In Jingle Jangle, we follow struggling inventor Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker). Jangle was once the best known inventor in his small town until his apprentice, Gustafson (Keegan-Michael Key), at the behest of Jangle's most prized invention (an evil, arrogant, and annoying Don Juan matador toy voiced by Ricky Martin) ran away with Don Juan and Jangle's book of inventions. With Gustafson now the most famed inventor in the land (along with several other disasters that befell Jangle), Jangle has fallen on very hard times and is about to go out of business. When his granddaughter, Journey (Madeline Mills), comes to stay until Christmas, she discovers the invention that might make Jangle famous and beloved once again. Along with Jangle's young custodian, Edison (Kieron L. Dyer), post lady Ms. Johnston (Lisa Davina Phillip), and Journey's mom/Jangle's daughter Jessica (Anika Noni Rose), maybe Jangle can find a renewed hope and joy once again.
Jingle Jangle has it's work cut out for it. It's the first original Christmas musical we've gotten in a long, long time (if that's not enough to excite you, I don't know what is). The story itself works for both kids and adults, with endearing and poignant messages for both (plus the cast is mostly people of color). There are some parts that feel a little silly, but right when I'd be ready to take some notches off, a hard-hitting emotional moment or thrilling song-and-dance number would be right around the corner. All our actors do great jobs. Whitaker proves he has some serious vocal talent, and while he does mumble his way through the first act or two, he's able to bring some serious emotion to the role. Madeline Mills is a delight as Journey, who excels at singing, acting and dancing. She manages to light up the screen whenever she is on. Keegan-Michael Key gets to have a lot of fun with his likable, misguided villain. This is easily one of his better roles of late.
It's not easy to create an original musical, but Jingle Jangle does so almost effortlessly. The songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and Michael Diskint are almost all memorable and great. The choreography by Ashley Wallen is superb as well. Under the hands of costume designer Michael Wilkinson, the entire cast (including the extras and ensemble) look sharp and impeccably dressed. David E. Talbert writes and directs, and he excels at each.
The only real gripe I have is that the villains don't pose as much of a threat as they should, and when they do try to get in the way they are fairly easily defeated. The film is also a little on the long side, running at around 1 hour 53 minutes. Luckily, it never drags and moves at a satisfying pace.
It's hard not to walk into Jingle Jangle expecting the worst, after all, creating an original musical is hard...let alone one that is themed around the Christmas holiday. Luckily, it does most things right. The songs are great, the dancing is electrifying, the set design is gorgeous, the story is heartfelt and poignant , and the characters are all likable (even our main villain). It shows that, while 2020 has been a terrible year, it has not been without its gifts. In the end, Jingle Jangle is a rarity in that not only is it a great original Christmas musical...it also just might become a new holiday classic.
4 STARS
