Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a musical family holiday film about a once great toy maker Jeronicus Jangle(Forest Whitaker) who's brought low by the theft of his ideas by former protege Gustafson(Keegan-Michael Key) and the untimely death of his wife. But when his granddaughter Journey(Madalen Mills) comes to visit him before Christmas a spark is reignited.
Whitaker gives a wonderfully odd performance, full of heart, delight, and cantankerous charm with an accent choice which is bizarre but playful and effective. Key is rather ineffectual as the "villain" but he convey's enough mustache-twirling glee to entertain. A lot is up to Mill's wide-eyed and determined optimism and she delivers. The supporting players are all perfectly cast and the precarious steam-punk meets old school family musical tone is pitched just right for both a holiday message and maximum enjoyment.
The soundtrack is excellent and catchy, the musical numbers lavish and exuberant. The Victorian costuming and set design are dazzling and transportive. The film is adventurous enough, fantastic enough to feel different and unique, but the feel of it- the plot and the themes are familiar enough to warm the heart. Perhaps too saccharine for the jaded but sure to please for any family.
A joyful, visually rich, contemporary fairytale. A modern holiday movie with one foot in the past nodding to classic stories with a modern look and pulse.
Currently streaming on Netflix.
See It.
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