content rating:

Not Rated

author's note:

suitable for all ages

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Prancer

Movie Facts

Release Year:

1989

Runtime:

103 minutes

Cast:

Sam Elliott

Cloris Leachman

Abe Vigoda

Michael Constantine

Rutanya Alda

Ariana Richards

Rebecca Harrell

Director:

John Hancock

Producer:

Raffaella De Laurentis

Basic Plot

Nine-year-old Jessica believes.  She believes in the existence of Heaven, Santa Claus and flying reindeer.  When she finds a wounded reindeer in the snowy woods, she just knows it's one of Santa's team..."Prancer, actually".  As she tends to the health of "Prancer", she makes a plan to return him to Santa on Christmas eve.  After a mishap that challenges her beliefs, Jessica decides it's time to "grow up a little".  Amidst her traumatic change of heart, she throws away her childish ideas.  But the story of her unwavering faith has already spread throughout the town.  One by one, lives change as Jessica's spirit touches their hearts.     

Review

Can you remember Christmas when you were nine?  We can.  It was a wonderful time.  All of that magical atmosphere is captured in this movie.  The storyline focuses on the basics of family and friends with a warmth and quaintness that reminds you of much simpler times.  Rebecca Harrell's character, Jessica, is strong, stubborn and endearing.  When you listen to some of the lines she delivers, they sound exactly like words you remember speaking at that age.  Sam Elliott is the proverbial gruff father struggling to keep his farm.  But in his more quiet, introspective moments he'll bring a tear to your eye.  All in all, this is one of our favorite holiday movies.  If you're looking for a Christmas movie big on heart and family values, this one is for you.   

Overall rating

   (out of a possible 5 bubble lights)