Written by Fadeke Banjo
Photo credit [Netflix]
Jingle Jangle- A Christmas Journey Directed David E. Talbert, Family, Fantasy, Musical PG 2h 2m.
Jingle Jangle- A Christmas Journey appears not to be the typical traditional Christmas movie. However, the film still meets the magical experience and the feel-good message you will expect a Christmas movie to have. (watch the movie trailer below) :
Official Trailer of 'Jingle Jangle, A Christmas Journey,' Netflix, YouTube.
Jingle Jangle is a Christmas film directed and written by David E. Talbert. David’s previous works include the movie Almost Christmas and First Sunday. The 2 hours long film aired on Netflix on the 13th of November. Starring well-known actors, including award-winning actor Forest Whitaker who played the leading role in the film as Jeronicus Jangle, the Victorian inventor and toymaker. 80’s American Tv mum Phylicia Rashad played the role of 'Grandma Journey' and narrator in the movie, actor Keegan-Michael Key (known for his characters in the comedy skit series 'Key and Peele') played the Villain Gustafson, newcomer actor Madalen Mills made her debut in this film as the character Journey, and Notting Hill actor Hugh Booneville played the character Mr. Delacroix, along with actor Anika Noni Rose who played the role of Jeronicus' daughter Jessica and mother of Journey.
Jingle Jangle is set in the lively town called Cobbleton, tells the story of the legendary toymaker and inventor Jeronicus Jangle; it seems he has it all, the adoration of customers coming into his magical store to see his latest inventions and the love and support he receives from his wife and daughter, nothing could spoil this perfect picture, right? Well, not until his once-loyal apprentice Gustafson (played by actors Miles Barrow who plays young Gustafson, and Keegan-Michael Key, who plays older Gustafson in the film) steals his latest toy, the animated Spanish bullfighter named Don Juan Diego (voiced by Ricky Martin).
Unfortunately, he also steals Jeronicus’ invention book, full of all his extraordinary inventions and making a fortune. It is up to Jeronicus’ enthusiastic and smart granddaughter Journey (played by Madalen Mills) to reunite the broken relationship between her grandad and her mother Jessica Jangle, played by Anika Noni Rose (the voice behind the first black Disney princess Tina from Princess and the frog), and bring back the spark her grandfather once had for creating toys by reminding him through a forgotten toy named Buddy that “anything is possible if you just believe.”
Photo credit: Netflix, actors Madalen Mills on the left and Forrest Whittaker on the right.
Custome design
Photo credit: Imdb.com, Netflix, Actors, Anika Noni Rose, and Madalen Mills, in Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020).
Let us talk about the incredible costume design by Michael Wilkinson for this film, Sydney-born costume designer Wilkson, who is best known for his costume design for the movie American Hustle. Accomplished something that has never been done in a Christmas movie (let alone one being set in the Victorian era). Although staying true with the Victorian style attire, Wilkinson incorporated African-inspired prints and patterns and used vibrant colors including mustard yellow, blue, royal purple, and red on both the dresses and suits are worn by the main characters, the extras, and dancers within this film.
This was a first to see, especially in a Christmas film set in the Victorian era. Although this may not be historically accurate for experts, this film, after all, is set in a fantasy town where anything is possible.
The African-inspired theme did not just stop at the costume design. The film also featured a scene with an Afro-beat song/remix by Ghanaian artist Bisa Kdei during an epic dance-off between the character Journey and her grandad Jeronicus. The scene starts as a snow fight between the granddaughter and grandfather duo, then suddenly, we hear an afro-beat song come on. Journey and a group of kids behind her were on one side, and Jeronicus was on the other side with some kids as they battled against each other during this epic dance-off. What made this scene amusing was seeing the usual serious actor Forest Whitaker (who played Jeronicus in this film) break into dance and have a little fun.
Video credit: Netflix Film Club. YouTube. ' Jingle Jangle's Best Dances| Netflix. 0.50 seconds into this dance video complication is the Afro-beat dance scene.
Black natural hair representation in the film.
The film also showcased the versatility of black women’s natural hair being worn so beautifully by the black female characters and some female dancers. Black girls with their natural hair can finally see themselves represented in a film that embraces it, despite not being the film's primary focus.
Photo credit: Imdb.com, Netflix, Actors: Sharon Rose and Diaana Babnicova, in Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.
Final thoughts
Overall, the film was yet another feel-good Christmas movie with teachable moments that younger audiences and adults could learn from. The film also cleverly incorporated both CGI animation and stop-motion animation, similar to the Disney movie Caroline in narrating this Christmas story. However, despite being an all-around great Christmas movie, some things slightly let the film down. One being the character Ms. Johnston, played by actor Lisa Davina Phillip. From the start of the film, you may find yourself getting a bit annoyed with how forward Ms. Johnson is with her failed attempts of flirting with Jeronicus, who ignores her hits nearly half of the time during the film. However, you strangely warm up to Ms. Johnson's character towards the movie's end. Therefore, I would rate the movie a 6.5/10.