Jingle All the Way
Tags: comic

Plot synopsis:
Howard Langston is a workaholic mattress salesman with no time for his wife, Liz, and his 9-year-old son, Jamie — especially when compared to next door "superdad" divorcee, Ted Maltin, who continually puts Howard in a bad light. After missing Jamie's karate class graduation, Howard resolves to redeem himself by fulfilling Jamie's ultimate Christmas wish: getting an action figure of Turbo-Man, a wildly popular children's TV superhero toy. Along the way, Howard meets Myron Larabee, a postal worker dad with a rival ambition, and the two soon become bitter competitors in their race for the action figure. During his search, Howard repeatedly runs into Officer Alexander Hummell, a police officer who had earlier pulled him over for a traffic violation. After several failed attempts to find the toy in a store, Howard attempts to buy a Turbo-Man from a Mall of America Santa, who is actually the leader of a band of counterfeit toy makers. When he accuses the Santa of undermining the values of Christmas (having been sold a defective toy that falls apart the moment he opened the package), Howard ends up in a brawl with the gang. He narrowly escapes when the police raid their warehouse and gets out by posing as an undercover detective using a toy badge.
Later, Howard arrives at Mickey's Diner and uses their phone to call home. As he tried to get a hold of Liz, he unintentionally scolds Jamie on the phone over Turbo-Man. Jamie, in turn, rebukes his father about how he never keeps his promises, and hangs up. Liz overhears the argument and becomes disappointed in her husband. Howard then encounters Myron at the diner. As they sat down and talk, Myron tells Howard about the time when his father was unable to get him a Johnny Seven OMA toy on Christmas. They hear on the KQRS radio station that the D.J. is running a Turbo-Man competition. When they get to the studio, they find out they can only win a gift certificate. They are nearly arrested, but Myron bluffs the police into backing off by threatening them with a package (which he claims is a mail bomb, unaware that it really is one). Officer Hummell tries to open it and it blows up in his face. After his car is stripped by thieves, Howard is ultimately forced to return home empty-handed. Upon seeing Ted in his house placing the star on his tree, Howard gets angry and attempts to steal the Turbo-Man doll from Ted's house that he had bought for his son Johnny (E.J. De La Pena), but changes his mind at the last moment as he could not see himself stealing from a child. He is attacked by Ted's pet reindeer and the commotion leads him to be caught by Ted and a distraught Liz. Liz and Jamie leave for the local Wintertainment Parade with Ted; Howard follows, aiming to make amends. At the parade, Ted makes a pass at Liz, but after seeing what he really is, she turns him down by hitting him with a thermos of eggnog.
Howard runs into a bandaged Officer Hummell and accidentally drenches him with hot coffee. In the ensuing chase, Howard runs into a preparations room for the parade and is mistaken for a replacement for the actor who will play Turbo-Man on a parade float. As the "real" Turbo-Man, he presents the coveted limited-edition Turbo-Man doll to his awed son. Before he recognizes his father, Jamie is chased by Myron, who has dressed as Turbo-Man's arch enemy Dementor (having caught, tied up and gagged the real actor). As the crowd assumes this is all part of the show, Howard attempts to rescue his son by utilizing the Turbo-Man suit's equipment.
Howard catches Jamie as he falls from a roof and reveals himself to his son. Officer Hummell gives the doll to Jamie, then is shocked to discover that Howard was Turbo-Man; Howard then apologizes to Officer Hummell about everything. Myron is arrested while ranting about having to explain his failure to get the Turbo-Man toy for his son. Touched by Myron's words, Jamie gives the doll to him and tells Howard that he does not need it since his father is "the real Turbo-Man". Howard is crowd-surfed away as Liz, Jamie and Myron happily look on.
In a post-credits scene, Howard puts the star on the top of his tree and shares a great Christmas spirit with Jamie and Liz until he realizes he also forgot to get a present for Liz. Howard stares in shock at the camera before the fadeout.

Review: By throwing a social commentary joke over the heads of audiences instead of into their minds, and then by delivering a biting message that stands just as true today as it did when it first came out, Jingle All The Way went from disappointment to one of the most realistic holiday films ever, despite its lack of realism.
Even if you don't want to look into the deeper details, why skip out on Sinbad and The Terminator going at it?Jingle All The Way follows a workaholic dad by the name of Howard who disappoints his wife and son year after year.
Looking past the seemingly heavy dosage of criticism against American society and Big Business, we see the cast throw our victim fathers into every possible awful and unfortunate scenario possible, and the range of ideas presented are amazing.Arnold Schwarzenegger must have a sense of humor, because he isn't afraid of embarrassing himself by getting beat up and pulverized by the holiday rush, a bitter mailman, and a Santa Claus that can scare blind children.
