian origin of Christmas. But for most over that age, it probably rings more like an "Ice Age" or "Madagascar" adventure for animals. The humans in this instance do have much bigger parts - especially Joseph and Mary, and a fictitious monster man. So, there always remains a thin thread that leads the animal adventures toward Bethlehem.

Except for the monster creature, the story is mostly accurate in following the Bible story of the birth of Jesus. And, the producers did a fairly good job in the art work of depicting the land and settings realistically. Unfortunately, they transposed 21st century social ways on an ancient setting. So, we have some wisecracks by Joseph at times. And, we see his temper and impatience at times. As for the animals - they have all the modern cultural behaviors and speech. It may be light-hearted fun and funny, but all of this detracts from any sense of awe, reverence or anything special taking place.

The animals talk about the star, but then the mayhem and pursuit of the story picks up again, and the real meaning of the story is subjugated by the comical and adventures of the animals. So, as a cartoon and animated picture, "The Star" is good and entertaining. But for getting the message across of the first Christmas, it misses mostly with the primary audience it might have reached.

I saw a preview of this on utube and immediately made sure my grand babies went to see it. I guess I'll use the same word as previous reviewer who thought it was INDOCTRINATION. Yep, I guess I've wanted my kids/gk to be indoctrinated to Christmas being about Jesus. It's hard "fitting it in" with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Was proud to be there with ALL 5 of them (ages 4-7) Animation was OK, not like Disney of course, but it kept the kids attention. It has some funny parts. It's all from the perspective of the animals, and it takes a while to get to where the star is leading. I hope the kids got it with the typical noise in a movie for children. But either way, I'm glad they can see a movie that tells the story of Jesus at Christmas time. Better than most of what is offered to them on TV and theatre these days!!

It is real special. for the inspired speech about Christian faith in the era of globalisation. for animation itself. for the perspective, not new but in wise manner used, of the Birth of Jesus in the eyes of animals. for songs. and for humor. it represents one of source of hope in the time of political corecteness. because it reminds small, essential values. because it gives a touching - precise message about the fundamental importance of faith. and, sure, for the admirable courage to be a confession because, in the age of relativisation, "The Star" becomes a honest remind of the basic Christian Truth.

'THE STAR': Two and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A computer-animated Christian family film, about the story of the Nativity of Jesus, told through the eyes of a donkey and other animals. It was directed by Timothy Reckart, and it was written by Carlos Kotkin and Simon Moore (based on an original idea by Tom Sheridan). The film features the voice talents of Steven Yeun, Keegan-Michael Key, Aidy Bryant, Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi, Tracy Morgan, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Christopher Plummer, Ving Rhames, Gabriel Iglesias, Anthony Anderson, Kelly Clarkson, Patricia Heaton, Kristin Chenoweth, Kris Kristofferson, Mariah Carrey and Delilah. It's received mixed to negative reviews from critics, and it's also a modest hit at the Box Office as well. I found it to be a little too kid friendly, in sometimes a pretty silly way, but religious families will probably enjoy it.

The story revolves around a donkey, named Bo (Yeun), who's tired of his life of slavery, milling wheat for his owner, and dreams of joining a traveling caravan. His father (Kristofferson) helps him escape, and he ends up at the home of Mary (Rodriguez), and Joseph (Levi), who let him stay at their home, despite him not wanting to stay there. Mary, being pregnant with Jesus, and Joseph, later leave their home for Bethlehem. Bo, and his dove friend Dave (Key), try to escape, but they end up on an adventure, with other animals, to protect Mary and Joseph instead. The birth of Jesus, and the first Christmas, becomes the result of their efforts of course.

I saw the film with my parents, who are Catholic, and they both liked it. I can see why other Christians, especially those with kids, would enjoy it too. For me the storytelling, and filmmaking, are a bit too basic and routine though. There's also an excessive amount of silly kids humor in it (but kids should like it at least), and I didn't really care for the animation either. I did like that it's all told from animals' points of view though, and there's even some animal rights/vegan messages in there (that I really appreciated). I think the film accomplishes what it set out to do, and it should please it's target audience at least.

This was quite an entertaining take on the birth of Jesus as experienced by various animals done on computer animation to both humorous and dramatic effect. The traditional holiday songs are well done in scoring some of the picture. Of the celebrity voices, I noticed Tracy Morgan's from the first time I heard him, while my movie theatre-working friend also noticed Oprah Winfrey's. In summary, The Star is worthy of the tale it tells on film.