Jingle all the Way - A Movie Review

You waited until Christmas Eve to do shopping?

Released to theaters in 1996, Jingle all the Way is about a father who promises his son that he’ll get him a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas. Only, it’s Christmas Eve. Running to every store he can find, Howard has to take extremes if he’s going to get this toy.

This film is a prime example of why you should never wait to do holiday shopping before Christmas Eve. I watched Jingle all the Way for the first time last year. Jingle all the Way is the comedy that we need during the holidays. It’s a funny and relatable story. However, there are some issues with the story and its characters.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the best part of the film. This film was definitely a step out of his usual typecast sci-fi roles. His over-the-top reactions give this film its charm. Doing everything in his way to get his son his favorite toy, this chaotic day is one for the books.

Jingle all the Way includes a memorable cast of actors. That’s where I have a mixed bag. Depending on the direction they received, I wasn’t fond of the character choices.

Before his big role as Anakin in Star Wars, Jake Lloyd appears as Jamie, Howard’s son. I’m not fond of Liz (Rita Wilson). While Howard tends to be absent-minded, he still tries to be a good dad. She gave him the cold shoulder even when he succeeds.

Whether you like him or you’re heavily annoyed by him, Sinbad improvised most of his dialogue as the brash mailman, Myron. His adlibs caused Schwarzenegger to improvise most of his responses.

Based on his sleazy behavior towards women, Ted’s (Phil Hartman) role would not work today. There were some funny moments, but I wouldn't say I like the character. Ted attempts on several occasions to flirt with Rita, a married woman. Hartman’s role deserved better.

Most of the ensemble had to trample all over each other, fighting for toys in the frantic toy scenes. You could say they’ve all had relatable stories in this field. From most of the Christmas films I’ve seen, Jingle all the Way is very realistic.

Most of the filming took place in retail businesses, like Bloomingdales. At the time, Jingle all the Way was the largest film production to ever take place in Minnesota.

Jingle all the Way is a simple premise. But it overloads itself with too much comedy. Eventually, it derails into too much chaos. It could have been a thirty-minute film. My favorite scenes were all the chaotic shopping scenes. I would have been happy if the film took place in the stores the whole time.

Obvious filler was created like Ted fighting with all the Santas, the radio competition, and the parade in the climax. The climax is the most far-fetched of all. The humor is forced by the end using a run-on of jokes. It still has a decent ending.

Jingle all the Way is not a perfect film but with Brian Levant’s direction, it’s a comedic ride for all the enjoy. Schwarzenegger comments that he enjoyed working on this film. My advice (and from Schwarzenegger, too) is don’t take this film seriously. Aside from getting your holiday shopping done before Christmas, that’s the #1 rule.

Jingle all the Way is a film I’d like to rewatch every holiday season. For anyone in search of a new Christmas film, put Jingle all the Way on your list. It’ll put you right in the holiday mood.