Are you looking for a movie to watch this holiday season? If so, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey will be available to stream on Netflix on November 13, 2020 and it’s a must see for families. Because my family loved watching the movie, including my 8 year old son, here are several reasons to watch Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey!
Diaana Babnicova as Young Jessica Jangle and Justin Cornwell as Young Jeronicus Jangle.
Jingle Jangle on Netflix: A Parent Movie Review
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is Netflix’s first live-action musical. It’s about a toy inventor named Jeronicus Jangle (played by Forrest Whitaker) who becomes withdrawn after his apprentice Gustafson (played by Keegan-Michael Key) steals one of his inventions Don Juan (voiced by Ricky Martin). Jeronicus learns to believe in himself and others again and discovers the importance of family in large part because of his granddaughter Journey (played by Madalen Mills). I love musicals and holiday movies, so this was a movie that I was excited to see. Even better, it was a movie that my entire family, including my son, enjoyed. Listed below are the reasons why.
It’s Rated PG
The movie is rated PG which means that overall, it is very kid friendly. There are some thematic moments and peril, but there is not any graphic violence, sexual content or bad language. Instead, characters use words like “imbecile,” “stupid,” and “dumb.”. As for physical violence, one character slaps another character and another character grabs other character’s arm in a threatening way, but that’s the extent of it.
Keegan-Michael Key as Gustafson.
The movie has an amazing soundtrack and choreography.
After my family watched the movie, my son told me that he enjoyed the music a lot. And I definitely agree with him. The movie has a catchy soundtrack including songs like Square Root of Possible and This Day. And because the songs are catchy, you can also expect great choreography to accompany the music. For example, there is a snowball scene that is very impressive! So much that my son told me that it’s one of his favorite scenes in the movie.
Madalen Mills as Journey Jangle and Forest Whitaker as Jeronicus Jangle.
It’s a musical which also includes animation and CGI.
There were scenes that showed some of the characters as toy-like figures and I thought it was very creative. Especially since Jeronicus is a toy inventor. I had the opportunity to interview the writer/director of Jingle Jangle, David E. Talbert, and the producer, Lyn Sisson-Talbert, and asked them more about the movie making process. You can see what they said about the animation and CGI by clicking here.
It has a powerful message.
Jingle Jangle is about believing in yourself and others and being true to yourself. This is a message that will resonate with both adults and kids. Not only that, but girls will especially be inspired by Journey and her mother Jessica who are interested in math and science.
Buddy 3000.
Buddy 3000 is an interactive robot in the movie. My son was glued to the screen every time Buddy 3000 made an appearance. So Buddy 3000 deserves a mention of his own 🙂
The Costume and Set Designs are Both Visually Stunning.
The costumes that the characters wear incorporate different African cultures and they are visually stunning to see on screen. Likewise, the movie takes place in a town called Cobbleton and one of the stores is Jeronicus’ store called Jangles and Things. The storyline of the movie spans over a 30 year period and viewers can see how the town changes over time, from horse-drawn carriages to vehicles.
While Jingle Jangle is a musical, it also has a fantasy element.
I don’t want to ruin the storyline for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, but Jingle Jangle incorporates different genres, including a hint of fantasy and adventure. These were also some of my son’s favorite scenes. As a result, there’s enough to keep kids’ attention to the storyline.
About Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within. From the imagination of writer-director David E. Talbert and featuring original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, and Davy Nathan, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey reminds us of the strength of family and the power of possibility.
Sounds like a good movie to watch.