When we noticed that “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” was trending on Netflix, we eagerly selected it for our family movie night. Just three minutes into the film, my kids began to chatter as they tried to grasp the plot. My five-year-old quickly spotted a similarity between her brother and a character on screen, exclaiming, “That boy looks just like you!” with a sense of wonder in her voice.
As we snuggled in our cozy living room, we watched a film created by David E. Talbert, a talented Black writer and director, featuring a remarkable cast predominantly made up of actors of color. This story reminded us that possibilities are endless, including more diverse representations in holiday films, igniting a renewed hope for seeing faces like ours on screen.
The narrative follows Jeronicus Jangle (played by Forest Whitaker), a toymaker and inventor, as introduced by his granddaughter Journey (played by Anika Noni Rose) in the opening scene. Journey’s storytelling reveals the events that led Jeronicus to lose faith in himself. As we danced and sang along to the vibrant songs, I felt a wave of gratitude for sharing this moment with my family—witnessing a success in 2020: an all-Black cast showcasing a tale of resilience and the power of family, especially through the eyes of a young girl.
Jeronicus’s journey begins with the creation of a remarkable toy named Don Juan Diego (voiced by Ricky Martin). Initially, this invention fills him with excitement for his family’s future. However, complications arise when Don Juan resists mass production and persuades Jeronicus’s apprentice, Gustafson (played by Keegan-Michael Key), to betray him by stealing his book of inventions. Tragically, Jeronicus faces further heartache with the loss of his wife, leaving him to navigate the challenges of raising his daughter Jessica alone. Consumed by grief, he abandons his dreams and turns his toy shop into a pawn shop, which only leads to more financial troubles.
As Jeronicus’s loans come due, he receives a dire ultimatum: create a new invention or repay the bank by Christmas. Devoid of inspiration, he becomes a mere shadow of himself. Everything changes when Journey comes to spend the holidays with him, reigniting his passion and hope. She also stands up to Gustafson when he returns to flaunt a toy he’s stolen once again.
My family and I enjoyed two hours of witnessing characters who resemble us, embodying resilience, joy, and the belief that “if you believe, it’s all possible”—a much-needed message for us all. We began our holiday season dancing around the living room, fueled by the joy of representation and the recent victory of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the elections.
As we brace ourselves for possible state-enforced quarantines, we hold onto the hope that more stories like “Jingle Jangle” will emerge, featuring actors of color and resonating with our experiences. The film emphasizes the importance of representation, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Jeronicus’s declaration, “I got a say in how my story ends…make it work again,” speaks to our right to tell our own narratives.
“Jingle Jangle” encapsulates themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the transformative power of love. The storytelling, passed down through generations, is vital to our heritage, affirming that love can rebuild us, even through adversity. Grandma Journey’s inspiring words, “Watch me fly higher than my obstacles … I am unstoppable,” remind us all that we can be those unstoppable forces of joy, hope, and love this holiday season.
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Summary:
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” is a joyous holiday film that showcases resilience, hope, and the power of family, featuring a predominantly Black cast and a heartwarming narrative. It emphasizes the importance of representation in storytelling and inspires viewers to believe in the possibilities of their own dreams, especially during the holiday season.
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