User Reviews

...where do I begin? Either a High School project or a 2nd year college exam. The language is awful, it's a mixture of old and new English, the filming is all modern motion, and the settings...oh myy, more like 19th century than first century. This movie could have been a great retelling but apparently it must have had a very very low budget. A waste for actress Yancy Butler, she must have donated her time. I hope someone else decides to remake it with better dialogue, acting, and sets, and most of all, heart.

I admitt, I like it. Yes, it is far to be a great movie and accuracy is not exactly its basic virtue. But it has the gift to propose a new perspective about a very familiar story. And it represents a puzzle of personal stories, touching and dramatic in some measure. And it does a reasonable job in this sense. In essence, no surprises because, from the first part, you know the tone and the vision and the idea of director about manner to tell the story. The big problem - the didacticism of the dialogue between Archangel Gabriel and Devil and the actor in the role of Archangel . But that are only details. The result - it represents more than a Christmas film but a nice portrait of vulnerability and reconciliation with yourself.

Seriously folks with respect to human idiosyncrasies some of the reviews must have been posted by the cast and crews family and friends. Perhaps, the same ones who donated the use of their living room for the filming of the going away party scene for the movies novice Maji. As commented on by another reviewer, the acting is unfortunate, and the story for want of a better term, is a thinly woven tale that borrows more from biblical language than from biblical facts. All of which, is made even sadder by the movie's insulting lack of concern for period accuracy. The costumes were not far above what one would expect from a high school drama project, and the set design was poor enough to be shameful. The afore mentioned party scene literally takes place in a suburban living room, replete with curtained and paned windows, a slipcovered sofa with end tables, and a dining room table and chairs straight out of a Sears catalogue. Either the film makers are ignorant or they believe that the rest of us are.

Whoever said this was biblically accurate has clearly not read the Bible.

Also, the acting was horrifically bad. By the time one of the "wise men" said, "It is what it is." I knew the movie was irredeemable.

We were hoping to love this based on the other reviews. Raised in church, went to seminary. Wanted to find a new Christmas favorite. Sadly, this is not it.

Absolutely, positively a total waste of time.

I cannot fathom in my wildest dreams why anyone would give this more than a couple of stars. The acting was horrible, the fictional story completely implausible, there was no passion, no inspiration, and no resolution to the drama invented for the story. You will not see the magi get anywhere near Christ. The films spends most most of its time telling the backstory for each of the three magi, all of them traumatic and completely without anything that would draw a viewer to them. Did I mention it is completely fictional? Oh, and don't miss the references to Herod's incest with his sister. Ugh. A really gross waste of time.

This came up as suggested for Christmas, and oh how I wish it hadn't. I have no idea what the point of this movie was. Each of the magi except for balshazar were made out to be irreverent and.regretful. Herod's portrayal was more appropriate for a psycho thriller. It felt as if at least 70% of the movie was flashbacks about each of the magi's individual and quite pathetic pasts. The acting wasn't worthy of B grade. Some characters had lovely accents, but most sounded like mechanics or truck drivers, completely off from the characters they portrayed. There were also quite a few pointless plot elements that were just stupid and inappropriate, and in some cases cruel and mean. It felt like the writers and directors of this film were disturbed or really wanted to put out a dark drama, but for some reason chose something sacred to defile instead. I am all for introducing humanity into modern day retellings of historic and biblical events (hello, The Chosen). But this was beyond awful. The never ending dark and sinister music, the teenage angst style behaviors of people who were supposed to be wise men... it was all just really bad. The cover image of this movie showing the beautiful star and 3 camels needs to be scrapped, because it reflects nothing of this movie's dark and sinister tone. That image is deceiving.

Excellent film, very well done from the cinematography to sound and acting. It tells a story that normally isn't told about the three Magi(wise men). The actors do a great job getting the story told.It keeps your attention focused on the screen not wanting miss a single scene.I highly recommend this film.

I was hoping for a different perspective... but I am always open to screenplays taking license with a very "open" subject. Almost nothing is known about the (3) wise men, other than they came from the "east", they brought gifts, and they left Judea without "touching base" with Herod. If you expect and find a screenplay that is "biblically accurate", you will end up with The Passion of the Christ; nothing else in western filmography is even close. It may be useful to reread your bible, folks. What you will find here is putting some background to (three) men's lives that in no way conflicts with what is known about them. I was especially drawn to the evil that enveloped Herod. He was a real piece of work, custom made for a place in hell.

