Prancer: Un conte de Noël

Charming and typically British/European Christmas movie which is low budget but doesn't feel that way although certainly there aren't many special effects. I found it while looking for other James Cromwell movies and as with all of his performances this one is beautifully understated. You really can't go wrong with any movie with that man in it - as long as it is in a genre you want to watch. [ie don't blame James Cromwell or the movie if you're not in the mood for or just don't enjoy this kind of film. He's in such diverse roles (I've got Jurassic World on right now and was surprised to see James Cromwell in it. It makes sense given his diverse roles that not all of his movies are going to appeal to the same people. The rest of the cast in this film were good too, and the actress playing the young protagonist Gloria was wonderful. There are many bigger budget Christmas movies with all the lights and sound that don't have the same calibre of acting as this one.

In terms of kids, there's some violence and threatened gun violence (both brief but still..). The language is clean as long as people understand that for most British people the word "bloody" is not a swear word.

Also to avoid confusion, there isn't a sequel to this movie (not yet anyway as of Sept 2025). There's the original Prancer (1989) and the sequel Prancer Returns (2001), and then this one: Prancer:A Christmas Tale (2022). I haven't seen the other two and am inclined not to given what I've read as I don't want to spoil "the feels" from this one.

Recommended viewing for kids and grown-up kids who'll enjoy a touching Christmas story about family, being home, and just a touch of "magic".

Solid story. Unique story. Heartwarming and magical. I loved the relationship between grandfather and granddaughter so much. Even the dichotomies in the different relationships depending on the situation. It felt familial. The little girl was beautifully charming. And she and James Cromwell were wonderful together.

If you want to watch something new that you haven't seen done 1000x before but still get the warmth of a classic holiday movie you can't go wrong here.

Nuanced enough to give the viewer something to think about. Christmas spirited and surprisingly good.

Easy and sweet I really enjoyed it.

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.

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.

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.