Great family to watch with the family to put you in the holiday spirit!
A movie you'd watch every season! (especially if you'd been in the same dilemma as Arnold....I know I have!)

Wow did the Amazon critic not get a turbo man so he is giving sour grapes? Okay I personally lived through Star Wars, Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, and Beanie Babies mania so this movie makes perfect sense to me. Mean spirited and sending the wrong message to parents? Um sadly enough no message needs to be sent, it's out there already. Now I happen to like the comedy in this movie, and quite honestly when it gets down to it they finally try to show a little Christmas spirit at the end. This movie never takes itself to serious, so no one else should. Want to see an outrageous ongoing fight over a hard to get toy? Like you haven't already at Toys R Us, Walmart, or somewhere else yourself. A fun movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad. A few extras included in this Family Fun Edition. The DVD quality is good. Decent replayability for the whole family.

I recently picked up the Jingle All the Way Family Fun Edition DVD last week. I was a little put off at first when I saw that the case had the extended cut at a 122 minute running time. Now, this is a fun movie, but that would be a bit much.

To clear things up:

The actual running time of the extended version is about 94 minutes.

Also, it doesn't say it on the case, but this edition does include the theatrical cut as well. So if you'd prefer that version, you have both from which to choose.

As for the features. A little disappointing. They all center on the fictional Turbo Man used in the movie. There was a True Hollywood Story spoof that was promising, but not so great. I would have rather seen a new making of documentary. Or maybe a segment where Arnold and other cast members talk about working with the late Phil Hartman. And when did they stop putting the original trailers on these special edition DVDs?

I wouldn't say it's an essential Christmas movie, but it's definitely a fun movie. I only gave four stars instead of five for the features.

On October 16th, 2007, 20th Century Fox released Jingle All The Way - Family Fun Edition. This is the extended cut specially supervised by director Brian Levant. This runs at 94 minutes verus 89 minutes for the theatrical cut. This edition features the following additions...

1.) Instead of Howard going right after the woman in the car, he first sees another woman (Yeardley Smith) with a matching fur coat. He sees a TurboMan package in her bag and offers her money. She takes it and walks away. He takes it out and discovers that it is TurboMan's sidekick, Booster. He then runs after the woman in the car.

2.) In the following scene of Howard traveling to different toy stores looking for TurboMan, the 'Jingle all the Way' song is replaced by "The Christmas Song".

3.) A scene inside Howard's GMC when they're driving to Santa's warehouse where it shows Howard saying his "We've yet to see a sign of that supposed Turbo Man doll" sentence. The mall Santa doesn't sing his "Little Boy Who Santa Claus Forgot" song in the car.

4.) Additional dialogue in the warehouse, as well as the Mall Santa and all the other Santas singing a chorus of "Little Boy Who Santa Claus Forgot".

5.) The rock version of "Jingle all the way" plays as Howard fights the warehouse Santas

6.) An extra scene of Myron Larabee describing the Johnny 7 O.M.A gun to Howard.

7.) Additional dialogue between Howard and the cops at the warehouse.

8.) A scene with Howard riding home in a tow truck after his car had been stripped where he's rehearsing how he was going to explain what happened to him to his wife.

9.) An alternate ending: instead of the ending at the parade, the film fades back to Howard's house. He turns on the lights on his tree and everybody is happy. Liz says "It was so nice that you went to all that to get him that present.... so what did you get me?" It ends with a closeup of Howard looking horrified. This scene originally played following the credits (theatrical and home video versions).

Personally I prefer this edition cause I am a sucker for Director's Cuts...plus I do like this movie alot. This Extended Cut is presented in it's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, a fullscreen version is not offered on this disc. If you like this movie and have the previous edition I would recommend upgrading, if you're new to this movie then this is the edition to get.

Hollywood has welcomed a lot of great Christmas movies,and one of those great Christmas movies has,by now,definitely proven itself to be "Jingle All The Way". While not "A Christmas Story" or "Christmas Vacation","Jingle All The Way" allows itself to bring in both a Christmas spirit and dark comedy into itself at the same time (sort of what the first two "Home Alone" movies did),and is one of the most creative Christmas films to be made in Hollywood--which quite easily makes it one of the best Christmas films to ever be made and released.