As CHASING THE STAR follows the Three Magi (Wisemen) on their predestined quest, instead of the epic Biblical story we're familiar with, it provides wonderfully intimate portraits of humanity caught up in larger cosmic themes of power, pride, status and duty weighed against individual choice. Though the breathtaking scenery and some very nice effects capture an arduous journey, the focus is on small moments of personal struggle, often done in poignant flashback, as each of the very different trio comes to terms with the surrender of his own dreams (and demons) to embrace the sacrifice their faith demands. From main cast to brief cameos, the acting is top notch, earnest and emotional, with refreshing hints of humor. The decisions are heartrending and real. My personal favorites: The appearance of warrior angels (no wings or halos for these all business fellows!) and the slickly seductive tempter weaving in and out of the story offering dreams like forbidden fruit. My only peeve: The sound track, though appropriate, got a bit heavy at times. A thoroughly entertaining and enlightening film I would recommend to all viewers.

Unique telling of the Magi story, which has been overlooked both spiritually and cinematically. The movie takes us with The Three Wise Man as they reveal their own faith journey on their way to Bethlehem. Strong performances by Bello Pizzimenti and Taymour Ghazi. Rance Howard isn't on the screen long but like a true pro he doesn't have to be and he makes the most of it.

I enjoyed this film and the different perspectives on the Christmas story. It was well made and the story well told.

Chasing the Star. Once again DJ Perry has shown his mastery in getting inside of the minds of his characters, producing dialogue with a focus on Historical Biblical facts, and making the viewer become the fly on the wall. Chasing the Star is a refreshing approach using all 4 Gospels to tell the old-old story as if seen thru a microscope with greater detail. By injecting youth where tradition leads us to believe there were three old men, the author gives the younger viewer a believable and good role model in the character Gasper played by Bello Pissimenti. You will step inside the minds of the characters, and experience a personal relationship with flash backs from their past. You will feel the love and passion in the wisdom of a mother's advice. You will witness the power of prayer as one pursues their life's calling.

Sin can be presented in a move without using nudity or extreme violence to tell a story. The full evil of King Herod is felt and alive in each scene. Without using any special effects, just great acting, Taymour Ghazi and Rance Howard make Satan one scary fellow. Night time and dark scene dominate and masterfully impress on the viewer of how dark these times really were. The heavy percussive sound track is very special, emotional effective, and complements very well. The music becomes one with the emotions of the story. You will have to watch this film more than once to pick up on all the symbolism presented using, 3 dimensional shots, clever camera angles, and great directing by Bret Miller.

Chasing the Star is a solid performance delivered by all with every expertly written line of the screenplay by DJ Perry. Using his personal knowledge of scripture, and great use of dialogue, makes the language of the time understandable for today. Attention Sunday school teachers, this film is class-room ready. Family viewing at its best. Biblical accurate and spiritually inspiring. A must see for all young Christians.

Independent filmmaking at its finest. A story of the three Magi (Wisemen) and those in their orbits that is highly plausible as they follow the Star of Bethlehem in search of the Messiah's birth. Much to the displeasure of King Herod, his sister Salome, henchmen and, of course, the Dark Angel, the film takes you in from the beginning and doesn't let go. Beautifully shot and acted. A universal message delivered without being 'preachy' or brow-beating with 'religious' dogma. Highly recommended.

Very entertaining. Background on the Magi was enlightening as to who they were and who they became. Sound effects for an independent film were excellent. The use of Michigan actors was great. Arizona became the middle east and some scenes being shot in Michigan was an added bonus.

What a delight to see this film! Though not a big budget film, the production values punch above its weight when it comes to cinematography, story & sound, and superb acting. As I watched the film, I felt myself immersed by this ancient world, into the world of the Magi and their quest to find the new Jewish King.

The film stars notable Garry Nation as "Melchior," Randy Spence as "Balthazar," Bello Pizzimenti as "Gaspar," Taymour Ghazi as "the Devil," Yancy Butler as "Salome," and Shane Hagedorn as "Gabriel"--all very well acted and convincing.

The familiar story begins and focuses on the three Magi--the ancient priests (the Zorasters who believed in one god) from the eastern lands--what would likely be modern-day Iran or western Indian regions. Their discovery of the star begins their quest to find the Messiah--and to deal with their own inner turmoils and life-choices along the way. The film is a thinking film, and deserves much more recognition than it's received.

I highly recommend this film! It deserves to be seen as it is well done!

This is the first part of the Quest Trilogy. The other films in the series include "Forty Nights" and the forthcoming film, "The Christ-Slayer."

"Chasing the Stars" is now available to watch on Amazon Prime!