Simpsons creator Matt Groening helped create this delightful animated adaptation of the popular Christmas book. Originally shown on the Fox channel in 1999, Olive deals with a upstanding dreamer of a ...( read more  read more... )pooch (voiced expressively by Drew Barrymore) who hears Santa's angst when Blitzen breaks a leg just before the holiday, messing up Santa's delivery schedule. Olive hears Santa's quote about "all of the other reindeer" as "Olive, the other reindeer," and she is convinced she must go to the North Pole to help. Using equal parts traditional Christmas themes (unselfishness, the importance of being good instead of naughty) and Simpsons-esque humor (wordplay, contemporary cultural references), the 45-minute short is a refreshingly fun holiday pleaser. Purists may chafe at the action pieces and a scene in a rough 'n' tumble bar, but the filmmakers keep the spirit--and the unique look--of J. Otto Seibold's and Vivian Walsh's book. With some snappy songs (including one performed by R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe) and great zingers (one reindeer calls Rudolph an urban legend), it's a fine holiday time for ages 5 and older. --Doug Thomas

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50% liked it

5,595 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 9 min.

Directed by: Steve Moore

Release Date: December 17, 1999

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DVD Release Date: October 14, 2003

Stats: 142 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (142)


  • December 24, 2009
    As many will note, Matt Groening of Simpsons fame had a hand in this delightful animated film. It's about a dog that goes to replace one of Santa's reindeer. The animation is wonderfully simple. Often mixing CGI and traditional animation, creating an almost cut-out look. A wonder...( read more)ful voice cast also bring lifeand joy to proceedings, even if the songs are pretty much misses.
  • December 21, 2006
    Somewhat funny, a decent Christmas movie.
  • January 9, 2010
    A little above average for a Christmas animation, but not good enough to be a Christmas film I look forward to every year, like 'It's a Wonderful Life' or the 'Christmas Carol' with George C. Scott. It's got a little bit of cleverness put into it, though. But I will admit the c...( read more)oncept of a dog going to Santa to replace a reindeer is pretty original. The animation used is also unique and refreshing to most other animations. 6.8/10
  • January 8, 2010
    SUMMARY
    animated flick featuring the voice talents of Drew Barrymore, Edward Asner, Joe Pantoliano, Dan Castellaneta, Jay Mohr, Peter MacNicol and Michael Stipe. directed by Steve Moore.

    when Christmas loving Olive (Barrymore) sees her owner putting away the decorations a...( read more)nd hears him say that "Christmas is over", poor little Olive is heartbroken. but then she overhears a bulletin on the radio... Blitzen has injured himself and won't be able to fly! Santa tells the reporter that hopefully he will still be able to make his Christmas run with "all of the other reindeer", which Olive mistakes for "Olive, the other reindeer". so Olive sets out on a journey to the North Pole to save Christmas.

    MY TAKE
    I watch this one every year. very cute little Christmas flick that leaves you with a good feeling. one that the whole family will enjoy! ♥
  • December 24, 2009
    wow umn just seen this movie 4 the 1st time n think that this is a good movie 2 watch.........its got a good cast of actors/actressess throguhout this movie........i think that the director of this kids/family/animation/comedy movie had done a good job of directing this movie bec...( read more)ause you never know what 2 expect throughout this movie.....i think that this is a really good xmas movie 2 watch its got a good cast thorughout this movie....i think that the animation is really good/clever throughout this movie i think that this is a good xmas movie 2 watch with a good cast in this movie
  • January 25, 2009
    i'm usually not a fan of re-done christmas movies, but i liked this. very interesting.
  • December 25, 2008
    it's cute how they take
  • December 19, 2008
    A cute movie that I wish was animated better. Drew Barrymore is excellent as the title character and the supporting cast are equally good. The songs are not that great but the spirit of the movie is so contagious that it is hard not to fall for this one.
  • December 15, 2008
    12-14-08 --If you can get past the really messed up animation style then this isn't a bad childrens christmas movie.
  • December 10, 2008
    it's good for the kids

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