This film allows its beginning to start off both well and informative by going into the life of businessman Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger). At the beginning of this film,while Howard has been able to maintain his career as a smart and successful businessman,things are not going well for him outside of his job. This is due to Howard missing out on several family events with his son Jamie (Jake Lloyd)and his wife Liz (Rita Wilson),which has lead to both Jamie and Liz developing less respect for Howard,and Howard constantly having to worry about the "friendship" of Liz and the neighbor of him and Liz,Ted Maltin (Phil Hartman),a single father who,while he may be nice,caring,and helpful,is also a little bit nosy and willing to win Liz over for himself--something that is Howard's worst nightmare.

However,despite the mistakes that Howard Langston has made as a father,Howard wants to make things better for him and his family--which is when Howard asks Jamie what he wants for Christmas more than anything,promising to buy Jamie the present. The present that Jamie wants is an action figure by the name of Turbo Man,the season's most popular action figure that has sold a lot of figures and made a lot of money--and is so cool that anyone Jamie's age who does NOT get one is going to be called off as "a total loser",something that Jamie does NOT want to become. In order to make things up with Jamie,Howard sets out to buy the action figure--only on Christmas Eve,when the action figure has sold out and Howard has forgotten to buy a figure from the request of Liz,which results in Howard frantically searching for the action figure,while he finds himself 1)competing to buy the figure with a mailman named Myron Larabee(Sinbad)who is on the same mission for his own son and is willing to do anything prevent Howard from beating him to winning the action figure,2)having to stop a con operation of the Turbo Man action figures lead by a mall Santa (John Belushi),and 3),of course,making his son happy while he makes sure that Ted does not steal Liz away from Howard.

If you are in the mood for a good Christmas film and a good laugh,"Jingle All The Way" is the film you want. Not only is the script well-planned out for the film's plot and the various events that occur throughout it with great humor and even some good morals at the same time,the acting here is a pure riot. While Arnold Schwarzenegger may not be Adam Sandler or Jim Carrey when it comes to the comedy film department,Schwarzenegger has proven himself to have a sense of humor over the years in some of his other films ("Kindergarten Cop","Twins",among others),and Schwarzenegger uses that sense of humor appropriately here and brings back his tough side as a more serious actor during the parts of this film that call for that kind of acting (most notably the scene with John Belushi),which pulls off this movie well. The other performances here are also really good,as well(Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad make a hillarious team here,and despite the fact that several people dismiss Jake Lloyd as whiny,Lloyd's performance as Jamie Langston is actually pretty good and finds Lloyd doing a good job at bringing the personality of Jamie onto the screen with the way a certain scene that feautures the character of Jamie),and are a large contribution to why this film is so funny. So,if you want a good Christmas film with a lot of holiday spirit and a lot of humor,put on "Jingle All the Way". It's a classic that will keep you entertained Christmas after Christmas,and will bring you non-stop laughter.

5/5

Highly recommend this movie. I purchased it for my two year old and he watches it constantly. The movie is funny, entertaining and it keeps my husband and I quite interested although we've seen it about 5 times.

A holiday favorite enjoyed by many families since its 1996 theatrical release. Howard Langston(current California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger) searches high and low for a highly popular action figure for his young son's Christmas present that immediately sells out. The figure's name is Turbo Man,and to please his son,Howard dresses up as the superhero,appearing in a Christmas parade. Howard and his wife(Rita Wilson) are separated and the wife's boyfriend(the late Phil Hartman) helps her Christmas-decorate the Langstons' home. The Langstons' son Jamie finally receives his Turbo Man action figure on Christmas morning and not only that,Howard and his wife are back together(she dumps her boyfriend). Watch for cameo appearances by Saturday Night Live veteran Laraine Newman and James Belushi,who plays a portraying Santa Claus in one scene. Graz,Austria-born musclebound Schwarzenegger quit acting when he became California governor. Since this film's video debut in or around spring 1997,it was viewed by millions first on premium cable(i.e. Home Box Office),then over-the air and basic cable. If you loved this film,you'll also love TOTAL RECALL,KINDERGARTEN COP,TWINS,the TERMINATOR trilogy,ERASER and COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

