Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
More On:
Jingle Binge
-
Stream It Or Skip It: 'Falling Like Snowflakes' on the Hallmark Channel, Where A Photographer and Her Ex Rekindle Their Romance On A Trip To Photograph An Elusive Snowflake
-
Celebrate May the Fourth With The 52 Best Star Wars Gifts
-
Stream It Or Skip It: 'Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer' On Netflix, Where The Comedian Has Fulfilled His Lifelong Dream If Not Also Yours
-
‘Friends’/‘Home Alone’ Crossover Theory Confirmed?? Chandler And Monica’s House Is The Same As The McCallister’s, Says Sitcom’s Art Director
When Blitzen announces his retirement, Santa is tasked with recruiting a new reindeer for the team: enter Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer. Now available on VOD, this animated family Christmas flick is the latest addition to the holiday offerings this year that kids and parents alike will find packed with cuteness.
Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
The Gist: Elliot (voiced by Josh Hutcherson) is a mini horse with big dreams, and when he hears Santa’s in the market for a new reindeer right before Christmas, he dares to step up to audition. Encouraged by his pal Hazel (Samantha Bee), Elliot is put to the test for his dream job that would take him from a farm in North Dakota to the big leagues at the North Pole. Martin Short, John Cleese, and Morena Baccarin also voice characters in the film written and directed by Jennifer Westcott that features hopefulness at every turn.
What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: This one feels like a sports movie meets Christmas movie, with enough humor and challenges presented throughout to keep viewers invested in the outcome.
Performance Worth Watching: Samantha Bee as Hazel is a lot of fun here, happily galloping away with some of the film’s best jokes. She’s a supportive friend and enthusiastic snacker and is sure to have your ears perking up anytime she starts chatting.
Memorable Dialogue: “Reindeer are jerks. They’ve always been jerks and they always will be jerks. Even Santa understands that. Santa!” is a pretty great line from Hazel, and not your typical Christmas movie quote.
Single Best Shot: The animation for Elliot as a mini horse and some of the baby goats is so dang cute you’ll want to buy them up as Christmas gifts. Also, be on the lookout for this film’s multiple excellent blank stare shots that will surely have you giggling.
Sex and Skin: No way, this is for the children! But again, there’s plenty of humor that will fly over your little humans’ heads and land a laugh from the adults watching.
Our Take: While muddled with some unnecessary minor storylines as well as cliché yet sweet themes, with animation this cute and voice performances this funny, Elliot The Littlest Reindeer is ultimately a bit of a unique take on classic Christmas characters. There’s a darkness to the story (see: calling and watching reindeer be total jerks) and a level of comedy not usually present in family stories such as this one that makes it worth watching. Or at the very least, worth putting on to entertain your kids while you half listen in the background and occasionally chuckle at one of the jokes. The competition is fierce but the themes of fitting in and determination are stronger, ultimately leaving viewers with a positive vibe amongst the film’s sassy quips.
Our Call: Stream It. Just brace yourself for the cuteness.
