Jingle All the Way

Here’s a Christmas film admittedly known for dividing audiences. While its somewhat bizarre tone and over-the-top slapstick humor earned many bad reviews, it proved a box office success and remains a guilty pleasure holiday favorite for some, particularly those who lived through toy crazes like 1996’s Tickle Me Elmo shopping frenzy.

Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a workaholic father who has missed one too many of his son’s special moments. Hoping to make it up to him, Howard promises to get his son the year’s hottest action figure, Turbo Man, for Christmas. Unfortunately, like many parents, Howard has waited until Christmas Eve to start shopping, not realizing that the toy is virtually impossible to find.

What follows is a frantic race across the city as Howard desperately tries to track down a Turbo Man doll, competing with other last-minute shoppers including a manic postal worker. His quest leads him through chaotic shopping malls, a shady Santa’s warehouse operation, and eventually a Christmas parade where the competition between Howard and the postman reaches ridiculous new heights.

While the film’s slapstick comedy and over-the-top scenes might not appeal to all viewers, its satirical take on holiday consumerism may serve as a reminder to not let the potential craziness of the season ruin its magic or meaning. Rated PG, the movie includes some cartoon-style violence, crude humor, and mild language.

Runtime: 1 hours, 29 minutes
Rated PG
USCCB Rating: A-II
IMDb Parents Guide
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