The Star
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 6+. A Catholic review of this movie for parents.
Our review
This cartoon tells the Christmas story through a little donkey named Bo. Bo and his animal friends help protect Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem. Mary is kind and trusts God, and the birth of Jesus is treated with respect. There are some chase scenes and a few potty jokes. It is fine for all ages. The Star is clean, kind and respectful, and the Church's reviewers cleared it for everyone. It is also thin. The Annunciation is hurried, Joseph is a bit of a clown, and the animals get most of the story. Enjoy it, then read Luke 1 and 2 aloud so the real thing lands.
For parents
All ages per the Catholic classification; Common Sense Media says six and up for the soldier and his dogs. After the film, read Luke 1:26 to 38 and ask what the angel calls Mary that the movie skipped. 'Full of grace' is why we believe she was kept from all sin (CCC 490 to 494). Tell your kids who St. Joseph really is: a just man, strong and silent, guardian of Jesus (Mt 1:19 to 24, CCC 532). The Magi likely came later than the shepherds (Mt 2:11).