There's a film that came out in 2017 that should cause a little divine eyebrow raising. "The Star," an animated film featuring the vocal talents of the likes of Steven Yeun, Keegan-Michael Key, and Oprah Winfrey, dared to tread on sacred ground—the Nativity Story itself. Unlike the predictable liberal Hollywood blockbusters, this film reinvents the birth of Jesus through the eyes of a donkey named Bo and his animal buddies, intending to offer a whimsical retelling of that holy night in Bethlehem. Sounds charming, right? But in an era of skepticism and secularism, it's hard not to wonder if the producers really understood the story's profound significance.
First things first, "The Star" was released in November 2017, just in time to be a stocking stuffer of entertainment for families looking forward to celebrating the most significant event in Christian history. The heart of this film is the journey of Bo, the donkey, who wishes for a life bigger than carrying loads. His journey intersects with Mary and Joseph, on their way to Bethlehem. This animation bids to retell the greatest story ever told, targeting families with a comedy-infused cast fit for mainstream appeal. But let's break it down to see if the movie's halo is rightly placed.
As expected with silver-screen adaptations involving religious narratives, this attempt stumbled in injecting irreverent humor and lightheartedness that could easily be seen as diminishing the seriousness of the story. Think of 86 minutes of mixed messages, where angels are suddenly more like clowns and the profound magic of the Nativity evaporates into cartoon capers. It's puzzling that a story so rich in meaning could be taken to the dance floor for comedic kicks. Let's not overlook the potential here—this film could have been a generational bridge, reviving children's interest in a momentous historical and religious event.
But Hollywood seeming to tiptoe around real faith, often opts for a ‘fun’ version that toes the line of religious entertainment. "The Star" shifts the focus from divine intervention and miraculous birth to goofy animal antics with a loose religious background. In trying to be entertaining, the film risks missing the gravitas of what inspired billions across millennia.
Another point to ponder is the vocal roster. While talented and diverse, the casting feels like an intentional move to appeal broadly rather than adding authenticity to the characters they portray. Sure, kids may giggle at Oprah's voice as a camel, but does that cheapen the profound simplicity of the story? Celebrity overdoses have become a thing in contemporary animated features. Why not lean into voices that are more connected to the traditions and cultures of the narrative? Maybe this gives a nod to what some describe as the watering down of religious narratives to fit broader, multicultural platforms.
Juvenile humor aside, the visuals themselves aren't particularly groundbreaking. They fit into the era's CGI style well enough, but lack depth, color, or lasting impression suitable for a story so deeply spiritual. In attempting to appeal to short attention spans, the film hazards leaching out the organic power of the original message. It’s a curious decision when colors and icons of the Nativity could have been used to evoke awe or closeness to the divine mysteries encased in this ancient story.
The major issue, one could say, lies with the way angles around beliefs are designed to be palatable rather than faithful. Targeted as a child's first introduction to the story of Jesus' birth, it ends up feeling everything but sacred. It's like learning about George Washington through jokes about him chopping down cherry trees—doesn't quite capture the essence, does it?
The movie does have its merits, though, and it's fair to acknowledge there are exceptional moments. Points for trying to capture the joys and travails of journeys, and to some extent, the worthy adventures of lowly animals. But is this enough to carry the weight of a narrative that forms a foundational pillar for Christians and the exemplary teachings that can spring from familiarity with this event?
Ultimately, "The Star" was on the brink of celestial potential. A light cartoony approach on children's stories—particularly ones with moral undertones—holds value. However, remember, some stories don't need whimsical reboots, but rather, a respectful portrayal, especially when about the birth of Jesus. Stories like these deserve splits of entertainment and educational value. It could be a stepping stone to ignite wonder in young hearts or act as yet another example of missed opportunity in films that could stand for more than mere amusement.