TheUnknown837-1 "Olive the Other Reindeer" is a very unique film in a lot of regards, but it is also one of the better of the modern animated Christmas specials. Like a lot of family holiday specials, it is relatively short, clocking at a mere forty-five minutes long and in my point of view, that is far too short seeing how well-written, well-animated, well-acted, and simply wonderful and rich the movie is as a whole. It features some of the best animated characters I've ever seen, has a very good plot, is funny, not too childish or immature, but is not too perilous or mature for the kiddies. It is the kind of film that the entire family will enjoy.The characters of "Olive the Other Reindeer" are very rich and developed, surprising seeing as how they are in a very short film. Characters get introduced and developed perfectly quickly, but are on screen for plenty of time considering the short overall length of the film. Olive is is a great Christmas heroine with Drew Barrymore's voice working to perfection in the role. One is not sure of Olive's exact age in dog years, whether she's young, or a middle-aged adult dog and this works out. She does seem to be very youthful, shown by her hopes and spirits.The character of Martini the penguin is my personal favorite out of the entire cast. He is the smooth-talking comical and intelligent character we all love, who stands up for himself and does not let his size discourage him, quoting lines such as "Stand up for free enterprise! Fight demand!" and "The laws of breaking and entering, as the pertain to Santa, are unclear". Overall, a great addition who is the real reason why I wish the movie was longer.There are other supporting characters like the comical Richard Stands, Olive's owner Tim, the reindeer, and there is of course, the character who makes all Christmas movies work out. Santa Clause himself. The character is well-done in this movie with a suiting voice that sounds both aging and tired-out, yet still having the supportive attitude of a sports coach at the same time. Santa isn't the main focus of the story, but is a strong central point, seeing as how most of the joy of Christmas revolves around his yearly flight.The antagonist of the film is a mailman simply referred to be other characters as The Postman. Properly, his real name is not revealed on screen, making him seem more villainous. He's not a frightening villain, but still retains the qualities that are needed for an antagonist. He provides a lot of comical relief as he attempts to stop Olive and the others from saving the holiday of Christmas.The animation in the film is very unique, almost everything being done in 2-D animation. The characters are all like flat cut-outs put in 3-D backgrounds, and there is something very unique and attractive about this. They may be paper-flat, but they don't seem to be. There are a few parts of the animation that do look strange. Such as this one part where a policeman approaches from in front of us. It looks kind of odd with his head sticking point off to the side and his arms swaying from his sides to his stomach and back, but then again, it's not very bothering or distracting. It may even be more funny for the kids and just almost unnoticeable to the adults.Like many Christmas movies, there are a fair share of songs in the film, but they are not immature songs and each one has its own mood. Some of them are original holiday songs that pertain to a certain character's perspective, others are a bit darker or persuasive, and they all work out to enhance the characters who are singing them. Well-written songs like these are what helps make movies like "Olive the Other Reindeer" special and magical.Again, the only flaw with "Olive the Other Reindeer" is its overall too short of a running time. I would have personally like to have seen it at least twenty minutes longer, seeing as how it was very enriched with talented voice work and a compelling storyline. But the way it is, it's a great Christmas movie and one of the best ones to turn out in recent years. I recommend it for the whole family.

j1j Somewhere in the middle of this movie, our main character is in a bind in a mail truck. Looking around, she finds a package, addressed to her, that helps get her out of it. The sender? Deus ex Machina. It is quite common for children's movie makers, especially in the animated genre, to try to be modern, hip - to push the limits of their audience. The results are usually just vulgar - anyone who ever watched 8 Crazy Nights, regardless of their opinions on the rude, contrived piece - can't help but wonder if it is appropriate for all children, at least those whose behavior we have to live with. Olive is witty, funny, and original, and yet there is no smart- alecky kid, no fart jokes - it's interesting because it's tightly written, well-crafted, and voiced by excellent people. Several people have written about Ms. Barrymore's voice in it - it's laughable to imply that she had meant to create a refined, beautiful sound, as well as a bit sexist. No one questioned that Dan Castellaneta (read: Homer Simpson) also sings an off-key silly song - but Drew Barrymore is compared to Alicia Keys? No, if a Dog - no, a dog who was eager, sweet, and unflappably lovable - had a speaking and singing voice, hers would be it. Altogether, I can think of no modern Christmas or holiday special (Martini, Olive's penguin friend, is Jewish, somehow), that succeeds in being warm, smart, and interesting all at the same time. There is no preaching, no moralizing, and yet, it leaves you feeling good about being good, almost the same way the Charlie Brown Christmas Special did just over 40 years ago. There's a fine line between sappy and sweet, rude and witty - Olive the Other Reindeer stands firmly on the good side of that line.

toxiemite With so much war and moral decay in this world at present time, Christmas has become my favourite time of the year. Not just because it's a festive season and colourful... but because its a time that represents innocence and goodness in people. We need Christmas all year round, it might make the world a better place.And that's why I am a sucker for Christmas movies so much. At the core, I am a die hard horror nut and general cinema lover all round... but one thing I cannot get enough of is an original and off-beat Christmas movie. Over the years there's been some gems like: 8 Crazy Nights, Nightmare Before Christmas, Santa Vs the Snowman, Christmas Vacation and The Grinch (to name only a few).While 'Olive the Reindeer' is a few years old now, I only saw it recently having heard many good things about it. It is a wonderful little film suitable for the entire family. The story is simple, sweet and subtley hilarious. One reviewer on IMDb said that Drew Barrymore dragged the movie down.... I can't disagree more. I thought she was delightful. She has child-like innocence in her voice that puts a believability into the Olive character. Not to mention that she Co-Produced this film so possibly without her involvement, Olive may not have been made (I don't know!?).Anyhow, if you want a Festive movie for the kids and adults alike to enjoy.... rent Olive the other Reindeer. It's sure to amuse and entertain.

dlbrehm The animation in "Olive, the Other Reindeer" is truly impressive. The unique style of J. Otto Seibold has been captured in a most beautiful way by the animators at DNA Productions in Dallas. Most people don't realise that "Olive" is a three dimensional animated special, yet it manages to carry the traditional charm and warmth of any classic 2D holiday cartoon.