Have you ever thought about how a tiny bit of courage can change everything, especially around the holidays? It's really something to think about, isn't it? Well, back in 2017, a special animated film came out that showed just that. This movie, called "The Star," gave us a fresh look at a very old, very important story, but through the eyes of some rather charming animals. It was a film that, you know, tried to mix some deep spiritual ideas with a bit of silliness, making it a unique watch for families.

The film, "The Star" from 2017, brings to life a story many people know, but with a twist. It focuses on a small but incredibly brave donkey, who, as a matter of fact, really wants more from his life than just going around and around at the village mill. This simple desire sets him off on an unexpected journey, and that's where the real fun begins, you see. It's a tale about finding your place, and maybe, just maybe, being part of something much bigger than you could ever imagine.

So, what makes "The Star 2017" worth talking about even now? It's the way it tells a familiar tale with a new, heartfelt perspective, and, you know, some really memorable characters. It was released on November 17, 2017, just in time for the holiday season, by Columbia Pictures through Sony Pictures Releasing. This animated feature was, in some respects, a gentle reminder of courage and friendship, all wrapped up in a package that families could enjoy together.

Table of Contents

• The Star 2017: What It's All About
• The Animals Who Made the Story
  • Bo the Donkey: A Hero with a Heart
  • Ruth the Sheep and Dave the Dove: Loyal Companions
• The Making of The Star 2017
  • Who Brought It to Life: The Creators and Voices
  • A Christmas Movie with a Difference?
• Why The Star 2017 Still Shines
• Frequently Asked Questions about The Star 2017

The Star 2017: What It's All About

At its heart, "The Star 2017" is an animated biblical comedy film. It's produced by the Jim Henson Company, which is, you know, known for some really great stuff, and Sony Pictures Animation. The film starts off in Nazareth, setting the scene for a journey that's pretty important in a lot of ways. It takes a well-known narrative and, you know, puts a charming animal spin on it, making it quite accessible for a wide range of viewers.

The main idea of the film, as a matter of fact, centers on a small but very brave donkey named Bo. Bo, like many of us sometimes, yearns for a life beyond his daily grind. His job at the village mill, you see, is pretty repetitive, and he dreams of something more, something exciting. This longing for a different path is what kicks off his big adventure, and it's something many people can relate to, actually.

So, one day, Bo finds the courage he needs to break free from his usual routine. This act of bravery, you know, sets him on a path where he teams up with some truly memorable animal friends. Together, these companions become, in a way, the unsung heroes of what the film calls "the greatest story ever told." It's a clever approach to a narrative that's been shared for generations, giving it a fresh and lively feel.

The plot summary for "The Star 2017" really shows how these turning points and emotional moments unfold. It lets you uncover what truly happened and why it matters, which is pretty neat. From the moment Bo decides to step out, the film, you know, builds a narrative that's both heartwarming and, in some respects, quite funny. It's about how even the smallest creatures can play a big part in history.

The Animals Who Made the Story

The true charm of "The Star 2017" really comes from its cast of animal characters. These aren't just any animals; they are, in a way, full of personality and, you know, each brings something special to the journey. Their interactions and friendships are what give the film its warmth and humor, making it a very watchable experience for families.

Bo the Donkey: A Hero with a Heart

Bo, the small but brave donkey, is, you know, the central figure of this whole tale. His yearning for a life beyond the village mill is something many people can understand, a desire for something more fulfilling. He's not just a character; he represents that little spark of courage we all have, just waiting to be lit. His journey is, in some respects, about finding his purpose.

His decision to break free is, actually, the first big step in his adventure. It shows a real spirit of determination. This brave donkey, you see, isn't content with just the daily grind; he wants to explore, to experience something new. It's a simple, honest wish that sets him on a path to becoming a part of something truly monumental, which is pretty cool.

Ruth the Sheep and Dave the Dove: Loyal Companions

Bo doesn't go on his big journey alone, which is, you know, pretty important for any adventure. He teams up with Ruth, who is a very loveable sheep, and Dave, a dove who is, in a way, quite hilarious and has some rather lofty aspirations. These two companions add so much to the story, bringing both warmth and a good bit of laughter to the proceedings.