Jingle All the Way is the perfect holiday comedy for those of you who can't find the right Christmas toy for your children.Schwartzenegger plays Howard Langston,a workaholic father who's son,Jamie,is constantly dissapointed with his father's inabitlity to come home for Christmas,or make his karate classes.Howard sees his opportunity for redemption when Jamie tells him he wants a Turbo Man action figure,the hottest selling toy on the shelves.Howard sets out on a quest for the toy,shooting blanks at every toy store.It seems that Turbo Man is more popular than he thought as he teams up with another desperate father looking for a Turbo Man:loud-mouthed mailman Myron Larabee,who eventually pits himself against Howard to get a Turbo Man first.It's a fun-filled ride from start to finish as Howard ends up at the Christmas day parade as the one and only Turbo Man in one of Arnold Schwartzenegger's funniest moments on screen.Get this movie!

We love Christmas time movies and this one is really good. Arnold is great at comedy. Good for the whole family.

This film ranks high among my favorite christmas films list along with such classics as "Home Alone" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation". The movie stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Howard Langston, a father who has promised his son that he will get anything he wants for christmas. Unfortunately for Howard, his son wants an immensely popular "Turbo Man" action figure. Howard forgets to get it, and since it's Christmas Eve, it's sold out everywhere. Since Howard knows he has let his son down in the past, he goes on a quest to track down a "Turbo Man" action figure, and will stop at nothing to get his son the gift that he wants.

This movie is great, the first time that I saw it I got hooked on it from the start. From now on Christmas wont be the same without watching it! I reccomend this movie to anyone who loves Arnold Schwarzenegger trying to act like he can be funny, and trust me he is quite funny in this movie

"Jingle All the Way", is an oddity in the huge offering of Christmas movies that get an airing during the festive season each year. While it certainly is not to everyone's taste and lacks the sentimental and affirming message of so many other offerings at this time it can also be viewed as a quite candid illustration of what has happened to Christmas for many people where commercialism has taken over from the original purpose of the holidays. Arnold Schwarzeneggar is not someone you would automatically associate with the likes of James Stewart, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope as a Christmas icon but aside from his "Terminator", type roles he has proven himself quite adept at broad comedy and he handles his frantic role in "Jingle All the Way", very well. Never could this movie be called a Christmas classic and I personally feel a bit uneasy with the message it is conveying about the Christmas season and what it represents but the best way to approach it is as the frantic, broad comedy it most certainly is, choc full of pratfalls and slap stick that makes it a definite variation on the more traditional Christmas fare being offered.

"Jingle All the Way", opens with harried salesman Howard Langston (Arnold Swarzenegger), missing yet another one of his son Jamie's (Jake Llyod)activites, this being his karate class award ceremony. Neglectful also of his wife Liz (Rita Wilson) Howard continually makes promises to both of them that he will find more time for family matters however his work always ends up taking priority. Howard says to Jamie that he will make up fo rhis neglect and asks him what does he especially want for Christmas. Jamie asks for the hugely popular Turbo Man action figure which has been largely out of stock in stores since Thanksgiving. So begins a mad scramble by Howard to find the elusive toy which takes him on a hellish trip through every major department store in the city. Along the way Howard encounters a very disturbing cross section of mankind from manic postman Myron Larabee (Sinbad) who is also seeking out the elusive Turbo Man for his own child, to a devious conman Santa (John Belushi), who tricks Howard into buying a fake cheap imported version of the toy from a scam production company. Meanwhile neglected wife Liz is having to deal with the unwelcome attentions of sleazy neighbour Ted Maltin who pretends that he is only full of the "holiday spirit", while having to explain to Jamie why his father hasn't been home all day on Christmas Eve and is about to miss the annual Christmas parade in their local area that he promised to attend. Only after Howard's own desperate behaviour sees him stoop to robbing Ted's own wrapped Turbo Man doll from under his neighbour's Christmas tree, does he see the error of his ways and an opportunity to well and truly make it up to his family arrives when he is mistaken for the actor who was to play Turbo Man in the Christmas Parade and takes his place. After rescuing his own son after he is selected as the prize winner of the last available Turbo Man figure above other jealous would be owners Howard finally is able to be the hero and role model that his son always wanted him to be and this also engineers a reconciliation with Liz who with the help of a well aimed serving of eggnog manages to get rid of Ted's very unwelcome attentions at the parade for a happy fadeout.