Rounding out the cast is a bunch of underrated and/or B-list stars like the brilliant Phil Hartman, Rita Wilson, Robert Conrad, and James Belushi.Why in the world would anyone want to skip a movie in which we see a rumble involving an angry dad and a bunch of Santa Claus frauds running an illegal toy-manufacturing/distributing operation (Best scene of the movie for sure)?
With an endless amount of silly, over-the-top, brilliant moments in which represent Christmas at its truest, Jingle All The Way stands as the most realistic holiday movie ever, since it really shows what its all about.
So idea of the movie is great,and its pretty familiar to EVERY father on Christmas.And that's why people like to associate themselves with Arnie's character.There are a lot of misadventures(you wont remember every after ending i promise),but they actually work out pretty entertaining,sometimes even laughably funny (Santa's gang scene).
A great script with loads of laughter.It's obviously created as a spoof for the Christmas buying crazes that go on in the world, where everybody must have that one very special toy.It has the look and feel of a children's movie - but I'm not sure it is, or was ever designed to be.Don't expect a Schwarzie action movie.
and the many times he says "Jamie", I hated that darn brat...what a spoiled kid Anakin was.But this movie is funny how it shows that parents are crazy to get one toy for their spoiled little brat.
Sinbad is hilarious, and I miss him in movies, and it has the good 'ol Phil Hartman.Arnold faces an army of Santas, which is funny as well as his corny lines I watch this to hear.
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.
Howard also has to deal with his sleazy neighbour (The late Phil Hartman), who wants Howard's wife Liz (Rita Wilson).Directed by Brian Levant (Problem Child 2, Beethoven, The Flintstones) made an enjoyable, wildly crazy Holiday movie about commercialism.
"Jingle All the Way", it is an fun movie to watch during the holidays, along with "Richard Donner's Scrooged", "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation", "The Ref" and "Bad Santa".
The only problem is it's Christmas Eve and turbo man is the hottest selling present ever.Inspired by the sales of tickle me Elmo, this movie shows the crazy side of Christmas shopping as Arnold battles a disgruntled mail man, a police officer, a reindeer, a room full of people dressed as Santa clauses, fellow shoppers, and even chases a little kid through a play place.His son's affection, trust, and his marriage are all on the line over him simply getting one toy.
"Jingle all the way" is a fine Christmas movie a light-hearted comedy and family film and should be judged accordingly...
If you love Arnold and the other cast members and love Christmas action comedy films then I strongly recommend Jingle All The Way today!Movie Nuttball's NOTES:Here are some other Arnold recommendations: Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, Red Sonja, The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Terminator 3: The Rise of the Machines, The Running Man, Raw Deal, Commando, Predator, Total Recall, Kindergarten Cop, Last Action Hero, True Lies, Junior, Eraser, Batman and Robin, End of Days, and Collateral Damage!.
It is silly, but there is a mix of typical Arnold humor giving you that feel of some of his other action movies with a holiday twist.Overall it isn't a great movie, but good enough that your kids will like it..
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Howard Langston, a hard-working salesman, who tries as hard as he can to spend time with his family especially his son, Jamie (played by child star Jake Lloyd).
i truly fail to see how this movie has such a low rating(4.7/10)on this site.i mean not only is it funny,but it's action packed,and family friendly.this is one fast paced movie,that doesn't let up.it's a true comedy of errors.the acting is also great in this one Schwarzenegger is in great comedic form here,as is Sinbad.i don't usually find Sinbad funny,but he was in this movie.and Arnie has shown his comedic side in a few movies,but i never expected him to be this funny in a comedy that fires on all cylinders.the only negative thing i would say about this movie is that it strays a bit into sappy territory briefly.there are a few suggestive scenes,but these would be above the heads of most kids,so like i said,this is a family friendly movie.there are some very funny moments throughout,and the movie is always entertaining.for me,Jingle All the way is an 8/10.
The little brat named Jamie(Jake "I ruined Star Wars forever" Lloyd) makes his father promise to buy him a Turbo man doll for Christmas and acts like a spoiled brat when he doesn't get what he wants.
BUT  if you expect a film in which Schwarzenegger does some totally awesome Arnold stuff the way only he can, like:trying to play a caring father but coming off as more of a closeted paedophile fighting a huge, bare-chested Santa punching a reindeer in the snout then, my friend, you will walk away from the movie a better person, with a big, earnest smile on your face and a steady stream of drool running down your chin.
Jingle All the Way Review 3/5It's Christmas Eve and desperate father Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to win his son over by getting him the latest action figure.
