Jingle All The Way (1996)

About Jingle All The Way

Jingle All The Way is a nostalgic holiday-themed film released in 1996. The comedy centers around Harold Langston, a workaholic mattress salesman who forgets to buy his son Jamie's most desired Christmas gift, Turbo-Man. As it is Christmas Eve, Harold ends up in a mad dash through the frenzied shopping crowds to find the action figure, only to get into comedic predicaments.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Brian Levant and written by Randy Kornfield and Chris Columbus. Its production was handled by 1492 Pictures and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The production started in April 1996 and the filming took place in Minnesota for its winter scenes and the Mall of America for the toy store sequences.

Actors

• Arnold Schwarzenegger as Howard Langston: He plays a well-meaning father desperate to fulfill his son’s Christmas wish. Arnold's comedic timing excellently complements the serious undertones of his character's desperation.
• Sinbad as Myron Larabee: Myron is a stressed postal worker who becomes Howard's rival in the search for Turbo-Man. Sinbad's manic energy made Myron such an entertaining character.
• Jake Lloyd as Jamie Langston: Jamie is Howard’s son who desperately wants the Turbo-Man toy. Lloyd’s expressive acting makes Jamie’s longing more poignant.
• Rita Wilson as Liz Langston: Liz is the understanding wife who tolerates Howard's workaholic tendencies. Rita's gentle performance adds a warm touch to the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is inspired by the real-life Christmas shopping frenzy for popular toys such as the Cabbage Patch Kids and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
• The Turbo-Man action figure used in the film later became a real toy, which has now become a collector's item.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger took the role of Howard Langston because he found the script to be relatable, as he himself had experienced difficulties in purchasing a popular toy for his children.

Awards

The movie was not particularly celebrated at awards ceremonies, but it has since become a cult classic and is a much-loved family film during the festive season.

Quotes

• “Put that cookie down, now!” - Howard Langston
• “You are my number one customer.” - Howard Langston
• “He got two! He got two!” – Myron Larabee

Music, Soundtrack

• The score was composed by David Newman, adding to the fun, frantic pace of the film.
• The film features several festive classics including 'Jingle Bell Rock' and 'Sleigh Ride'.
• A soundtrack album was released, featuring both tracks from the film and an array of Christmas songs by various artists.