I suppose the main problem for most viewers would be that apart from the very cynical message this film conveys about Christmas, is the fact that there are really no likeable or identifiable characters in the whole story. Only after the admittedly amusing scene where Howard/Arnold breaks into his neighbours home to steal his wrapped Turbo Man but then suddenly realises what he has done and that this madness is not worth it, do we see even an ounce of humanity in any of the characters. Arnold Schwarzenegger does a fairly good job with the largely impossible character he is given to work with here and while there is no deep examination of his character his handling of the numerous pratfalls and confrontations with salespeople and rival shoppers, ie Sinbad, is quite amusing. While his neglect of his family obligations is something that is not right the characters of his wife Liz and son Jamie are also problematic in that they seem to have little to do but simply complain about Howard's neglect of them with little being given by them in terms of support for Howard's busy schedule. Sindab's playing of the obviously quite unhinged mail man and rival for Howard in the hunt for the Turbo Man toy is played very broadly and loudly and his dementia is actually at times quite disturbing to watch as is the Phil Hartman character of the sleazy neighbour Ted who hides his darker side under the cover of a supposedly gentle and loving man just upholding the Christmas spirit. It is however nice to see veteran actor Robert Conrad reappear on the big screen in the role of harrassed Officer Hummell who continually runs into trouble with Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in various locations throughout the movie. Supposedly based on the producer's(Chris Columbus) , real life Christmas shopping experiences it really is a festive experience you wouldn't wish on anyone with icons such as Santa Claus depicted as a devious con man and shoppers depicted as almost vicious hunters consumed by greed, materialism and hatred for their fellow man. Visually "Jingle All the Way", compensates for its tarnished message with beautiful locations shot around a snowbound Minneapolis/St. Paul region which gives the film at least a rich festive look in between all the madness.

"Jingle All the Way", would most definately not be for all tastes and I find the best way to appreciate it is to really remove any of the usual expectations you have in regard to Christmas movies and simply go along for the wild ride. Despite having a upbeat and quite predictable conclusion it certainly does show in a most unflattering light what has become wrong with much of our holiday season and how the pressures of getting that elusive last present before closing time often overirdes everything else and can make people do things they ordinarily know are wrong. "Jungle All the Way",is certainly guilty of being exaggerated and lacking in any subtlety but in my case a viewing of it makes me think more clearly about what Christmas really should be about and on that level I guess the film has real value. Sit back and enjoy the wild search by Arnold Schwarzenegger for that elusive Turbo Man action figure in the crazy Christmas offering "Jingle All the Way", soon it might just make you think differently about Christmas in the future.

JINGLE ALL THE WAY is one of those Christmas movies that doesn't even consider the true meaning of the season, but focuses on what is sadly a true motivator: get that gift at any cost! We see people stampeding on each other, knocking over displays, all to get the Turbo Man Action Figure doll. (This movie is supposedly based on the 80s Cabbage Patch Doll craze). Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a workaholic father who waits until the last minute to get his son the figure and on that fateful day, he does everything he can to acquire the doll. His nemesis is played by Sinbad, a postal worker who brings new meaning to the phrase "going postal" in his quest to get that doll. The late Phil Hartman shows up as Arnie's suave bachelor (make that divorced) neighbor who is too perfect and has his eye on Arnie's frustrated missus (the always delightful and underused Rita Wilson). We also get Robert Conrad as the harried cop who always manages to get in Arnie's way.
As expected, it's all mindless, but the one joke tends to wear thin and the over the top ending is just too too much, but it's all enjoyable if you suspend belief and can take Arnie's really bad acting (Perhaps Tom Hanks - Rita's husband - could have made it more enjoyable). At any rate, the kids will probably get in to it, and adults won't be bored, just a little sad that Christmas can be so commercialized.

