‘Jingle All the Way’ - Review

With each year, December inevitably arrives, bringing with it the winter festivities we all hold near and dear—whether it's sipping eggnog by the fire, spending time with loved ones, or indulging in those questionable Christmas movies we can’t help but love. It's a time we all know well. Among the endless holiday films, one stands out as a personal favorite of mine—a movie some may call a guilty pleasure, but not me. A red-and-green gem that never fails to deliver laughs, tears, and a sharp statement on the consumer-driven gift economy: Jingle All the Way.

Before we dive in, let me make one thing clear: this '90s masterpiece is, genuinely and unironically, peak cinema. Jingle All the Way is a chaotic blend of humor, touching moments, and just enough winter magic to cement its place as an iconic popcorn classic. Sure, it has its “flaws”—comically awful parenting, bizarre casting, and a tone that teeters between absurdity and elusive moral lessons—but these criticisms should be forgiven and forgotten. To dismiss director Brian Levant’s inventive flair is to miss the point entirely. If you scoff at this miraculous film, then, quite frankly, you’re a Grinch; a lost soul forsaken by time. Your sins are witnessed.

“Hey, Rudolph, can I buy you another round?”

Randy Kornfield’s screenplay leaves no joke untouched. Each scene serves a clear purpose: either marking a small step forward for Howard as he inches closer to obtaining a Turbo Man doll or showcasing his ignorant hubris spiraling into a festive frenzy. From pure physical comedy to outright lawbreaking, Howard’s journey is a rollercoaster of misfortune that escalates into full, unfiltered madness. The film masterfully blends humor, emotional depth, and holiday cheer into a hilarious, heartwarming concoction. With witty dialogue, clever setups, and plenty of heart and soul, this movie proves to be more than your average cinematic Christmas cash grab.

Jingle All the Way launches with a scene straight out of the Turbo Man cinematic universe, instantly establishing the iconic status of this fictional franchise. Howard, a dedicated workaholic, has forgotten the one gift his son Jamie wants for Christmas: a Turbo Man action figure. Now, he must embark on a desperate quest to find the season’s hottest toy on Christmas Eve in an era predating online shopping. After one disastrous attempt after another, the film builds to a delightfully absurd crescendo. Despite his best efforts, Howard finds himself Turbo Man-less and on the verge of losing his wife, his son, and his dignity. Yet, through a divine stroke of fate, it all culminates in one of the most hilariously nonsensical finales in Christmas movie history.

“Ta-ta, Turtle Man”

Howard vs. Sinbad—the friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-enemies dynamic between these two desperate fathers bounces back and forth throughout the narrative, culminating in a brilliantly outrageous showdown. Equal parts thrilling and absurd, it fills me with joyous awe every time. As the cartoonish action fades, the stakes soar: lives are suddenly at risk, and Liz assumes her husband is off gallivanting who-knows-where. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say Howard saves the day, earning his family’s love, trust, and ultimate forgiveness. It’s the sentimental, family-bonding finale this holiday gem so richly deserves.

On top of its commanding story, the cast delivers some of their most memorable performances—not just the leads but the supporting actors and extras as well. The cameos alone deserve applause, with Chris Parnell, Yeardley Smith, Martin Mull, and even Verne Troyer all making brief appearances. Then there’s the Bad Santa duo, Jim Belushi and Danny Woodburn, who exude sleaze with ease. And of course, the late, great Phil Hartman shines as Ted—Howard’s lovable yet manipulative nemesis. He oozes irresistible charm despite being such a slimy neighbor. Sinbad, as Myron the mailman, delivers his career-best performance, blending ad-libbed pop-culture riffs with the perfect counterbalance to Arnold’s straight-faced desperation. Rita Wilson grounds the insanity with a much-needed air of composure as Howard’s steadfast wife.

“How about these stupid letters from kids to Santa at the North Pole, ‘Dear Santa, can you send me a bike and a slinky?’ No! Your father’s been laid off!”

And, of course, the man of the hour: Arnold Schwarzenegger. While he’s best known for his muscles and one-liners, it’s his unique blend of charisma and vulnerability in Jingle All the Way that truly elevates the film. It’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling off the manic, desperate dad role with such conviction, and his portrayal of Howard keeps the film grounded amidst the chaos. Honestly, I don’t think this movie would be nearly as memorable without him. There’s something about Arnold that perfectly captures the essence of the '90s idiotic father figure.

As for Jake Lloyd, he holds his own as Jamie, delivering the wide-eyed innocence of a child whose entire Christmas hinges on the season’s hottest toy. The backlash against his performance is not only unnecessary but also disheartening. Lloyd perfectly nailed the role of the quintessential '90s kid—his portrayal is spot-on for both the character and the film’s tone.

"Now, bring us some figgy pudding, now, bring us some figgy pudding, now, bring us some figgy pudding..."

The soundtrack deserves its own round of applause, blending classic Christmas hits like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Sleigh Ride” with delightful deep cuts such as “O Tannenbaum”. These tunes elevate the festive atmosphere, providing a contrasting backdrop to the insane antics unfolding in toy stores across Minneapolis. James Belushi’s surprisingly touching rendition of 'The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot'—which was tragically cut from the theatrical version—remains an unexpected gem. While these seasonal classics set the cheery tone, it’s Howard’s desperate pursuit of the perfect gift that adds emotional depth to the film, setting it above the usual holiday fare.

