David (2025)    Angel/Drama-Musical    RT: 115 minutes    Rated PG (action/violence, some scary images)    Director: Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham    Screenplay: Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham    Music: Joseph Trapanese    Release date: December 19, 2025 (US)    Cast: Phil Wickham, Brandon Engman, Miri Mesika, Sloan Muldown, Ashley Boettcher, Mark Jacobson, Adam Michael Gold, Asim Chaudhry, Mick Wingert, Mark Whitten, Will de Renzy-Martin, Lauren Daigle, Kamran Nikhad, Brian Stivale.

Rating: *** ½

 I don’t know if this is the big question on everybody’s mind at the moment, but I’ll ask it anyway. Does David stand a chance at the box office against Disney’s Zootopia 2 (currently closing in on the $300M mark)? Realistically, no. While I definitely think there’s an audience for a Biblical animated musical, I don’t think Angel can bring down the studio equivalent of Goliath. Not that it doesn’t deserve to. Their first full-length animated feature is actually very good. I’m surprised too.

 David is a co-production of Sunrise Animation Studios, the South Africa-based studio that specializes in family-friendly entertainment. It’s been a dream project for studio co-founder Phil Cunningham since he was a boy growing up in Zimbabwe. He finally got to realize it after more than 30 years. He serves as writer-director along with creative partner Brent Dawes. They previously worked on a series of animated shorts called Jungle Beat (2004-15). Apparently, it has a huge YouTube presence. Me, I’ve never heard of it until now. I guess I’m not part of their target demographic.

 Adapted from the Book of Samuel in the Old Testament, David tells the story of the shepherd boy who would someday become the King of Israel. This is foretold by the prophet Samuel (Stivale) who anoints him in the presence of his family. David (Engman as a boy/Wickham as an adult), a brave lad we first meet protecting his flock from a lion attack. He doesn’t want to be king, but it’s the will of God.

 David is taken before King Saul (Gold) to play the lyre for him. Saul is not in a good place right now. He knows that God no longer wants him to be king. His spirits lighten when David plays his music. What really catches everybody’s attention is when the boy volunteers to fight the giant Goliath (Nikhad), the champion of the Philistines who are currently waging war on the Israelites. Everybody laughs at the ideas, but David is firm in his belief that God will protect him. Sure enough, the boy brings down the giant with a single stone.

 The movie continues the story with David, now an adult and trusted ally, having to go on the run after Saul tries to kill him. The king figures out that his musician is to be his replacement on the throne. When he fails to kill him, he claims David made an attempt on his life. The boy flees with Saul and his men in hot pursuit.

 I grew up going to Sunday school. I remember bits and pieces of the story of David. I also saw the 1985 flop King David starring Richard Gere in the title role. That one will always live in infamy for the scene where David boogies into Jerusalem. Thankfully, David doesn’t get ridiculous like that. It takes itself a little more seriously. It’s not somber however. It has flashes of humor and a few animals, but none of the humor is rude and the animals don’t speak. It’s child-friendly as opposed to childish. A family can go to see it straight from church and not feel guilty.

 Computer-animation has become old hat. Everybody uses it now. It’s animation on autopilot. I can’t say that about David. The animation is absolutely gorgeous. It’s colorful, bright, vibrant and rich in detail. I’d even say it’s realistic. These aren’t just animated characters on a screen; they come to brilliant life. Some of the shots, like David’s reflection in Goliath’s sword, are incredible. The artists at Sunrise did a masterful job with David. I would absolutely welcome another animated Biblical epic from these guys.

 Unlike most (or all) modern animated films, the voice cast isn’t comprised of known actors with instantly recognizable voices. So you won’t be hearing Jason Bateman or Awkwafina in it. The makers definitely made the right move here as it would be too distracting for the viewer. Moreover, it would diminish the power of the story and its message about faith and trusting in God. That’s not to say that David is a total sermon. It’s not. Besides, considering the audience that will likely turn out, it’s preaching to the choir.

 I am shocked at how much I enjoyed David. It’s beautiful to look at and it’s quite moving at times. It has a hero you can root for and likable side characters like his spunky little sister and a wise but slightly overbearing mother. The battle scenes are exciting and well done. It’s a great movie for the whole family.