Like every other spoilt brat he wants a Turbo Man doll for Christmas - Hot on the market and sold out everywhere, Arnold has to go store to store having to endure brawls and chases along the way.
I would be lying if I said it wasn't fun, the film has a giddy childish energy to it and it knows what it wants to be - There are cameos from actors like Jim Belushi who plays a drunk dodgy Santa, a reindeer gets punched to the floor, Arnold has a brawl with about 20 people dressed as Santa Clause and the Christmas parade climax involves him having a fight in spandex complete with a jet pack.
It stars a yowling, hopped up Arnold Schwarzenegger as a neglectful dad stuck in a mad dash to get ahold of a special Toy for his son on Christmas Eve, plagued by all kinds of random, inane obstacles including trying to pronounce words so he doesn't sound like he's got a mouthful of eggnog in every scene.
To be blunt, Jingle All The Way is nothing more than it is intended to be: a fun, warm, Christmas-y movie with a good message about being the best father you can be (it also includes a not-so-subtle message about commercialism and fads).And I must say I was pleasantly surprised with Arnie's acting here.
It's no fun when the desperation comes from some giant, intimidating man who, when smiles, appears to be in a permanent sarcastic state.Jingle All The Way remakes that faithful Christmas where Cabbage Patch Kids and Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers were selling like hot cakes in local toy stores.
Howard lies to Liz about getting the toy, and now spends his entire Christmas Eve frantically running around in search of comedic inspiration and a TurboMan action figure.The plot is very slim, and seems like it would be perfect for a twenty-two minute episode of Full House.
He and Sinbad are a terrific combination in this film about two fathers from different walks of life trying to buy their sons the most popular X-mas toy .........ON Christmas EVE!
What happens when all Christmas Eve all you do it try to go looking for that one toy, only to find it's not so easy to please your kid as you thought it was and the true meaning between the love of a father and son.
The scenes he is in involving him and Myron battle for the one toy are hilarious, there is definitely a Christmas feeling in this film, Phil Hartman is excellent as the bachelor Tad, and most of all: There is snow.Throughout the entire film, the father Howard (aside from trying to get the Turbo Man figure) has an inner struggle with himself concerning the promises he has made to his family- and he eventually does his best to keep his promises..
I admit that I did think that a movie involving Phil, Arnold, and Sinbad would be weird since the three are nothing alike.So, as my friend and I sat down to watch it, within the first five minutes, I saw that there was some good adult humor in the flick and that it wasn't just for kids.
I thought that Jingle All Way was a great movie.They say that its a family film,but it has some stuff that might be offensive to some people,a dear gets punched,stuff like that.The comedy material is extremely funny,basically because Sinbad was in it.Lots of the stuff is funny,but parts like when Arnold Schwarzenegger says "Poor baby",or other stuff like that,was just funny because Arnold says it.Other stuff like facial expressions can be found funny,most of the facial expressions in the movie are done by Sinbad.The acting was pretty good,Arnold Schwarzenegger doesnt play the bad-ass in this movie like he usually does.Other co-stars such as Phil Hartman,Rita Wilson,and newcomer Jake Lloyd do give pretty good performances.The plot is pretty good,but it kind of maintains a Liar Liar quality to it.Like in the movie Liar Liar,Arnold Schwarzenegger's character goes along the lines of Jim Carrey's character in Liar Liar,a father tells his son that he will do some stuff with him,like be there at important events,but never shows up.Like I said,some animal groups like p.i.t.a would get offended by some of the stuff,for instance,schwarzenegger punches a deer in the jaw,and he gives it beer.The whole concept of the film was very clever.One of the funniest parts in the film was when Arnold punched the deer.Overall,Jingle All the Way is one of my favorite comedys of all time.
He and Sinbad here have a nice, unforced comic chemistry together.Besides being a comedy, the film shows the the total insanity and crass commercialization of the holiday season in this day and age, which is both funny and thought-provoking.It may never be an enduring classic, but I laugh alot whenever I watch this movie.
Maybe it's because this movie came a few years later than the above mentioned films, and Arnie stopped trying as hard to make great movies towards the late 1990s when he started making serious plans to become governor of California."Jingle all the way" has the overacting style of typical B comedies of the 1990s like "The jerky boys", "Clifford", or "The stupids" (a movie which really fitted it's title and not in a good funny way).
Arnie continued his quest of mixing bone crunching action films with kid friendly comedies since he made Twins.'Jingle All the Way' wants to take pot shots at the over commercialisation of Christmas when each year the must have toy is highly sought after and always in short supply.Arnie plays a busy executive who forgot to get the Turbo Man toy for his son and then rushes around at Christmas Eve trying to track this must have toy down.Hot on his tail is Sinbad, another father looking for the same toy.
