BookPoet

Forget "Four Weddings and a Funeral". This film, and not that overrated and overblown other, is the perfect vehicle for Hugh Grant's boyish charm. Based on a true story and proving once again that to live in a small town in Britain requires a certain unique wackiness, this is the comic cousin of "How Green Was My Valley".

Prepare to see that rarest of all film characters--a man of faith who is not a totally hypocritical villain. How refreshing!

This film proves that there are still unspoiled hearts left on Planet Earth. Those who find it sappy or irrelevant have spent too much time wearing Grinch suits and need a good dose of humanity to thaw that hard matter in their chests that passes for a heart.

The child actors are the heart of _Prancer_. They are real, never overacting or coming off as children playing at making a film. Sam Elliot is the epitome of the overstressed, depressed man who has lost his wife and despairs of losing everything else too. His transformation is believable and worthy of the time spent to watch his character unfold. Cloris Leachman is a delight as the female Scrooge who is touched by two children--Jessica who reintroduces her to the joy of Christmas, and a little boy in church who reintroduces her to the joy of human fellowship.

Above all, this is a story of transition. The earnest child must move forward to knowledge, and the jaded grownup must move back to mystery and faith. If your Christmas is too much take and not enough give, I prescribe hot chocolate, hot buttered popcorn, and a viewing of Prancer with people you love. Better yet, do as we have and make this movie part of your personal holiday tradition. It might help make you a better person the rest of the year.

An annoying Dr. Quinn-like superimposing of modern sensibilities on 19th-century people. Margaret Mitchell and even Selznick got that part right. This attempt is nothing but a festival of anachronisms.

And worst of all, we weren't supposed to notice that Scarlett's deep blue eyes have now turned brown. (**Cough contacts cough**