The Star (2017) | Rotten Tomatoes

The Star

PG

Released Nov 17, 2017

1h 26m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Comedy

Adventure

Animation

TRAILER

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The Star: Trailer 1

2:00

The Star: International Teaser Trailer

1:01

The Star: Teaser Trailer 1

1:50

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44%

Tomatometer

52 Reviews

70%

Audience Score

2,500+ Ratings

A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day, he finds the courage to break free, embarking on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove who has lofty aspirations. Along with three camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told -- the first Christmas.

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Critics Consensus

The Star may not leave audiences singing "Hallelujah," but its offbeat yet sincere approach to the nativity story makes for acceptably diverting holiday viewing.

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

The film believes its myths and propagates them through some of the cheesiest God pop you could ever dread to hear.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 1, 2017

Full Review

Jake Wilson

The Age (Australia)

This thin storyline is padded out with subplots that showcase a bizarrely star-studded voice cast.

Rated: 1.5/5

Dec 1, 2017

Full Review

Ed Potton

Times (UK)

Why has nobody thought of this before - the Nativity retold for kids via knockabout animal animation and gloopy pop ballads? Oh yes, because it's an absolutely dreadful idea.

Rated: 1/5

Nov 29, 2017

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Neither the humor nor the animation ever rises above humdrum.

Rated: 2/4

Sep 1, 2021

Full Review

Hosea Rupprecht

Pauline Center for Media Studies

The Star is a wonderful retelling of the Christmas story but with a fun twist: the animals who inhabit the story drive the action.

Aug 24, 2021

Full Review

Jason Escamilla

EskimoTV

Not a lot of enjoyable moments for adults to engage with but families may enjoy watching, as it is a kid-friendly telling of the birth of Jesus.

Rated: C-

May 8, 2019

Full Review

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Patty M

The Star sparks conversations on faith that can nurture a child’s understanding of Christmas beyond the usual festivities. This animated tale, by weaving threads of integrity and compassion into its narrative, reinforces the Christian values that underpin the holiday season, making it a meaningful watch for families seeking entertainment with a soulful core.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/01/24

Full Review

kevin f

A must see with the whole family!! A reminder we all need what Christmas is all about!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/28/23

Full Review

Nate E

This is been a family favourite every year since it came out! My daughter watches it on loop. No idea why these "critics" didn't give it a good review. This movie is amazing!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/11/23

Full Review

Larry H

Movie critics wouldn't know a good movie if it sat on thier faces. This movie is great!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/11/23

Full Review

Gregory M

Great show. Kids watching it over and over. We are not a religious family but sill love it. Camels rock!! Well done

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/10/23

Full Review

Koi P

Entertaining, creative, fun while still keeping the Christmas spirit at heart. The bad guy is a little scary for small children but a wonderful family Christmas movie. Lots of laughs and warm feelings. The animation expressions of Mary and Joseph are phenominal. Mary and Joseph are relatable and likeable. Fun but also maintains reverence and awe for the Newborn King.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/24

Full Review

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Timothy Reckart

Director

Steven Yeun

Bo

Keegan-Michael Key

Dave

Aidy Bryant

Ruth

Gina Rodriguez

Mary

Zachary Levi

Joseph

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The Star: Official Clip - Good Tidings of Great Joy

1:20

The Star: Official Clip - This Bird Can Dance!

3:04

The Star: Official Clip - When Animals Attack

3:49

The Star: Official Clip - The Nativity

4:46

The Star: Official Clip - Marketplace Disaster

2:44

The Star: Official Clip - Prayers from Donkeys

3:13

The Star: Official Clip - Animal Impersonations

1:58

The Star: Official Clip - Bo's Big Escape

2:07

The Star: Official Clip - The King of the Shoes

2:55

The Star: Official Clip - The Angel Appears Before Mary

1:42

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The Star: Trailer 1

2:00

The Star: International Teaser Trailer

1:01

The Star: Teaser Trailer 1

1:50

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day, he finds the courage to break free, embarking on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove who has lofty aspirations. Along with three camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told -- the first Christmas.

Director: Timothy Reckart
Producer: Jenni Magee-Cook
Screenwriter: Carlos Kotkin
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Affirm Films, Franklin Entertainment, Columbia Pictures, The Jim Henson Company, Sony Pictures Animation, Walden Media
Rating: PG (Some Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 6, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $40.4M
Runtime: 1h 26m
Sound Mix: DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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