As I sat through the first hour of the almost agonizing slow-paced plot-roll-out, I stayed with it in the hopes there would be some reward for my loyalty. It was not to be. This movie has a lot of fans in its reviews, but I'm not one of them.
The cast is full of past, present, and future stars; at least two of the supporting child actors went on to be in huge hits in television and/or movies. Their acting talent shows this movie, as it does with the adults. Unfortunately, a predictable story line, unresolved conflicts, and underdeveloped subplots do nothing to justify the time it takes to get things rolling.
Sam Elliot does what he does well, playing a hard-working but broken farmer and widower whose only response to his daughter caring for a wounded reindeer in their midst is to find his shotgun. Rebecca Harrell plays a convincing 9-year old who seems to be frustrated at every turn for her good deeds.
The winter setting is dim, cold and desolate, excellently communicated through the cinematography.The music lacks imagination, primarily depending on long chords. Maybe that is a plus for the gloomy atmosphere.
If you are looking for fun and adventure in your holiday movie fare, skip this one. It's better for drawn-out drama fans.
The cast is full of past, present, and future stars; at least two of the supporting child actors went on to be in huge hits in television and/or movies. Their acting talent shows this movie, as it does with the adults. Unfortunately, a predictable story line, unresolved conflicts, and underdeveloped subplots do nothing to justify the time it takes to get things rolling.
Sam Elliot does what he does well, playing a hard-working but broken farmer and widower whose only response to his daughter caring for a wounded reindeer in their midst is to find his shotgun. Rebecca Harrell plays a convincing 9-year old who seems to be frustrated at every turn for her good deeds.
The winter setting is dim, cold and desolate, excellently communicated through the cinematography.The music lacks imagination, primarily depending on long chords. Maybe that is a plus for the gloomy atmosphere.
If you are looking for fun and adventure in your holiday movie fare, skip this one. It's better for drawn-out drama fans.