Prancer: A Christmas Tale (2022) User Reviews (8)

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

[trinaboice · 7/10 · 26 October 2023]

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.

!

sweet family film

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 2 February 2023]

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.

A Total Dud.

[sch-32706 · 2/10 · 22 December 2022]

I'm scratching my head as to why James Cromwell agreed to act in this. The writing is terrible, characters are flat and unbelievable. The producers seem to rely on cinematography to create something that will win you over.

Most of the acting is cheesy and the story is just meandering garbage. So disappointing.

This might be something you could leave on in the other room for some background noise, or something to entertain young kids if they're bored out of their minds.

Better yet, watch ANY other Christmas movie. Even the worst of cheesy/predictable Hallmark movies would be better than this.

You can't really go wrong with James Cromwell

[amazon-06965 · 9/10 · 13 December 2022]

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.

Waste of Time

[grog-69207 · 1/10 · 10 December 2022]

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.

Feelgood christmas movie

[matypingservices · 10/10 · 12 December 2022]

Classic Christmas film about a family that isn't the closest but come together when dad has an accident. Shows what can happen when family support each other in times of need.

Has everything you want from a Christmas movie - comedy and lightheartedness and a happy ending. What more could you want? One of the best I've seen for a while and I've seen a few!

The little girl that plays Gloria is a belting little actress and im sure she will have a good future.

Good story. Good acting. Gives the feelgood mood a Christmas film should do.

I highly recommend this film if you want a laugh and a happy cry.

The perfect family Christmas film.

[emzy-80551 · 10/10 · 6 December 2022]

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.

Pranced is back!!!

[ajvariety · 8/10 · 8 January 2023]

Cute storyline

• especially with the young granddaughter slowly developing a relationship with her Grandpa -

And the storyline involves relationships of different family members- as well as a small town business with local town people.

And beautiful snow snow snow scenes!

And magical lights - by a magical Christmas reindeer. Yes. Prancer is definitely back again.

Acting well done - and especially the young actress granddaughter and the actor grandfather

And definitely the reindeer Prancer who delivered in each and every scene

Good directing and storyline

Christmas magical story Very cute.