Movie Review: Jingle All the Way

It is Christmas time, and the countdown has begun. It is time to curl up in the family room and indulge in a little Christmas entertainment. Not only has the countdown begun to the holiday celebration (whichever you may celebrate), the countdown has also begun for those who celebrate Christmas (and even some of those who don’t) to watch all of their favorite Christmas movies.

Jingle All the Way is a relatively new Christmas movie. Unfortunately, they do not make classics as they did in the olden days. However, every once in a while an entertaining Christmas movie is released. For those of us in the Evans household, this is one of them.

This hilarious Christmas comedy stars action star turned Governor Ah-nold Schwarzenegger, Christmas sweetheart Rita Wilson (a.k.a. Mrs. Tom Hanks), the infectiously humorous Sinbad, the equally as funny late Phil Hartman, and Star Wars superstar Jake Lloyd.

Christmas is right around the corner and Jamie Langston (Jake Lloyd) wants “Turbo Man”, the ultimate action hero for Christmas. The only problem is that all the stores are out of the toy. Jamie’s father, Howard (Ah-nold) has not always been there for his son. After one too many screw ups, including promising his wife Liz (Rita Wilson) he will buy the toy, Howard has no other choice but to go out on Christmas Eve and purchase it or face letting his son down.

Unfortunately, Howard must fight off all the other last minute shoppers who are desperate to buy the ultimate toy, “Turbo Man”, for their children. One parent is the crazy, post office employee/parent Myron Larabee (Sinbad) who is so desperate for a “Turbo Man” he will go to any lengths to get one.

Howard’s absence (which is no big surprise to his wife and son) gives Liz and Howard’s Super Dad, Next Door Neighbor, Ted Maltin (Phil Hartman), the opportunity to move in on Liz. He is the shining example of a father, though he only started noticing his kid after he divorced his wife. Of course, he is perfect (though he seems too perfect) now, and his helpful and caring nature is perfectly exhibited in front of his dear neighbor Liz.

Jingle All the Way may not be a classic Christmas movie like Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life. However, seeing Sinbad and Ah-nold fighting over toys is enough to make the movie worth watching. The acting is not bad since the cast is decent. With so many comedic actors in it, you can bet the movie is most likely entertaining. Of course, some people do have different tastes and may not agree.

Jingle All the Way is a reflection of our society as it is today. In this Go, Go, Go world we, as parents, sometimes forget what is important. Jingle All the Way points out the blatant commercialism of Christmas, what this United States has become as a consumer-filled nation, and it also describes the relationships many children have with their busy parents who might not always be there for them like they used to in the past.

With Jingle All the Way in the DVD player, we can actually spend time with our kids as we watch a family friendly comedy everyone will enjoy and reflect upon whether the true meaning is found through the purchase of a toy…or the moments we spend with those in our lives who matter the most.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a light-hearted comedy you can watch with your kids, check out Jingle All the Way. The funny moments are littered throughout the entire movie as the scenes shift from moments at the various stores throughout the city where the movie is set, to the home of Howard and Liz. So, consider adding Jingle All the Way to your Christmas Collection. While it is definitely not Miracle on 34th Street, it does have its appeal as a modern Christmas comedy.

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Written by Dominick Evans - Visit Website
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Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.