#47: Josh in "Elliot The Littlest Reindeer" (2018)

Have you ever thought..."dang....I wish I could hear Josh voice a miniature horse that longs to guide Santa's sleigh like a reindeer"...well...that's an oddly specific request, but you would've gotten your wish with the 2018 Canadian film, Elliot The Littlest Reindeer.

Other than The Polar Express, where he was credited for "additional motion capture" versus a voice-over role, this is Josh's first holiday movie.

While this film didn't garnish the most positive of reviews, I really enjoyed this one and appreciated the uniqueness of the plot and dialogue. Additionally, regardless of how this film did, it's still a milestone for Josh: first Christmas movie and first animated movie where he's the lead! (Also, the film has another noteworthy actor in the cast - comedian Martin Short!)

Going back to that unique plot - in this film, Josh voices Elliot, a spunky miniature horse who lives on a farm where he's tasked with keeping the goats in line (not his favorite thing). He dreams of a world where he leaves the farm life for the North Pole and uses his fast skills to their full potential by helping Santa deliver gifts.

In this universe, reindeer compete for a chance...but since Elliot isn't a reindeer...he gets the help of his best friend, Hazel, a goat, to disguise himself as a qualified candidate. Although he ultimately impresses Santa, he ends up denying the opportunity in favor of helping his friends back at the farm, who were in trouble when the farms owner mistakenly sells it to someone nefarious. Thankfully, in a true "happy ending" fashion, Elliot manages to save the farm and still is invited by Santa to be part of the special tradition.

Josh's youthful and upbeat voice works perfectly as Elliot. In this film, the main goal would be to sound believable as a miniature horse...and he does! Josh's vocal work brings an innocence and comfort to the film. His tone is so consistent throughout, in perfect harmony with the character. If I had kids, I would definitely want to show them this movie, anticipating that they'd find it brings the same warm, fuzzy feelings that it brings for me. I loved the clever dialogue, positive message ("If it's important, you'll find a way, and if not, you'll find an excuse").

If you haven't seen this one yet, at the time of this post, it's available for free on Tubi. Enjoy and happy holidays!

Peace and Joshperity,

G