In fact Sinbad a postal worker is going crazy leading to several slapstick fights, even being held up by the police at one point.Phil Hartman makes one of his final film appearances as the maybe too creepy neighbour trying to entice Arnie's wife.The film ends with Arnie appearing in a parade dressed as the real Turbo man and being unrecognised by his family despite a heavy Austrian accent!It's a lightweight, easy going silly Christmas film.
Good Christmas Fun. A father (Arnold Schwarzenegger) decides to dream the impossible; to get a Turbo Man action figure for his son (Jake Lloyd) just before Christmas.Is this a good Christmas film?
I never really found him much funny on his own show anyway, and with this script he doesn't do that much better with scenes that are forced with the comedy.Maybe a little better is Phil Hartman, who probably has the best line of the whole movie from my perspective (when he finds out Arnold's character is caught red-handed with his own Turbo-Man doll kept under his tree), "you can't bench-press your way out of this one." But even he is subservient to a character who is too thin to even fit into a one-dimensional character of the 'very kind and generous but really sleazy' dad of the bunch.
Although I can't say "Jingle all the way is the greatest movie ever made, it is a film that's good for what it is: A Christmas comedy!
Starring Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Phil Hartman, Sinbad, Rita Wilson, and Jake Lloyd, it's a film about a father (Arnold) who, getting buried in his work and missing the important things in his, forgets to get his son the Christmas gift he wants most of all: The Turbo Man action figurine doll.
The show is being watched by a certain Jaime Langston (Lloyd), and he observes in awe the might of its lead character: Turbo Man, a red armour with a gold trim-clad super hero whose merchandise in the form of an action figure is the toy every kid wants for the imminent Christmas.Enter his father, Schwarzenegger's Howard – a ruthless business executive whose falsity extends to his telling of every customer with whom he deals down the phone that they're his "number one".
At the beginning of the movie, we're introduced to Howard (Arnold Schwarzenegger), his wife, Liz (Rita Wilson), and their son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd).
Most people either hate it or love it, and though I feel like I belong in the latter, I'm going to have to indulge the haters too.Two rival fathers, workaholic Howard Langston (Schwarzenegger) and postal worker Myron Larabee (Sinbad), both desperately try to retrieve a Turbo-Man action figure for their respective sons on a last minute shopping spree on Christmas Eve. Mishaps, accidents and hilarious antics of course precede them along their journey on this day to see who can race and get the toy first.
it was sort of like a series of little skits (The Blues Brothers) rather than a real movie at times.Who should see this film:-- parents who want a kids film they'll actually like for once-- Arnold Schwartzenegger fans, oh and see Last Action Hero, which is also highly underrated.-- comedy lovers who want a Xmas film to see, but only on a rainy day, a very rainy dayI'll give "Jingle All the Way" a 6 out of 10..
Arnold Schwarzenegger does comedy again as he plays workaholic businessman Howard Langston, who promises his son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd), that he will get him a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas.
Fun tale about a man, trying desperately hard to make his son happy and get him a particular gift for Christmas, after waiting until the last minute.Schwarzenegger actually does well with comedy, as it seems that he can be so naturally animated to begin with; Sinbad is annoying and confrontational, but his character is supposed to be the foil of Schwartzenegger's Angry Dad, constantly competing for the last of these obnoxious little toys.
He serves his purpose in the film, because without his character, there would be no competition or confrontation to laugh at.Schwarzenegger at Santa's warehouse, trying to buy a black market version of the coveted toy, being attacked by nunchuck-wielding elves was an amusingly surreal moment, showing consumerism at its lowest.Phil Hartman was a humorously sleazy neighbour, trying to bang Schwarzenegger's wife (played by the always likable Rita Wilson) James Belushi is amusing in his cameo; which perhaps could have even been a bit extended.Surprisingly fun, for its first two thirds, but in the final act, it goes off into outlandish comic book/ video game territory, and that mars an otherwise funny movie.
The only modern Christmas movie I like is Elf. But as I said this film is so bad and so cheesy that you end up watching and laughing for all the wrong reasons.
A formulaic holiday film for the family, Jingle All the Way is a waste of Sinbad's and Phil Hartman's talents, though may be the best we could hope for from Arnold Schwarzenegger.
We follow Howard Langston (Schwarzeneggar), the too-busy-to-be-a-good-father we always see in holiday movies, who has one job during for Christmas: get the Turbo Man Doll his son demands.
Continuing my plan to watch ever movie in Arnold Schwarzenegger's filmography in order, I come to Jingle All The Way. Plot In A Paragraph: A workaholic father (Arnie) vows to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas, however, it's Christmas Eve and every store is sold out of them.