Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet Nativity story told from animals' perspective.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Star
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 67 parent reviews
Parents say the film offers a charming and humorous retelling of the Nativity story, with positive messages about bravery and friendship that resonate well with children. While some reviews highlight an engaging story and lovable characters, concerns are raised regarding the film's portrayals of violence and fear, prompting mixed feelings about its suitability for very young audiences.
- faith-based themes
- engaging characters
- mixed violence portrayal
- suitable for families
- charming humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say this is a fantastic Christmas movie that tells the story of Jesus' birth from the perspective of animals, making it enjoyable for the whole family. While it includes some mild peril, it is filled with humor and positive messages, making it a great choice for families, particularly those who are religious.
- fun for families
- humor and positive messages
- mild peril included
- true to the story
- great for all ages
- must-see for children
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Inspired by the Nativity story, THE STAR follows Bo the donkey (voiced by Steven Yeun), who dreams of escaping his dull duties working for the village miller and finding glory and adventure in the outside world. One day he manages to escape and eventually teams up with Ruth (Aidy Bryant), a sheep who's lost her flock, and Dave (Keegan-Michael Key), a wisecracking dove. The trio begins an action-packed journey to follow a star that's leading them toward young, pregnant Mary (Gina Rodriguez) and her husband, Joseph (Zachary Levi), who've been forced by royal decree to travel to Bethlehem. Meanwhile, King Herod's (Christopher Plummer) minions, armed with a few scary attack animals, are on the lookout for pregnant women like Mary—but Bo and his friends are ready to protect their human friends.
Is It Any Good?
With a great voice cast and cute character animation, this religious tale is just funny and entertaining enough to amuse most families who celebrate Christmas, not just devout church-goers. The Star manages to finely balance the biblical aspects of the Nativity story with the sillier elements associated with animated talking-animal movies. Yeun (The Walking Dead) plays Bo with an earnest hopefulness, which is balanced well by Dave, the knowing, joke-cracking dove voiced by comedian Key. Kids will likely connect with the animals more than they do the biblical adults, who are well acted but far more serious, considering everything that a heavily pregnant Mary and Joseph are going through to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Though the movie's subject matter is clearly religious, it isn't overtly preachy. Still, it's definitely aimed at families that already celebrate Christmas. But it's light enough to amuse kids, and parents will get a kick out of the cast, which also includes turns by Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, Anthony Anderson, Tracy Morgan, and more. The catchy soundtrack includes a variety of secular, gospel, and Christian superstars—including Mariah Carey (who sings the theme song), Kirk Franklin, Casting Crowns, and Pentatonix—singing a mix of classic and contemporary Christmas songs like "We Three Kings" and "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)." Bottom line? The Star will definitely appeal to Christian families with young kids as a holiday season pick.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages of family, faith, and friendship in The Star. What does Bo learn on his journey that leads him to Mary and Joseph? How does he change over the course of the movie?
How do some of the characters exemplify integrity and compassion? Why are those important character strengths?
Who's the target audience for this movie? Do you need to be Christian to appreciate its story and themes/messages?
Why do you think movies about talking animals are so fascinating and funny to kids?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 17, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : February 6, 2018
- Cast : Steven Yeun , Gina Rodriguez , Keegan-Michael Key
- Director : Timothy Reckart
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Columbia Pictures , Sony Pictures Releasing
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Dogs , Farm Animals , Wild Animals ) , Faith ( Christianity ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Christmas )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic elements
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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