“Jingle All the Way,” released by Fox Home Entertainment, is filled with dumb, slapstick humor. I loved it.
The movie is also packed with ridiculous situations, and unlikely circumstances but if you can suspend disbelief — I could, with no problems — I think you will really enjoy this seasonal treat.
It’s a movie that ends with the traditional happy ending — good feelings all-around — that fits well into the theme of the season even though it stretches the suspender’s belief.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is not what I would call a terrific actor, but he usually does well in the light comedies and his performance here is a pleasant, kid-friendly turn with lots of slapstick with Schwarzenegger running around, tripping over objects, hitting his head and growling like only he can. It’s all predictable. But then adults are not the target audience.
In my opinion, “Jingle All the Way” is a good Christmas movie. It demonstrates the absurdities of contemporary shopping and Christmas gift-giving. It’s a great parody of Christmas commercialism.
Tickle Me Elmo, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Cabbage Patch Kids were all driven by hype similar to that shown for Turbo Man — with Tickle Me Elmo reportedly fetching thousands of dollars on e-Bay.
This release reinforces the concept that the season is all about presents and the insanity that goes into the buildup. Regardless of whether you view Christmas as a religious celebration of birth or a day to spend with family, I think “Jingle All the Way” should be as much a part of the Christmas TV experience as “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “White Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol.” But remember, it’s not supposed to be “It’s A Wonderful Life,” or any of the others, it’s just supposed to be funny, and in my opinion, it is.
“Jingle All the Way” has been added to my Christmas watch list along with those time-honored classics mentioned above.
Yes, I have to admit, “Jingle All the Way” is full of bad acting and ridiculous situations, but hey, it’s a holiday comedy, and a good one, in my opinion. And for those who are really into Christmas shopping and have been on that search for the elusive “must-have toy of the year,” it touches a nerve and a memory of frustration.
The last scenes have Schwarzenegger swooping and rocketing about the city skyline dressed as Turbo Man — including a fully functional JATO (Jet Assisted Take Off) backpack — trying to rescue his son from the clutches of a postal worker who has promised his son a Turbo Man action figure, too.
At the end of 80 minutes you are left with a warm feeling, safe in the knowledge that everybody experiences the hectic build up to Christmas but that it all comes together for the big day.
By the way, if you do want to see this, it might be a good idea to get it soon. There is a case pending before the Supreme Court alleging copywrite infringement on the part of Fox. If Fox loses, they may recall all the movies that have been distributed.
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman, Rita Wilson, Robert Conrad, Jake Lloyd, James Belushi, Danny Woodburn, E.J. de la Pena, Martin Mull, Harvey Korman, Laraine Newman, Justin Chapman, Richard Moll, Charles Moll, Daniel Riordan, Jeff L. Deist, and Nada Despotovich
“Jingle All the Way”
Rating: (*** 1/2 out of *****)
Synopsis: (Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment) After promising his son the best present ever, a harried father joins a mad parent dash for the hottest Christmas toy of the season: the Turbo Man action figure. “Jingle All the Way” is an unwitting commentary on Yuletide commercialism.
Uh oh! It's Christmas Eve, and Howard Langston has just realized that he's forgotten to buy his son "Turbo Man," the hottest, coolest action figure on the market. The problem is, the coveted toy has been sold out of stores for weeks! Howard's search for a Turbo Man sends him on a very frenzied odyssey throughout the city, filled with enough misadventures to drive even the most grounded parent insane. Furthermore, Howard's main competitor for the plaything is Myron, an obnoxious postal worker who gleefully antagonizes Howard every step of the way. Can Howard defy the odds and find a Turbo Man in time?
Runtime: 88 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
DVD extras
• Theatrical trailer
• A cast bio of three cast members