Ruth, the sheep, provides a gentle, kind presence, a real friend to Bo. Dave, the dove, on the other hand, brings a lot of comedic relief with his big dreams and, you know, his sometimes-over-the-top personality. Together, they form a rather unlikely but very effective team, showing that friendship can come in all shapes and sizes. Their loyalty to Bo, and to each other, is a big part of what makes the film so endearing, actually.

The Making of The Star 2017

"The Star 2017" didn't just appear out of nowhere; it had a whole team of talented people bringing it to life. Understanding who was behind the scenes, you know, really helps appreciate the effort that went into creating this animated film. It's a process that involves a lot of creativity and, in some respects, a lot of hard work to get it just right.

Who Brought It to Life: The Creators and Voices

The film was directed by Timothy Reckart, who, you know, really guided the vision for the movie. The story itself came from an original pitch by Tom Sheridan, which is pretty neat, and it was written by Carlos Kotkin. Kotkin also shared story credit with Simon Moore, so, you know, it was a collaborative effort to shape the narrative.

Sony Pictures Releasing took on the role of distributing the film, making sure it reached audiences. The animation itself was a product of Sony Pictures Animation and the Jim Henson Company, which, as a matter of fact, are both well-known names in the world of animated entertainment. This combination of studios, you see, brought a certain level of quality to the visual style and character movements.

The voices behind the characters also played a huge part in making them memorable. The film stars the voices of Steven Yeun, who voiced Bo, and Gina Rodriguez, among others. These actors, you know, really gave life to their animal counterparts, adding depth and personality that helped viewers connect with the story. It's amazing what a good voice performance can do for an animated character, actually.

A Christmas Movie with a Difference?

When "The Star 2017" came out, it was released on November 17, 2017, which, you know, places it squarely in the holiday movie season. It aimed to be a Christmas movie, but it took a slightly different approach. The film, in a way, mixes the spiritual aspects of the story with some rather silly moments, trying to appeal to a broad audience.

However, some opinions suggested that while it did a good job of blending these elements, it "falls short of being a classic Christmas movie." This doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable, but perhaps it didn't quite capture that timeless, universally beloved feeling that some other holiday films achieve. It's a matter of taste, you know, and what people look for in a holiday film. Still, it offers a unique perspective on the season's message, which is pretty interesting.

Why The Star 2017 Still Shines

Even years after its initial release, "The Star 2017" continues to be a film that families might choose to watch, especially around the holidays. Its simple message of courage, friendship, and the importance of even the smallest individual, you know, really resonates with people. It's a story that, in some respects, reminds us that big things can come from humble beginnings, which is a lovely thought.

The film's focus on the animal characters provides a fresh and approachable way to engage with a very significant narrative. It allows younger viewers to connect with the story through characters they can relate to, like a brave donkey or a funny dove. This human-centric (or rather, animal-centric) approach, you see, makes the story feel more personal and, in a way, more immediate.

For those looking for a family-friendly animated movie with a heartwarming message, "The Star 2017" still holds its own. It might not be considered a "classic" by some, but it certainly offers a gentle, engaging, and, you know, rather unique take on a timeless tale. It's a good choice for a quiet evening at home, perhaps with some hot cocoa, as a matter of fact. You can discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for "The Star (2017)" on Rotten Tomatoes, to stay updated with critic and audience scores today.

This movie, with its brave little donkey and his loyal friends, really does, in a way, become a story about hope and determination. It shows that even a small creature with a big heart can be part of something truly extraordinary. Learn more about family-friendly animated films on our site, and link to this page for more animated movie reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Star 2017

People often have questions about films like "The Star 2017," especially when they are looking for something to watch with their families. Here are a few common inquiries that, you know, might come up.

Is "The Star 2017" suitable for young children?
Yes, it's generally considered suitable for young children. The film has a gentle tone, and while it deals with a biblical story, it presents it in a very approachable and, you know, family-friendly animated way. There are no scary parts that would be too much for little ones, actually.

What is the main message of "The Star 2017"?
The main message of "The Star 2017" is about courage, friendship, and how even the smallest and seemingly insignificant individuals can play a vital role in something much bigger. It's about finding your purpose and, you know, following your heart, which is a pretty universal idea.

Who are the main animal characters in "The Star 2017"?
The main animal characters are Bo, the brave donkey who wants more than his mill life; Ruth, a loveable sheep who becomes his friend; and Dave, a hilarious dove with, you know, some rather lofty aspirations. These three are the central animal companions on the journey, as a matter of fact.