About I'll Be Home for Christmas

"I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a 1998 American Christmas family comedy film directed by Arlene Sanford. The film follows a college student, Jake Wilkinson, who is in a rush to make it home on time for Christmas to claim a betrothal gift, a classic Porsche. But his travel plans get complicated when he wakes up stranded in the desert with a Santa Claus costume glued to his skin.

Making / Production

Production for the film took place in various locations across Canada, including British Columbia and Ontario. The film was shot under the direction of Arlene Sanford, with Robin French and Michael Allin writing the screenplay.

Actors

• Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Jake Wilkinson - Jonathan brings the character to life with his charm and comedic timing, perfectly encapsulating the desperate college student stranded in a dodgy Santa suit.
• Jessica Biel as Allie - Biel portrays Allie, Jake's girlfriend, with a balance of warmth and strength, making her character a likable and vital part of the journey.
• Adam LaVorgna as Eddie - Adam plays the part of Eddie, Jake's rival in school and love, adding compelling tension to the story.
• Gary Cole as Jake's father - Cole offers a sincere performance as a father eagerly waiting for his son's return home.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was the first movie that Jonathon Taylor Thomas and Jessica Biel both starred in after their time on the TV series "Home Improvement" and "7th Heaven", respectively.
• Although set in Larchmont, New York, the film was actually shot in Vancouver, British Columbia.
• The Santa suit that Jonathan Taylor Thomas wore in the film was glued to his skin, mimicking the predicament of his character.

Quotes

• Jake: "Someday I'd like to be an old man who can look back on his life and say I did it - I lived. I took chances. I made the mistakes, but I was true to myself."
• Allie: "You're missing the point, Jake. The magic of Christmas isn't the presents. It's the presence."

Music, Soundtrack

• "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Bing Crosby - This classic tune features prominently in the film, setting the holiday mood.
• "Jingle Bells" by Sammy Kershaw - This staple Christmas song adds a spark of cheerfulness to the film.