Forest Whitaker
The holiday musical Jingle Jangle, now streaming on Netflix, has received positive reviews from film critics. Set in imaginary Cobbleton, the story follows a toymaker whose granddaughter saves him after a trusted apprentice steals his most prized creation. The cast includes Forest Whitaker (Jeronicus Jangle), Madalen Mills (Journey Jangle), Keegan-Michael Key (Gustafson), Hugh Bonneville (Mr. Delacroix), Anika Noni Rose (Jessica Jangle), Phylicia Rashad (Grandmother Jangle), and Ricky Martin (Don Juan Diego).
The creative team includes David E. Talbert (direction, script), Ashley Wallen (dances), Remi Adefarasin (camera), Gavin Bocquet (sets), Michael Tronick, Joe Galdo, and Virginia Katz (editing), Michael Wilkinson (costumes), Sharon Martin (hair), John Debney (music), and Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan & Michael Diskint, and John Legend (songs).
Entertainment Weekly (Leah Greenblatt): The magic, for the most part, is in the execution — not least the brilliant costumes, pixie-dusted production design, and soaring musical numbers. But it’s also in the message — one that manages to champion hope and equality and inclusion without feeling blandly lecture-y. … In a year short on so many of those things, Jangle feels like finding something sweetly familiar but also new, finally, under the tree. Grade: B+
Guardian (Cath Clarke): It’s a film that may be a bit sugary for some tastes, but it’s made with real care and craft: from exquisite stop-motion inserts to the blast of energy dance routines by Kylie choreographer Ashley Wallen and stunning hair design from Sharon Martin – creating Victoriana styles inspired by natural afro hair. … A film beaming with positivity – and yuletide good cheer. 3 stars out of 5.
Hollywood Reporter (Frank Scheck): Featuring a cast almost entirely composed of people of color, the film is a proudly over-the-top, entertaining musical comedy extravaganza that should prove very popular this holiday season. … The colorful production and costume designs will best be appreciated on the largest screen possible, as will the musical numbers that thankfully eschew overly frenetic cutting in favor of a more classical visual approach.
New York Times (Lovia Gyarkye): The magic of Jingle Jangle … hinges on belief — in reinvention, imagination and the ability of even the most familiar stories to offer fresh lessons. … The movie is packed with thrilling sequences, charming songs, flashy dance numbers and a delightful cast. Although parts of the film veer on cliché, its intentions are well-meaning and its messages about nurturing curiosity and fostering community are well worth hearing.
Variety (Peter Debruge): Talbert has crafted an upbeat eyeful, set in a Dickensian toy store where steampunk gizmos with shiny brass gears whistle and whirl and all but overwhelm the senses. … Digital embellishments aside, this fairly conservative production would port over well to a standard proscenium. … Wouldn’t that be something? In greenlighting a Black Christmas movie, Netflix may have opened the door to so much more.