Jingle All The Way (1996) - Brian Levant

Synopsis:

A father with a knack of letting down his family seeks to get hold of one of the last Turboman Dolls as a present for his son on Christmas day.

Jingle All The Way is one of those films where you can just sit back and relax without having to take it too seriously. I suppose if you go into it thinking it’s going to be anywhere close to cinematically spectacular you’re letting yourself in for quite a shock. I mean come one, it stars Arnnie for crying out loud, what do you expect? But if you allow yourself to watch it with an uncritical mind you can find a lot of enjoyment in it.

That’s not say of course that a lot of enjoyment comes from pointing out its faults, or laughing at the lines Arnie has to read, or even the inconsistencies portrayed on screen. I suppose films like these were more common in the 90’s period of children’s cinema; although I suspect adults of the time were quick to face palm. In this day and age we have a far more distinguished palette, and pick up instantly when something isn’t right. But this isn’t to say we should discard this film and all those like it, but instead revel in its ludicrousness. Enjoy the outrageous and impractical action sequences. Quote Arnie’s amazing dialogue for days after the film has ended. Ironically hate on the annoying spoilt brat child who wants the Turboman in the first place, laugh and mock him for the duration of the film. I can assure you if you do those things you’ll come away from this film feeling all the better for having watched it. 

I suppose initially it’s a family comedy film. No man brings the funny like Arnie but the man who steals the show is the slimy next door neighbour, Ted, played to perfection by the late great Phil Hartman. Surely the filmmakers want us to hate him, but he’s just too damn funny! He’s like an anti-villain. Probably helps that the characters of Troy Mclure and Lionel Hutz resonates through his very being. Sinbad also plays his role nicely. His talkative nature and entertaining ramblings of society’s mistreatment of him make him the perfect rival for Arnie’s character, Howard, to battle against in pursuit of the Turboman doll. 

Overview:

Don’t take this one too seriously, get a couple of mulled wines in you and you’ll have the time of your life. Also I know I mentioned it before but that kid who wants the Turboman really is pain in the backside… like… I really do hate him… but that’s not a bad thing, that’s a good thing.

Rating:
★★★