A Fresh Spin on an Age-Old Story: The Unconventional Tale of "The Star"
Portraying the Nativity Tale through the Perspective of the Livestock
Ever wondered about the events preceding the most celebrated story in history? That curiosity was precisely the motivation behind the creation of "The Star," a family film produced by Affirm Films and Sony Pictures Animation. This captivating movie offers a fresh perspective on the traditional Nativity story by focusing on the animals involved in the first Christmas, providing a hilarious and heartwarming twist to the classic tale[1].
Director Timothy Reckart and executive producer DeVon Franklin aimed to bring the story to life in a way that appeals to both children and adults by highlighting themes such as teamwork, hope, and the power of making small but significant choices in life[2][4]. In this movie, we follow Bo, a humble donkey with dreams beyond his daily mill life, who becomes an integral part of the greatest story never told[2].
Timothy Reckart, who made his feature directing debut on "The Star," explains, "It's about how something that seems small can be bigger than it looks on the outside. Bo has been looking to do something important, and he starts seeking that in a self-aggrandizing way. Along the journey, by doing a small thing—helping these two people, which, for all he knows, are just some random couple—he winds up doing the most important thing he could ever achieve. Greatness comes in the most humble appearance, which is the message of the Christmas story itself"[2].
This unique film adaptation of the well-known Christmas story weaves together humor, friendship, and inspiration, making it a fantastic choice for family viewing during the holiday season[1][4]. From the lively animated comedy style to the star-studded voice cast including Steven Yeun, Keegan-Michael Key, Aidy Bryant, Tyler Perry, and Oprah Winfrey, "The Star" promises to captivate and engage audiences of all ages[2].
Sony Pictures Animation has made a name for itself in producing a wide range of animated and family-friendly entertainment, and "The Star" follows in the footsteps of its successful predecessors such as the "Hotel Transylvania" and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" franchises[3]. With another exciting project, "Hotel Transylvania 3" set for release in July 2018, and an animated "Spider-Man" feature hitting theatres in December 2018, Sony Pictures Animation continues to deliver innovative and engaging family-friendly content[3].
In a world where familiarity with the Nativity story is widespread, Sony Pictures Animation cleverly exploits the opportunity by taking the story out of its established context and exploring what might have been happening in the background or focusing on lesser-known characters[2]. This approach allows for the telling of new stories while still resonating with the familiar elements of the original tale.
References:[1] The Star (information and images retrieved from IMDB on 25/02/2023) [2] The Star: Sony Pictures Animation brings fresh perspective to Nativity story (2017, January 3). Retrieved from www.transworldnews.com [3] Sony Pictures Animation: Home (2023, March 1). Retrieved from http://www.sonypicturesanimation.com [4] The Star (2017). Retrieved from https://www.rescu.tv/movie-reviews/the-star/
- The release of "The Star" offers a refreshing take on the traditional Nativity story, focusing on the animals involved in the first Christmas.
- "The Star" is a collaborative effort between Affirm Films and Sony Pictures Animation, targeted at both children and adults.
- The film's director, Timothy Reckart, emphasizes the message of small actions leading to greatness in his feature directing debut.
- "The Star" promises to engage audiences with its lively animated comedy style and a star-studded voice cast.
- Sony Pictures Animation, known for its family-friendly entertainment, continues this tradition with "The Star," following the success of "Hotel Transylvania" and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" franchises.
- By taking the Nativity story out of its traditional context and focusing on lesser-known characters, "The Star" manages to tell new stories while still resonating with the familiar elements of the original tale.
- With productions like "The Star," Sony Pictures Animation aims to expand it's family-friendly content offerings, as indicated by upcoming projects like "Hotel Transylvania 3" and an animated "Spider-Man" feature.
- The exploration of themes such as teamwork, hope, and the power of making small but significant choices in life are central to the message of the film.
- In the context of popular culture, "The Star" is a welcome addition to the entertainment and learning categories, offering an educational spin on the well-known Christmas story.
- A curious and unconventional take on the Christmas story, "The Star" is set to captivate audiences during the holiday season, joining the ranks of other celebrity-endorsed family films.
- Beyond the realm of entertainment, the story and themes of "The Star" can be related to personal growth, goal-setting, and skills training, proving that it transcends its initial purpose as a family film.