This wild tale is packed with twists, turns, and plenty of ups and downs as Howard endures one misadventure after another in his relentless quest to secure the elusive Turbo Man doll for Jamie. Along the way, he makes a few friends, earns plenty of enemies, and constantly finds himself at odds with the universe. The sight of Howard frantically running around town, with the Turbo Man doll metaphorically dangling just out of reach, is both hilarious and oddly poignant—capturing the essence of shopping for those big-ticket items in the '90s. Misunderstandings abound, feelings get hurt, and cars get towed. Yet, through it all, Howard’s determination remains unwavering—he never gives up, not even once. It’s essentially a live-action Looney Tunes escapade starring Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, and a young Anakin Skywalker.

"You can't bench-press your way out of this one."

Now that we’ve discussed the film at length, let’s address a criticism I’ve heard countless times: the claim that Howard is a bad dad. I vehemently disagree with this notion. Put yourself in Howard’s shoes for a moment. He’s a hard-working father—and a great one at that. It’s clear within the first 15 minutes of the movie when he tells his son Jamie that he loves him and literally lifts him into his arms! If that’s not the cornerstone of a strong father-son relationship, I don’t know what is.

“It’s like Turbo-Man says, ‘Always keep your promises if you want to keep your friends.’”

Sure, Howard skips most of Christmas Eve to track down the hottest toy for Jamie. And yes, he forgot to buy it weeks earlier—but who hasn’t procrastinated on their holiday shopping? His mistakes are relatable, showing how imperfect yet well-meaning a loving parent can be. He may not be perfect, but that’s exactly what makes his journey feel authentic amid the ludicrous insanity. The film takes you through the gauntlet of obstacles Howard faces, and while his methods may seem questionable, his sacrifices highlight the depth of his love for his son. If you can’t feel the rich soul within Howard, you’re a lost cause and should feel ashamed of yourself. Honestly, if I found myself in his situation—which, if I’m being candid, I very likely would—we’d probably share a strikingly similar experience.

On the surface, Jingle All the Way might seem like slapstick nonsense, but if you pay close attention, you'll uncover the heart of the story—a tale of passion, love, and perseverance. Howard is juggling the overwhelming demands of Christmas, his wife’s understandable frustration, and his never-ending duties as a father. Meanwhile, Myron is out there committing felonies and acts of terrorism, all just to keep up.

Now let’s compare Howard with the other two father figures in the film, Myron and Ted. Howard is far from perfect, but when you stack him up against these two, he’s the most honorable and respectable father of the trio. Myron is a lunatic, going out of his way to sabotage Howard’s chances, driven by his own insecurities. He desperately craves Howard’s friendship, but after each rejection, he retaliates with violence. His actions—ranging from bomb threats to blatant criminal activity—show just how far Howard’s flawed, but loving nature stands apart from Sinbad’s reckless behavior.

"Maybe your parents should get a divorce. Did wonders for my dad!"

As for Ted, it’s easy to believe that being a single dad makes it easier to be a loving father. Ted had the foresight to obtain a Turbo Man action figure months earlier, but I’d argue that his relationship status provides a far more lavish lifestyle than Howard’s. Johnny, Ted’s beloved son, even suggests that Jamie’s parents should get a divorce, sparking one of the film's most emotionally charged moments. And, of course, Ted is clearly sleeping around with all the mothers in the neighborhood, preying on those whose husbands simply don’t have as much free time as a divorcee.

Howard may be forgetful, bumbling, and even a bit of an idiot, but at least he’s not out there wreaking havoc by making bomb threats or flaunting infidelity around town. Sure, some of his actions are questionable—he contemplates stealing his neighbor’s present, berates a young child, and neglects his family during the holidays—but he does it all for his son. If I were Jamie, my brain would’ve imploded after Turbo Man not only handed me a limited-edition action figure, but also saved my life, only to then reveal himself as my dad.

“It’s Turbo Time”

By the end, Howard’s undeniable love for Jamie defies all obstacles. He doesn’t just find himself in the right place at the right time—he becomes Turbo Man. Howard doesn’t simply deliver the most coveted toy of the season to his son; he transforms into the embodiment of what it means to be a father. This act transcends the material meaning of gift-giving; it becomes a profound symbol of Howard’s evolution from a well-meaning but bumbling dad to the very hero his son had been longing for. The film isn’t telling us that it's about finding the best toy—it’s about a parent's unshakable love, the sacrifices they make, and the lengths they'll go to in the name of family. All is forgiven, and everyone lives happily ever after.

“If you're willing to go through all of that for him just for a present, well, that makes me wonder… What did you get me?”

***In the theatrical version, the film ends on a high note, offering a heartwarming conclusion that wraps up Howard’s tireless efforts. However, the extended cut introduces one final, cleverly executed twist of karmic fate. After the chaos of securing Jamie’s gift and narrowly saving the day, we discover that Howard not only forgot his wife’s present—but his son’s as well. This revelation sends Howard back to square one, delivering the biggest setback after his well-deserved and hard-fought victory. Do yourself a favor and make sure you’re watching the extended cut, which includes other essential scenes and cameos that enrich the humor and heart of the film, deepening the overall viewing experience.