Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet Christmas sequel has positive messages, mild peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Prancer Returns
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In PRANCER RETURNS, eight-year-old Charlie (Gavin Fink) finds a young deer in the woods and believes it to be the son of Santa's reindeer Prancer, who, legend has it, visited the town 10 years before. But not everybody believes in Christmas miracles, and Charlie must find a way to keep the reindeer safe until Christmas Eve, when he can take his place pulling Santa's sleigh.
Is It Any Good?
This sequel has much the same storyline as the original, but is a little more lighthearted and easy to watch. While the central family still have their problems, Prancer Returns has fun and humor, with likable actors adding warmth to the rehashed story. The events of the original have here become the stuff of legend in the small town, making the transition clear, though viewers won't need to have watched the first film to enjoy this follow-up. There are plenty of Christmas movie cliches -- a kid who believes in magic and has to convince the adults, mean bullies who change their ways, an older recluse who begins to reconnect, and some cheesy songs about the power of believing. The film's not groundbreaking, but it is incredibly watchable, and families will likely enjoy the kids' antics and the warm messages alongside the snow, sparkle, and festive themes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Charlie's behavior in Prancer Returns. He often put others first -- particularly the reindeer -- but put himself and others in danger in the process. Did you think his actions were necessary? Can you think of any other, safer ways he might have approached his problems?
Charlie is a good role model who showed courage, teamwork, and empathy during the film. In what ways did he express these? Why do you think these are important character strengths?
Charlie's relationship with his brother changed during the film. How did it show the importance of love over day-to-day teasing and fighting?
The movie is the sequel to 1989's Prancer, which was remade in 2022 as Prancer: A Christmas Tale. If you've seen either of these, how did this film compare? What story elements and themes did they share?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 20, 2001
- Cast : Gavin Fink , Stacy Edwards , John Corbett
- Director : Joshua Butler
- Studios : USA Home Video , Universal Studios Home Video
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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