Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire - Not Your Typical Christmas Movie

Last year while flipping through the channels at my husband's aunt's house, we came across an offbeat Christmas story. It was the story of Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire. We loved this show so much that it has joined our list of must see Christmas movies.

Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire is a claymation made in the United Kingdom. It has a fantastic crew of animators including some that worked on the movie Chicken Run. The claymation in this film is outstanding. They have really made this story come to life and even thrown in a little humor (such as Mrs. Claus having a mustache and beard). Robbie the Reindeer took two years to come to life, but it's not your average Christmas tale.

The English version of this story stars Ben Stiller as Robbie and Britney Spears as Donner. Also, you have the talent of Brad Garrett, James Belushi, and Hugh Grant (as Blitzen). This all star cast brings together the hilarious tale of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer's son.

Now, this story may not be appropriate for young children. Some of the things in it are a tad risqué. And there is a scene where one of the reindeer is taking steroids. But, it is a great way for moms and dads to kick back, relax and become a kid again.

The story of Robbie The Reindeer: Hooves of Fire begins with Robbie arriving at the log cabin of Santa's reindeers. There he meets Blitzen, the head of the reindeer team, and all the other reindeer. Robbie has been sent by his father, Rudolph, to learn responsibility. His nose, like his father, is his greatest asset. While Rudolph's nose was bright, Robbie's nose can navigate. That's right, it can show you where anything is.

What Robbie doesn't know is that Blitzen is still very jealous of his father. You see, while Blitzen has spent many years being the head of the reindeer team, Rudolph had overshadowed him. He was still holding a grudge that Rudolph had saved the day that foggy Christmas. Now Blitzen vowed to take out his revenge on Robbie.

Now, Robbie was your typical party guy. He liked all the junk food, dancing, and beautiful women (namely Vixen). He definitely wasn't the athletic type. Blitzen, being a seasoned veteran, knew that Rodney would never make Santa's team if he wasn't in shape. So, Blitzen let Robbie the Reindeer party hard.

One night Santa invited all the reindeer over to his house for a party and the unveiling of the new sleigh. This baby has everything! A kicking stereo system, an automatic ash tray, and a navigation system. When Robbie expresses concern over the navigation system, Santa tells him not to worry. Santa is sure that Robbie will make the team because he is has to be in tip top shape, just like his father.

Robbie, under the pressure to live up to his father, runs away. He tries to become an elf, but can't seem to do this well either. Then one day Donner (who, by the way, has eyes for Robbie) comes to the elf shop and talks Robbie into getting Old Jingle to help him train for the Reindeer games.

Robbie agrees and goes to Old Jingle and starts to train. Old Jingle helps whip Robbie into the best shape of his life! As Robbie is preparing to compete against Blitzen, he finds out that Old Jingle has become trapped under his house. It's up to Robbie to save Old Jingle. So, Robbie leaves the stadium, knowing he is throwing away his only chance at riding on Santa's sleigh.

After Robbie saves Old Jingle, he takes off to try and run the race. It comes down to the wire and Blitzen barely beats Robbie. While Robbie is disappointed, he has something else on his mind. Robbie has fallen in love with Donner. And Donner is in love with him. In this state of euphoria, Robbie starts to break all the records for all the reindeer games.

Meanwhile, Blitzen is arrested for using illegal steroids. This makes Robbie the head of the sleigh team. To show his appreciation, Santa gives Robbie the keys to the new sleigh. Robbie and Donner take the sleigh for a romantic evening on the moon.

There is also a sequel to Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire called Robbie the Reindeer: Legend of the Lost Tribe. If you rent the DVD, you will get both episodes. While the second one is cute, but not nearly as funny as the original.