Only in this masterpiece can you find Arnold Schwarzeneggar saying "I'm not a pervert! I just wanted the Turboman doll," "Put the cookie down! Now!" and "Rock-'em-sock-'em jet pack!" along with classic moments like Arnold busting into a radio station, kicking down the door and yelling like a madman to a frightened DJ.

Parents, this is a must buy. You may be able to relate to it, but you'll probably have more fun laughing at how ridiculous it gets (you're children will think you're laughing at the broad humor). The fact that a parade features a working Turboman suit complete with jet pack kills me just thinking about it.

My Family and I love watching JATW every Christmas. After all the crazy antics of the parade and Turboman rescue, Jamie gives his precious new Turboman action figure to the one who almost got him killed while trying to take it away. That is a good example of the Christmas Spirit. It's a fine Family film that all ages will enjoy year after year. I think the story and performances were excellent. I hope a special edition with deleted scenes and bloopers will be released someday.

This is not your typical holiday flick- usually when you watch a Christmas movie you get a sentimental spirit that makes you believe in magic and want to better yourself. This Christmas movie does not do that...

The movie starts when Howard a workaholic misses his son's karate ceremony. Missing it causes a great disappointment and is the final straw for son Jaimie. To make up for his mistake and not "being there" Howard promises to buy Jamie the toy- that's on his wish list a Turbo Man action figure... a toy that he was suppose to buy months ago. Well, now it's Christmas Eve and since it's the most popular toy this holiday season-it's IMPOSSIBLE to find. Dad- Howard knows that he can't let Jamie this time so he goes on a mission to find the action figure- from con-Santas to a disgruntled postal empoly and eventually a inciddent at the annual Christmas parade.

A comedy that rivals "Surving Christmas" this film is good for the teens and adults in the family and not the kids. But, with such ridicilous situations you find yourself jumping from one outrageous situation to the next making it less humoring and more annoying. It's not what typically you would expect from a holiday movie and maybe not enjoyable as other classics or comedies. Arnold and Sinbad are both great in their performances and Arnold gives his best performance since "Kindergarten Cop."It's a movie about the commercialism of Christmas and how it's turned into a day of celebration and family to those got to have toys- the main reason why this movie will go on forgotten.

One of Christmas better comedies- I'll give it 3 1/2 stars-for it's a movie that you see and will understand if your parent who has dealt with the Christmas Furby, beanie baby, and Power Ranger frenzy! Rent this movie before you buy!

Jingle All The Way is one of the best Christmas Comedies. This movie is not meant to touch the audience, its meant to be funny, and for that reason thats just what it did! It created lots of laughs, not only fot he kids, but for the adults also. The movie did have its moments of cheezieness, but yet in still it had my laughing my behind off.

I was pleasantly amused by this christmas folley. My kids loved it. There are those who are prepared for Christmas and those who are not. I've been both. This movie takes them to the extreme in an entertaining way. Hope you enjoy.

This movie is a movie that is 100% truthful to how parents shop for their kids. This story is about a work-o-holic dad who is absent minded and always forgets famili events, (e.g. his sons karote ceremony.) One night his wife asks him if he picked up a Turbo man doll for his son. He says nothing becuase he forgot. The next day (which is Christmas Eve) he goes out to try and find this doll for his son. there is only one problem, this is the Christmas hot seller. This leads him on a chase with a whole bunch of laughs along the way. I would recommend this Christmas Comedy Classic to kids because it totally reflects today's parents

Is Phil Hartman hitting on your mom?

