A magical little family film about nine-year-old Jessica (Harrell), who finds a wounded reindeer and naturally assumes it is Prancer, one of Santa’s helpers. While she’s tending to the injured deer, her father (Elliott) struggles to keep the family farm from going under, and considers whether he should send Jessica to live with her aunt (Jessie’s mother has died).
While this isn’t suitable for very young children – Jessica’s relationship with her harsh father may upset younger viewers – this has some cute moments and a lovely central performance from Harrell as Jessica, who in the end even manages to make some of the town believe in Santa as she tries to heal Prancer before he’s needed on Christmas Eve. Aawww. A DVD sequel, Prancer Returns, was made in 2001.
Is Prancer suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
None.
If you like this, why not try: Miracle On 34th Street, Racing Stripes, Andre, Three Wishes, A Simple Wish,