If you’re simply looking for a feel-good Christmas special to shoo-in the holiday season, that’s what you’ll get with director Jennifer Westcott’s Elliot: the Littlest Reindeer. Be warned, however, that the saccharine quickly curdles into something not so palatable.
The story rests on a sweet premise. When Blitzen retires, Santa needs a new reindeer to fill his hooves. Miniature horse Elliot (Josh Hutcherson) lives on a North Dakotan farm with a host of other animals, including reindeer. Seeing Blitzen’s retirement as an opportunity to fulfill his dream of gaining reindeer status, Elliot enters an athletics competition at the North Pole to see who will become Santa’s next star under the watchful eye of the Claus’ right-hand elf, Lemondrop (Martin Short). With help from some fake antlers and his best friend Hazel the goat (Samantha Bee), Elliot might just beat DJ (Christopher Jacot), an arrogant rival reindeer from the farm.
Meanwhile, Elliot and Hazel have even more to worry about. While the mini horse competes, the farm’s owner is planning to sell the farm to a woman who has a shady plan for its inhabitants. And when Hazel stumbles into evidence of corruption at the North Pole, it threatens not only the competition but also Elliot’s and Hazel’s friendship.
Though elevated by the strong thread of a horse and goat’s friendship, Elliot is mainly characterized by poor voice acting, stale jokes, overstated accents, and misguided stereotypes. There’s a positive vision here that’s executed with little tact. Although Elliot sees much personal growth, his journey might prove more offensive than encouraging to some. This children’s film won’t remain a Christmas classic, but it will provide a few laughs for young viewers, at least. Not recommended.