Prancer: A Christmas Tale

IN A NUTSHELL: Ten-year-old Gloria and her recently widowed grandfather, Bud, befriend a mysterious reindeer when the family gathers for Christmas. Bud comes to believe that Prancer may actually be magical, but Gloria fears his theory will send him straight to a retirement home.

THINGS I LIKED: I adore James Cromwell and wish he did more movies. As expected, he is wonderful in this.

Darcey Ewart is adorable as Gloria. She and James Cromwell made a delightful, unexpected pair.

We get to see a real reindeer!

This is not a silly children's Christmas movie, but one with serious issues. Some of the topics in the movie really hit home with me because my siblings and I have been making very difficult decisions about our aging parents during the past few years. It's truly heartbreaking watching one's parents get old. The movie addresses an aging father with debt and how his circumstances affect all of his children and grandchildren.

There is magic, wonder, adventure, and mystery.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: Some of the reindeer moments use bad CGI.

Not all of the humor lands.

There are some bad acting moments.

While Acts 1 & 2 took their time, Act 3 flew by too quickly.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Some profanity Lots of fighting and grumpy people Talk of divorce Talk of the death of a loved one Talk of bankruptcy Someone tries to shoot a reindeer.

!

Bud (James Cromwell) has been a grumpy old man since the death of his beloved wife Betty. He is closing his coffee shop store in this dying town. A reindeer flies over him and he crashes his truck. Claire (Sarah-Jane Potts) is coming home from London with her daughter Gloria (Darcey Ewart). Her brother wants to put Bud in an old-age home.

I love the grandpa granddaughter relationship. As for Prancer, I like the mystery of the first half. The magic is a bit underwhelming. I was expecting a ride to the North Pole, or finding a magical portal in the woods. I don't think switching on the lights is as awe-inspiring as it's being shown to be. That's the only disappointment in an otherwise sweet family film. I really like this kid and James Cromwell always delivers.

This is, hands down, the worst Christmas movie I've ever seen, as well as being one of the worst in general. The acting is horrible; I've seen better in B-movies. None of the characters were remotely likeable. I'll never get that 105 minutes back. Good Lord, this was a bad film. Watch Prancer that came out a few decades ago instead. That one was much better. I am utterly astounded that the film maker watched the finished product and decided that he should release this film AND put his name on it. I don't know, maybe if Hallmark or Lifetime movies are too intense and rowdy, then you could possibly enjoy this film. But I doubt it.

Loved this warm hearted Christmas film. Quite funny in places although a bit predictable as most Christmas films are but well made all the same.

James Cromwell & the rest of the cast are great & left us both with warm Christmassy feelings. It really did what it said on the tin.

So much better than this years Lindsay Lohan Christmas film effort which i thought was cheesy & lame.

The young actress who played the little girl was absolutely delightful.

Left us thoroughly entertained without having to think too much which is what you want when you need a film to relax to.

We highly recommend this film.

Light hearted, easy to watch family film that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Just what a Christmas film should do! The casting is superb, as is the acting especially that of the main character Gloria. The filming is just beautifull, helped by the wonderful scenery, sets and reindeer. The director seems to be so aware of all the emotions needed throughout the film making you feel every moment with the characters from sadness to absolute bliss. As a grandads girl myself I couldn't recommend this film more to anyone, especaill those in need of some festive cheer or a reminder of what's most important.