Black and Magical
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a colorful, catchy, touching film.
David E. Talbert wrote and directed this new musical which transports us to the mythical village of Cobelton. There we meet a brilliant but down-on-his-luck toymaker, Jeronicus Jangle, (played by Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker), who is betrayed by his assistant Gustafson (wickedly played by Keegan-Michael Key). Through the inspiration and unflinching faith of his granddaughter Journey (played by 11-year-old Madalen Mills), Jangle is able to tap into the power and magic within himself to overcome his grief and loss.
Talbert, a highly successful and prolific playwright whose filmmaking credits include Baggage Claim and Almost Christmas, envisioned Jingle Jangle for the stage nearly twenty years ago. This year it made its way to film, retaining the best of its theatrical roots while making solid use of the magic of cinema.
The film is an impressively staged steampunk fantasy with elements of The Princess Bride, The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol, and even Wall-E, but with with way more people of color and its own signature look and sound.
Jingle Jangle is fabulously choreographed by Ashley Wallen. The rousing, Broadway-caliber “This Day;” the toe-tapping, awesomely staged “Magic Man G;” the soaring “Square Root of Possible,” and John Legend’s R&B-infused “Make It Work” (with exceptional vocals by “Dreamgirls” alumnus Rose) are among the many standouts.
Some of the movie’s visual appeal stems from the fabulous Afro-Victorian costumes created by Michael Wilkinson, who deftly crafts colorful victorian-inspired costumes with fabrics from a range of African cultures and countries. Plus, hair and makeup designer Sharon Martin provided gorgeous and innovative all-natural Afro styling.
Jingle Jangle is chock full of holiday cheer, imagination, ingenuity, forgiveness, and love. This is the kind of film that will have your kids saying, “Let’s watch it AGAIN” as soon as it ends. And you’ll be OK with that, because you loved it too. Be sure to make it a part of your celebrations this year. You won’t regret it.
