When I asked The Star movie director Timothy Reckart how he planned to stay faithful to the biblical account of Christmas while still making a funny movie the kids would love, he gave me this answer:
It’s a tough balance to strike, but we are greatly helped by telling the Nativity story from the point of view of the animals. I love this concept, because the animals have always been there. They’re already part of everyone’s Nativity set. But we’ve never asked “What was their side of the story?” If you think about the Nativity story as it’s presented in the Bible, The Star is about what was happening “off stage.” And that means that we have room for a lot of creative freedom and fun. The Bible doesn’t tell us what the camels were thinking when King Herod spoke to the Wise Men! And at the same time, we can always be faithful to the parts of the story given to us in the Gospels.
As a Christian, I can say that both Reckart’s answer and the result he delivered are on point. As a parent, I can say that this is a movie that your kids will love and that you as parents will enjoy as well. My husband and I watched it with our 11-year-old and seven-year-old and all four of us were giggling like crazy. And then, when it was over we were able to have a fabulous and meaningful conversation about how truly special the birth of Jesus was, why we celebrate Christmas, and what Christ’s birth still means to us even though it took place over 2000 years ago.
Bottom line: even if you didn’t take your kids to see this movie in theaters, I highly recommend that you purchase The Star movie DVD or Blu-Ray (hey, maybe put it in that Easter basket!) Despite the fact that Christmas is over, my 7-year-old wanted to watch it as soon as it arrived last week because it’s just that good! I know we’re going to want to watch it every year leading up to the holidays, but I also love that we can watch it ANYTIME and enjoy a movie that actually tells the story of what Christmas is all about (!!!) in a way that the entire family can enjoy, and on a quality level that is superb. Because, parents?? Christ’s birth is and should be an “anytime” and “all the time” story in our homes!
I’m including the trailer below so you can get a sneak peek if you haven’t already seen it. ENJOY, and I hope you come back and tell me what you think of it!
