Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018)

Release Date:

2018

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 29m

Elliot the Littlest Reindeer (2018) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer follows the story of a miniature horse named Elliot who dreams of joining Santa's reindeer team. When Blitzen announces his retirement, Santa holds tryouts to find a replacement. Despite his small size, Elliot is determined to prove he has what it takes to pull Santa's sleigh. With the help of his friend Hazel, a goat, Elliot sets out on a journey to the North Pole to compete in the reindeer games. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and meet new friends. As the competition heats up, Elliot must overcome obstacles and show that he has the heart and spirit to be part of Santa's team. The movie is a delightful adventure filled with festive cheer and excitement.

IMDb
5
Rotten Tomatoes
30.00%
Metacritic
38/100

Where To Watch: Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Parental Feedback

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer, released in 2018, is an animated adventure-comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie follows a small horse with big dreams of joining Santa's reindeer team, offering a heartwarming tale filled with humor and festive spirit. While many parents appreciate its charming storyline and positive messages, some feel it lacks depth, leading to mixed reviews.

Why Kids Should Watch Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

The movie is praised for its uplifting themes and engaging characters.

  • Promotes perseverance and following one's dreams
  • Features a determined protagonist who inspires courage
  • Colorful animation and festive setting captivate young audiences
  • Includes humorous moments that entertain both kids and adults

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Some parents express concerns about the film's pacing and character development.

  • May present emotional challenges with themes of self-doubt
  • Contains scenes where characters face rejection and disappointment
  • Some plot elements might be confusing for younger viewers

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its lack of depth and character development.

What Parents Should Know About Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Yes, Elliot demonstrates determination and resilience in pursuing his dreams.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? Yes, scenes where Elliot faces rejection may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Yes, characters who doubt Elliot learn the importance of support and encouragement.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Yes, teamwork is highlighted when characters work together to achieve a common goal.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is to believe in oneself and never give up on dreams, delivered through Elliot's journey.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

Overall, Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer is appreciated for its positive messages and festive charm, though some parents feel it could have been more engaging. The film's strengths lie in its colorful animation and the protagonist's inspiring journey. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the themes of perseverance and self-belief with their children. For those seeking similar content, movies like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" offer classic holiday cheer with a similar message.

Official Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer Trailer

The Core Values Learned From Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer's most common core values include Determination, Friendship, and Courage. Kids watching Elliot's journey learn the importance of sticking with their goals, even when they seem too challenging. Elliot, a tiny horse, dreams big and doesn't let his small size hold him back from trying out for Santa's team. Along the way, he meets new friends who support him, and they show kids how a good friend can make a big difference. The courage Elliot shows during his quest is a great example for children facing their own fears and hurdles.

Determination is clear when Elliot decides to participate in the reindeer games, even though others might doubt him because he's not a reindeer. His friend Hazel, the goat, stands by his side, showing the power of Friendship. When Elliot feels nervous, Hazel's encouragement makes him braver. This moment shows how determination is often stronger with a friend cheering you on. Courage shines brightest when Elliot finally stands on the competition field, ready to give his all, despite knowing the odds are against him.

Other Core Values Explored: Perseverance | Teamwork | Being yourself | Self-confidence | Encouraging others | Valuing hard work. | Resilience

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Believing in Yourself: Elliot's determination to compete in the reindeer games, despite his small stature and being a horse, emphasizes the importance of self-belief. His confidence grows as he pushes past self-doubt and pursues his dream.

Following Your Passion: Elliot dreams of being part of Santa's reindeer team, and his journey shows kids how following their passion, no matter how unconventional it seems, can lead to incredible adventures.

Never Giving Up: Even when faced with the daunting task of competing against actual reindeer, Elliot doesn't give up on his goal. His perseverance teaches children the value of persistence in the face of challenges.

Supporting Your Friends: Hazel's unwavering support for Elliot throughout his journey is a testament to the importance of friendship. Kids learn how encouraging friends can help achieve seemingly impossible goals.

Working as a Team: Throughout the story, teamwork emerges as a vital element, as Elliot and his friends collaborate to overcome obstacles. The movie demonstrates that great achievements often require the collective effort of working together.

Other Lessons Learned: Pursuing Big Dreams

Why Kids Love Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer grabs kids' attention with its lively story that stars a spunky little horse on a wild adventure to the North Pole. Elliot's high-energy trip is bursting with funny and unusual animal friends, making each moment feel like a new discovery. Hazel, the clever goat, and other unexpected pals bring a ton of humor and excitement, as they all team up to tackle amazing challenges and play games that test their bravery. It's an epic quest of proving yourself, with Elliot dashing through wintry landscapes and facing off against mighty obstacles that will keep kids on the edge of their seats.

The North Pole is a land full of surprises, where teamwork takes center stage in the coolest ways. From wacky contests to puzzling predicaments, there's never a dull moment as Elliot inches closer to his dream. Kids will laugh at funny mishaps and cheer on inventive solutions as Elliot and his crew find clever ways out of tricky situations. This imaginative world of reindeer games and sled-pulling missions draws kids into a whirlwind of creativity and thrill, blending together humor, action, and friendship. As magic and adventure collide, Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer is a tale that pulls kids into its charm and keeps them coming back for more fun.