El regalo prometido

Yes, the critics got this one wrong. There are a couple of underlying themes in this movie that are still relevant nearly 30 years later. The blind consumerism around Christmastime is insane.

Jingle All the Way offers plenty of dumb fun that should make your casual moviegoer laugh. A comedy of errors drives the plot, and the pacing is perfect for general audiences. I like the running gag with the same cop.

Online shopping did away with forcing people to live through the horrible experience of shopping in crowded stores, but toy stores are still busy to some extent in 2024. Some of us still like buying Christmas gifts in person.

Millions of consumers can relate to Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Myron Larabee (Sinbad) around the holidays.

Howard becoming Turbo Man at the end was perfect, and the Santa Claus warehouse fight was funny as well. Big Show from WWE plays the giant Santa Claus.

It's pretty much a documentary for your average American who waits until the last second to buy his son a Christmas present.

'Jingle All The Way' is a Christmas story about merchandising and family. A lot of people seemed to really hate this movie, but I did not think it was all that bad. Sure, some of the action and the story was not the best, but I thought it did provoke a lot of laughter. The scenes with Arnie at the warehouse filled with Santas and elves was funny, and it had a good ending with the father becoming the hero after all. It does represent the bad of the holiday season with all the merchandising and the over-emphasis on that one particular toy that kids must get for Christmas, and if they do not receive it, then they are outcasts. Despite its problems, I did find it a funny and worthwhile film.

First of all, let me say I am way easier on Christmas movies than I am general releases. I don't know why. Maybe its that its the time of the year, and all the tinsel dust gets settled into my brain until I am in a stupor...

But this movie is not that bad. If you just look at it as a lighthearted, fun with the family movie, then you will have fun. It does get real, real cheesy at times, but most of the movie is funny and entertaining. That's all you can ask for from a movie. The biggest drawback is Jake Lloyd. I have never liked him as a child actor. You could always tell he is acting, and he always sounds so damn whiney. Heck, behind Jar Jar, Jake Lloyd is the most annoying actor.

Other than that, it is fun. Hey, if it comes on TV, pop some pop corn, grab the kids, and tune in!

Jingle All the Way is far from perfect, but it is fun and worthwhile. The plot tells of an overworked businessman who wants to buy a Turbo Man, the year's hottest toy, for his neglected son. In the title role of Howard Langston, Arnold Schwarznegger acquits himself well, particularly in the action sequences. The soundtrack is awesome, the film is not too bad to look at and the climax is a lot of fun if very far fetched. Sinbad is amusing is Myron, and James Belushi is great as the Crooked Santa. Phil Hartmann(while he has been better) is hilarious as Ted, the phone conversation between him and Howard is a hoot. Rita Wilson does a good job as the mother, and Jake Lloyd is cute as Jamie. The film has some nice messages for kids. While the film is funny in places, the humour is questionable sometimes. The film is also rather short, and perhaps a tad rushed. Also Brian Levant's direction could have done with a harder edge. Still, despite the failings, it is a fun Christmas comedy, that is not really to be taken seriously. I call it a guilty pleasure. 6/10 Bethany Cox

As a fan of Arnold it was hilarious seeing him run through this silly Christmas flick. One liners and all the Terminator is here to cause laughter :D

This is no more no less really, just a funny Arnold flick. There were a few unnecessary bad words but overall the film contains a good message. It may come out as ridiculous at first but look at it. Some things it says are true. Most of us have done the last minute Christmas hunt for a silly plastic toy. The film just shows this in a comical matter. The extreme measures these two men show to get this toy only makes for more fun.

All the actors performances were nothing outstanding but just what you would expect. Considering the content of this film you can't really go anywhere but down acting wise. The actors filled their roles well and their is no one else I would have liked to see more as the father then Schwarzenegger.

The film also shows how some people go all out on Christmas but they fail to get the true meaning of what it is really all about. They fail to teach their kids what really matters, instead appeasing them with insignificant toys and games. The grand Turbo man display in the Christmas parade leaves one thinking, has Christmas got that commercial? I guess I am taking this flick to seriously though, considering how ridiculous it is.

At points the over the top nature of the film, such as Arnold flying in the turbo man suit, left me shaking my head. However it left me laughing hard more then not. Its a good break from all the serious films that always get you down. Lets face it, this kind of silliness is nice sometimes. You can just laugh out load and not worry about all the hidden meanings and such.

I saw the film expecting stupidity and I got a lot of laughs! For a fan of Arnold or anyone looking for a fun laugh I'd suggest you go out and rent or buy this. Appropriate for the kids too!