Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer - Chris Vachris

Recently, I watched the 2000 Christmas Special, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, in lieu of the 17 year anniversary of it's release on the 31st of October. The special is a dramatization of the famous 1979 Christmas song of the same name by singers Elmo and Patsy. The song is obviously expanded to give the special a decent run-time, clocking in at just under an hour.

Objectively, I would not recommend watching this movie whatsoever. The pacing is out of sync, the story is on a linear track, and the characters are overall uninteresting. Cousin Mel is too evil for her own good, Jake can come off as whiny at times, and really the only slightly enjoyable character is Grandpa. I will admit the new songs that interject certain parts of the story are creative and keep you watching but otherwise there is little meat to this Christmas tale.

Subjectively, I absolutely love this Christmas special. To me, this special is in a class with Jingle All the Way. I will admit the special is not well put together at all from an objective point but subjectively that makes it all the more watchable. So bad it's good is sometimes the best kind of film. The song sets the plot for the special so the audience won't really be surprised by much but there are little bits here and there that can brighten one's days. The musical numbers are probably my favorite part from Grandma's killer fruitcake to Grandma's Spending Christmas with the Superstars. These songs are fun and creative and I can almost guarantee that if you watch the special more than once the words will be stuck in your head for life. Grandpa is probably my favorite character here. His constant ignorance to what's going on around him provides constant humor and his musical number is one of the best in the film. One pays attention when Grandpa enters the scene. 

Overall, this movie is something you'll watch at first as a joke, but will soon become one of your favorite specials to watch around Christmas.