Reel Jolly series: “The Star” (2017) and “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994 remake)

For this holiday review, I took a look at the 2017 animated movie “The Star” (part of the Dietrich Theater’s 12 Movies of Christmas) and the 1994 remake of the holiday classic “Miracle of 34th Street.”

In “The Star,” a small, but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day, he finds the courage to break free, embarking on the adventure of his dreams.

On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove who has lofty aspirations. Along with three camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told - the first Christmas.

The 2017 animated movie “The Star” is the perfect movie that the whole family can check out during the holiday season. Now, while there’s some slapstick humor here and there, this kid-friendly retelling of the Nativity story is really entertaining and is something the whole family will enjoy!

“The Star” is an approachable way to introduce young children to the Christmas story, especially with its positive messages about bravery and forgiveness. This retelling of this infamous story told through the eyes of the animals is actually kind of unique and it helps give the Biblical story a fresh, yet respectful look.

A lot of the comic relief featured in “The Star” primarily comes from the interactions among the animal characters. One scene that will really have the younger ones laughing is where Bo and the other animals were trying to warn Mary and Joseph about danger by using elaborate charades and animal impersonations - which they hilariously misunderstand as requests for a belly rub or a game.

The three wise-cracking camels (Tracy Morgan; Tyler Perry; Oprah Winfrey) also helps provide a lot of the comic relief with their sassy banter, as well as Dave the Dove (Keegan-Michael Key) who has an over the top personality and the belief he can handle everything, only to quickly retreat. The final moments of “The Star” are really heartwarming as all the animal friends, along with the shepherds and the wise men, arrive at the stable to witness the birth of baby Jesus.

The movie provides an imaginative, animal-focused retelling of the Nativity story, which parents often praise as an educational and positive holiday option for young children.

MPA: Rated PG for some thematic elements   (runtime 86 minutes)  (Netflix)

Make sure to check the Dietrich Theater website for show dates and times for “The Star” during the 12 Movies of Christmas!

In the 1994 remake of “Miracle on 34th Street,” six year old Susan Walker is skeptical of

the Christmas myth surrounding Santa Claus, a trait she perhaps learned from her mother, Dorey. When tasked with hiring a new Santa who will pose with kids at the store, Dorey enlists a man with the curious name of Kris Kringle, who claims to be Santa himself.

His assertions are met with scoffs and threats of institutionalization, but a young lawyer, along with Susan and Dorey, comes to his defense.

When the remake was initially released, critics and audiences gave it a mixed response. While some have enjoyed this remake, many found it less charming and magical than the original. With this being a first time watch for myself, I thought it is an OK watch for the whole family (and, yes I like the original better).

Now, while I do prefer the 1947 original (which I reviewed for the Examiner last Christmas), the remake did an all right job modernizing a classic story for a new generation. Just like the original, this version also delivers a strong message about faith, hope, charity and the importance of believing in things you can’t prove.

The remake also has some heartwarming, memorable moments scattered throughout, especially with scenes that feature Santa (played brilliantly by the endearing Richard Attenborough). There’s a very touching moment where we see Santa communicate with a young deaf orphan girl using ASL, which helps Susan begin to believe Santa’s authenticity. Another touching moment is during the hearing where there’s a montage showing New Yorkers putting up signs and flashing “I Believe” buttons demonstrating a city-wide return to the Christmas spirit.

“Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) is a generally well-regarded remake that updates the original story for a new audience. While it’s considered a solid holiday movie, some critics and audiences also feel it as a “pale copy” of the 1947 classic.

MPA: Rated PG for some mild language   (runtime 114 minutes)  (Hulu/Disney Plus)

• The Star (2017) is produced by Affirm Films, a company under Sony that produces and distributes mainly conservative Christian films.

• The markings on Bo's back make a cross.

• Christopher Plummer plays King Herod the Great. In Jesus of Nazareth (1977), Plummer played Herod the Great's son, Herod Antipas, on the council that sentenced Jesus to death in the Easter story.

• Although the film was not a huge box-office hit, it broke even. Sony Pictures was pleased as they realized the film would always have a limited theatrical worldwide market because it was pitched at children from Christian families and with a Christmas theme based on a story in the New Testament. Hence, they deliberately kept the budget low. However, they also hoped that if it were critically well-received (which it mainly was), then financially, it would do well in future television sales as with annual showings on television networks almost guaranteed for years to come.

• Macy's declined the offer for its name to be used in this movie, on account that it felt that "the original stands on its own and could not be improved upon". The department store was then renamed to Cole's.

• Alvin Greenman (The Doorman) played Alfred in Miracle on 34th Street (1947).

• The director of photography decided to put a light above each of the actor's and actress's heads during all of the shots to give a distinct glow behind them as this was popular in the 1940s. This helped give a warm feel to the remake of a classic movie. But more importantly it was combined with deliberately anachronistic costumes and camera angles, which paid homage to the 1940's version.

• Bryan Bedford (Dylan McDermott) is the only main character whose name differs completely from that of the original 1947 film (Fred Gailey, played by John Payne). His new name is taken from Bedford Falls, which is the name of the town where It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is set. Mrs. Walker's first name was slightly altered from Doris to Dorey.

• Sami the deaf girl (Samantha Krieger) was actually deaf (one of three deaf siblings from deaf parents). Richard Attenborough asked for her not to be rehearsed for the scene, so the surprise on her face when he signed to her was genuine.