Cast
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Steven Yeun
as Bo (voice)
Gina Rodriguez
as Mary (voice)
Zachary Levi
as Joseph (voice)
Keegan-Michael Key
as Dave (voice)
Kelly Clarkson
as Leah (voice)
Anthony Anderson
as Zach (voice)
Kris Kristofferson
as Old Donkey (voice)
Ving Rhames
as Thaddeus (voice)
Gabriel Iglesias
as Rufus (voice)
Patricia Heaton
as Edith (voice)
Kristin Chenoweth
as Abby (voice)
Christopher Plummer
as King Herod (voice)
Aidy Bryant
as Ruth (voice)
Tyler Perry
as Cyrus (voice)
Tracy Morgan
as Felix (voice)
Crew
Director
- Timothy Reckart
Writer
- Tommy Sheridan
- Simon Moore
- Carlos Kotkin
Producer
- Jenni Magee-Cook
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Star represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Adventure/Animation/Family/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Timothy Reckart brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Star took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 198 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Star shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Chicken Run, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Star subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Open Season and The Thanksgiving Movie explore similar territory, The Star stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 15, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Budget: $10,000,000
Where to Watch
