This is a mostly pleasant movie, funny and appropriate for kids with the usual challenges that they must overcome. But it does get really serious at times.
The young actors do a great job, for this type of movie. Abraham Benrubi really stands out with his booming voice, sort of Donald Sutherland trying to be Darth Vader. And Mikey Post offers a contrast with his sour attitude.
The edgy "Dr. Quinn" bartender becomes a kind and loving father, and Joey Lauren Adams is so sweet as usual. But there are some difficult scenes, because Renae has to explain her situation to the kids, and the kids have to cope with the problem.
Trace Adkins has a cameo as an intimidating cop. He's pretty much what you'd expect.
When the kids try to hide the secret, it is made quite challenging when some of the animals get into the reindeer feed, which leads to some entertaining visual effects.
I didn't see how this ended so I can't evaluate how everything turned out. I was recording two movies at once and they both got cut off about 30 minutes early, including commercials. In both cases, a magical fantasy figure who entertains children was in danger of going away, and a child held the key to making things better. A year later I saw the ending of this one but now I don't remember it.
But you have to believe everything turned out all right. This was rated TV-G when I saw it, so surely some miracle occurred before the end.
From what I saw, this was a nice Christmas movie to entertain the entire family.
