NEW YORK– Thanksgiving may still be two weeks away, but if you’re already in Christmas mode, there’s a new short film you might want to add to your holiday movie rotation.

It’s called “An Almost Christmas Story” – and no, it has nothing to do with that other movie you’re thinking of.

Instead, it seeks to capture the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of an owl – who found himself stuck inside the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

John C. Reilly is one of the stars of the film and spoke about what makes the film so special.

“Well, first of all, the true story of this little owl getting stuck in the real Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and then finding him with a broken wing, that’s a great Christmas story right there.” , he declared. “I think there’s room, not only for different Christmas stories, but I think there’s room for new Christmas songs, and we have two incredible new songs that were written for the movie.”

Reilly returns to his musical roots in his role as a folk singer in the new short film. “I love it,” he said. “I love singing.”

His film career spanned several decades, beginning in 1989 with a role in a Brian De Palma film called “Casualties of War”, which starred Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn in the lead roles.

“Casualties Of War was my first film,” he said. “It was my first time on a plane, my first time in front of a camera. Yes, a lot of firsts. I met my wife in this film, and a few near-death experiences also come to mind immediately .As Michael J. Fox said: Never drive in a country that believes in reincarnation.

The following year, Reilly had a role in the sports action drama “Days of Thunder.”

“Yes, it was with Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall, Tony Scott. It was my first of two NASCAR films,” he recalls. “I did later, I did ‘Talladega Nights.’ I don’t think there are many people who have been in two NASCAR movies.”

With an illustrious career in films like “Step Brothers,” “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Gangs of New York,” it’s hard to imagine Reilly doing anything off-screen. But Reilly shared his thoughts on what he would have been like if he hadn’t been an actor.

“Well, the jobs I considered before I decided to become an actor were priest, lawyer. I’m glad I didn’t do either,” he said. “But you know, the truth is that I realized at some point that I just shouldn’t choose a profession and be an actor, because then I can do all the professions. Finally, I do the fun part of it during three months, and then, as soon as it gets boring, you know, move on to another job.

Reilly shared more about what he hopes audiences take away from “An Almost Christmas Story.”

“I hope people take away that in dark times or when you’re worried about your future or the future of the world, the best place to start is around you, and that’s our families, and that’s our communities.” he said. “And the film has a lot to say about helping the most vulnerable people and creatures that we see around us every day, and I hope people understand that message.”

“An Almost Christmas Story” releases on Disney+ Friday.

Disney is the parent company of Disney+ and this station.