When a Christmas movie finds itself released in theaters, it seems to follow one of three paths:
- The film becomes an instant holiday classic and within a short time finds itself shown every Christmas on television. Films in this category would seem like this, this, and that
- The film becomes known for being a terrible film. Often used as a a bad example for a Christmas movie. Despite the dislike, the film has enough supporters that it continues to be aired every December. Examples right here, there, and over there.
- The film runs the middle of the road. It simply fades into obscurity, perhaps showing up if a channel needs something to fill a time slot but nobody will miss it if it does not.
The third bullet point is where “Prancer” falls under.
To be honest, you’re kind of doomed to obscurity when you get released against a Disney film AND a Don Bluth flick.
After a quick watch, I can see why. It seems like it should work. It follows the formula for a holiday classic to a T. It has a message about Christmas, the social outsider kid, the inattentive/pessimistic parent, and even the old neighbor that doesn’t like people.
Even in winter she doesn’t like people on her lawn
Anyways, the film follows Jessica, a girl who we learn isn’t having the easiest time. Her mother has passed, her brother is an older brother (younger siblings know what I mean), and kids at school consider her the weird kid. To top things all off, her father is emotionally distant. He’s more concerned about trying to keep the family farm financially above water and the only method he knows how to parent is by yelling.
Jessica eventually comes across an injured reindeer in the woods nearby the farm. Recalling that one of the reindeer had fallen from a town display earlier in the day, she comes to the conclusion that the animal in question has to be no other than Prancer from Santa’s team. Jessica then makes it her quest to nurture the animal back to health in time to help Santa on Christmas Eve. She’s even hoping to get the message out to Santa with a rendezvous point and time arranged. It’s a little charming to see how one little girl’s hope manages to inspire those that need it the most, even referring to one of the greatest Christmas writings ever.
If you don’t get the reference, google “Yes Virginia” right now. This blog can wait
Rebecca Harrell Tickell’s portrayal as Jessica annoyed me at first, but I grew to understand that she’s acting like a normal kid, as opposed to the precocious child from my previous review. She gets scared, she get panicky, she overreacts with ideas of running away or never speaking to someone again. She doesn’t understand the details of her situation, because she is focused on the goal at hand. Thankfully, Tickell is surrounded with veterans such as Sam Elliot, Cloris Leachman, and Abe Vigoda. Their characters are tired and worn out, a perfect balance to Tickell’s endless energy and smile.
To me, after thinking about it, this is just not a film on par with the classics that endear through the ages. It almost has more of the feel of a made for tv movie that you’d see on a cable network on a Tuesday night. The little humor the film has falls flat and maybe that takes away the appeal from little kids. I think the only attempt at comedy in the entire film is when Prancer finds his way into a house.
I guess you need something to balance the blandness of hay.
I came across this film while reading the “Yes Virginia” wikipedia article. It shows up in the bottom of the article talking about the legacy of the editorial and Virginia’s letter. So I figured I had a few hours free and even though I’m posting with a MUCH quicker turnaround than usual, I wanted to get at least one Christmas flick in during December. Hopefully I can manage to get one more in since the month is young. If you have something in mind that could work here. Let me know.
I’m done here. My brain hurts.
Film Rewind 