“I think it’s time for a new story.”
Indeed. It is.
As so many of these feel-good, fuzzy holiday films follow the same cookie cutter formula (here’s looking at you, Halmark Channel and Netflix’s Christmas Prince movies), I typically avoid reviewing any streaming holiday films unless there is something truly noteworthy or innovative.
Also, because how many times can I write “cheesy” or “cliché” without making myself want to vomit?
However, 2020 has blessed us with Netflix’s fantastical new musical, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. This festive film follows Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker), a jaded toy maker who finds a new hope in his bright granddaughter.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a jubilant holiday celebration jam-packed with technical marvels and toe-tapping Broadway-esque sequences, that will surely put a smile on everyone’s faces.
It is sugar-coated, heartwarming and irresistibly charming. You can’t help but fall in love with this Yuletide world.
Is it perfect? No way. Not all of the songs land, and the pacing is slower than other holiday films, which may make it harder for younger kids to focus.
However, it is mixture of classic Christmas themes, inventive modern innovation and effortless inclusion which make Jingle Jangle a stand out in comparison to recent holiday productions.
Representation matters. It is refreshing and magical to see a holiday story with a variety of diverse performers.
Let’s continue on this journey, Netflix.
Final Thoughts: Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a sparkling gem of representation and a delightful holiday film for the whole family.
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