Jingle Jangle directed by David E. Talbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a lovely Christmas movie to add to our list to watch every year! I cried happy tears at the end of this movie. It had the right amount of pacing and humor and love in it. And it wasn’t really relying on past Christmas movies, but stood on its own as a special story of believing in yourself, forgiving yourself and others, and embracing true love (not necessarily romantic love, though).

It gave me serious “Greatest Showman” vibes during the beginning song and dance, especially. Jeronicus Jangle is a toy inventor who is widely known and loved. But one day, his assistant, along with one of his toy creations, steals his book of inventions, leaving him destitute. Soon after, his wife dies and his daughter is estranged, and his magical toy shop is reduced to an unprofitable pawn shop. But when his granddaughter appears just before Christmas, his life is turned upside down and he finds that what was once lost might be redeemed.

The only, smallest, issues I had was in two of the actors in a few scenes. Jeronicus is played by Justin Cornwell at the beginning, and is optimistic and flamboyant, full of energy. Forest Whitaker plays the older version as he becomes less sure of himself, but towards the end, when the magic comes back, I didn’t feel like Whittaker brought that same original energy. And at the very end, no spoilers, when Phylicia Rashad’s character is headed to the factory, I think she seemed a little nervous with the stunt she had to do, but really, none of this took away from the story.

I absolutely adored Buddy and Journey who were my favorite characters. Madalen Mills was perfect for this role and had the right amount of spunk and curiosity. If you haven’t seen this yet, you must. The music is fun. It’s not too scary. And it definitely put some magic into the season this year, which was really needed.

No profanity. There are some suggestive remarks from Ms. Johnston (who is an absolute treasure), but no sexual content other than that. Violence includes a fire that characters escape from, and some chases, but nothing gory or graphic.