Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a Christmas musical fantasy film written and directed by David E. Talbert. I was a little reluctant to see this movie because it appeared to be a children’s film. I was correct — albeit a children’s film, it was an exceptional children’s film.
An eccentric toymaker named Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) and his adventurous granddaughter Journey (Madalen Mills), construct a magical invention in this imaginary world which, if they can get it to work in time for the holidays, could change Jeronicus and his family’s lives forever.
Jeronicus employs an apprentice named Gustafson (Keegan-Michael Key) who betrays the toymaker along with a new toy called Don Juan Diego (voice: Ricky Martin), causing Jeronicus to lose his ability to believe in himself and to also mistrust anyone who comes into his presence, for years to come. Meanwhile, a magical invention called Buddy 3000 (voice: David E. Talbert) has the power to change all their lives.
I found Jingle Jangle to be a little slow but interesting. Forest Whitaker, Lisa Davina Phillip (who plays Ms. Johnston), and Madalen Mills’ talents are unending and brilliant. I had no idea Forest could sing, he held his own and delivered a top-notch performance. The musical numbers were “music to my ears”, as I loved the words and the melodies. The style of dancing didn’t match the time period but was the “creme de la creme” anyway, which brought some humor into the production. I also loved the fashionable costumes. The designs and colors were fabulous. So far, IMDB has rated Jingle Jangle 6.9 out of 10. Parts of this production reminded me of Hamilton but is no real comparison. The film was released on Netflix, November 13, 2020, Check It Out!
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