Kari Juusonen and Jørgen Lerdam’s The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh is an animated coming-of-age film about a young reindeer in an archetypal Christmas tale told with an original flair. Niko (Matthew Whelan), son of Prancer (Paul Tylak), is recruited to join Santa’s Flying Forces. He is an ambitious tween who wishes to be treated with respect by his family. His mentor, Julius (Dermot Magennis), a cantankerous flying squirrel, is reluctant about Niko’s recruitment. Julius believes he is still inexperienced in his flying skills. At the Flying Forces training grounds, Niko is ready to be initiated until a spunky reindeer, Stella (Emma Jenkins), challenges him for the spot. Dasher (Roger Gregg) states the ancient rules: two reindeer must compete for a spot on the Flying Forces, and only one can be on the team after completing three trials.
There is rivalry between the younglings until Niko rescues her during the first race. Stella reveals she has been training for the Flying Forces ever since she was little. She also begs him to see Santa’s sleigh; little does Niko know her true intentions. The next morning, the Flying Forces discover Santa’s sleigh has gone missing. Prancer is disappointed in Niko for unveiling the sleigh to Stella and grounds him. Stella brings the sleigh to her father, Ilmar (Magennis), leader of the Storm Forces. Ilmar used her as an infiltrator so he could fulfill his dream of flying the sleigh with his own team.
“…healing generational feuds and proving oneself at a young age…”
Prancer and Ilmar were previously best friends until Prancer betrayed him during one of the trials. His motive for stealing the sleigh was revenge. Niko goes on a journey to find the sleigh with the help of Julius and his ermine friend, Wilma (Aileen Mythen). Comedic misadventures follow during their quest.
The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh is superbly written by Kari Juusonen, Hannu Tuomainen, and Marteinn Thórisson. Sophisticated themes are tightly woven into the screenplay, such as healing generational feuds and proving oneself at a young age. Creativity is abundant in making the reindeer’s world feel lived-in and mystical. The Flying Forces behave like a fraternity, which is a humorous touch. Additionally, The Northern Lights is imagined as a cosmic realm and visual metaphor for one’s memories and darkest thoughts. These elements will remind audiences of films like The Lion King and Brother Bear.
The voice acting is excellent! Matthew Whelan stands out as Niko with his natural performance. Dermot Magennis has great vocal range and delivers a dual performance like Julius and Ilmar. Eímear Noone’s score brings epic scope, especially in wide shots with beautifully rendered Arctic scenery. Juusonen and Lerdam’s The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh is a solid family film during the Christmas season. It all comes down to its likable characters, superb animation, and a perfect mixture of humor and heart.
"…a solid family film during the Christmas season"
