Co-directors Kari Juusonen and Jørgen Lerdam’s The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh (also known as Niko: Beyond The Northern Lights) is the third animated coming-of-age film about a young reindeer named Niko. This adventure, written by Kari Juusonen, Marteinn Thorisson, and Hannu Tuomainen, is an archetypal Christmas tale, albeit one told with an original flair. Niko (Matthew Whelan), son of Prancer (Paul Tylak), wishes to be 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 as he believes the young buck is still inexperienced.
At the Flying Forces training grounds, Niko is ready to be initiated until a spunky reindeer, Stella (Emma Jenkins), challenges him. Dasher (Roger Gregg) states the ancient rules: two reindeer must compete for a spot on the Flying Forces by completing three trials and the victor joins the Flying Forces. There is rivalry between the younglings until Niko rescues Stella during the first race. She reveals she has been training ever since she was little. Stella also begs Niko to show her Santa’s sleigh. He does, not knowing or guessing her true intentions. The next morning, the Flying Forces discover the sleigh missing. Prancer is disappointed in Niko for unveiling the sleigh to Stella and grounds him.
“…Niko journeys to find the sleigh with the help of Julius and his ermine friend…”
Stella brings the sleigh to her father, Ilmar (Magennis), leader of the Storm Forces, who used her as an infiltrator so he could fulfill his dream of flying the sleigh with his team. Once, Prancer and Ilmar were best friends, but Prancer betrayed him during one of the trials. With bravery and pluck, Niko journeys to find the sleigh with the help of Julius and his ermine friend, Wilma (Aileen Mythen).
The superb writing of The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh highlights sophisticated themes that are tightly woven into the screenplay. Said themes involve healing generational feuds and proving oneself at a young age. Creativity is abundant in making this Christmas 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. Whelan stands out with a natural performance. Magennis has great vocal range and delivers a dual performance as Julius and Ilmar. Eímear Noone’s score brings an epic scope, especially in the wide shots that show off the beautifully rendered Arctic scenery. The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh is a solid family film to watch with the entire family during the Christmas season. The reason it is so good comes down to its likable characters, superb animation, and a perfect mixture of humor and heart.
"…likable characters, superb animation, and a perfect mixture of humor and heart."