Is your Austrian Mr. Universe dad incapaple
of defeating a 2-bit comedian/postal worker?

Take heart, JINGLE is here.

This movie is great if you have a zany sense of humor.

I think the reason that most people do not like it is that it hits too close to home. This movie is for people who can laugh at their problems, and some people don't feel that trying to find the toy of the year at Christmas is funny because of painful experience.

Of course, the point of the movie is that the father wants very badly to keep this promise to his son because he has let him down so many times before. At the end of the movie, guess what? Arnold BECOMES his son's hero! How cool is that? Who wouldn't want to be their kid's hero?

People whose parents let them down and people who let their kids down would not like this movie. Like I said, it hits too close home. Ouch!

Watched this on Christmas day. This odious, mean-spirited tribute to commercial greed and action-hero worship will sour any Christmas spirit. The moral of the story is that "being there" for your children means giving them what they want, no matter what it takes and no matter who is in the way. Of course, the charm is only increased by having the neighbor hit on Arnold's wife; but what's a Christmas story without a little sexual tension. The best thing about this movie is seeing the California governor in a role he is actually capable of performing.

Working nearly 23 Christmas seasons I can still reflect on those dag-burn Cabbage Patch Dolls. It was a nightmare. From that year on toy makers had to come up with "The Christmas Toy." A toy to end all toys. A blockbuster! This movie celebrates such nonsense of the season and it does it with glee. Its being touted as a family film, but look deeper. Its a dark comedy about lies, greed, and broken promises. This film works on two levels. Sinbad's best performance is in this film. He is suprisingly more menacing than the governator himself, Ah-nuld. I really enjoyed this movie, and I won't watch it every Christmas like "Elf," or "Christmas Vacation," it still will make my holiday rounds every 2 or 3 years. Make sure you brush your teeth though after the ending. It is a little overly sweet.

A family member loved this movie, and would watch it on a regular basis. It got more unbearable every time. Horrible, horrible, horrible. Don't wait those precious moments of your life watching this.

Arnold can do comedy if given the right material, & here he is given just that, as a father & husband who is obsessed with his job that he misses his son's karate class, after promising to be there, to make up for his absense, he promises his son anything he wants for Christmas, which happens to be a Turbo Man action figure, which is the year's hottest selling toy, while waiting in line at a retail store on Christmas Eve, he crosses paths with Simbad as an unstable postman whose also on the hunt, as they push & shove each other & try desperately to one up the other in their quest for the sold out Turbo Man, anyone who has children will see the reality here, I work in retail, & this movie shows the dark side to Christmas shopping not seen in other films, I have witnessed parents acting just like Arnold & Simbad in this movie & this movie is a fuuny take on parents acting like idiots to please their children, especially Arnold who keeps running afoul a police officer(Robert Conrad) at every turn, at the worst possible time or the shopping mall where Arnold & Simbad do battle over a ball that a department store offers for a limited stock of Turbo Man figures along with other frantic parents pushing & shoving their way for the magic balls that the employees throw in the air, to Arnold running into a bogus Santa( Jim Belushi) who is a con man that offers Arnold a Turbo Man in a undisclosed location where Belushi & others have a black market operation that has Arnold fighting Giant & Midget Santas when he calls Belushi a crook, to the place being raided to Arnold & Simbad once again doing battle, everthing that can go wrong does here for Arnold, in addition to that, he has a neighbor(the late Phil Hartman) making moves on his wife & showing him up at every turn, especially by bragging that he already got his son a Turbo Man, this is the funniest Chritmas movie since Chevy Chase's "Christmas Vacation" & ranks second in my view next Chase's film, both movies show the pains and joys of Christmas & do not candy coat it in any way shape or form like other Christmas movies do, the ending may be a little bit out there, but overall a very funny movie with everyone playing their roles to perfection, If you don't have kids or don't work in retail, you just won't get it!!!

This movie is not meant to be more than the piece of fluff that it is. No need to go off the deep end here. We know it's not Hamlet! Could it be funnier? Yes. Arnold Schwarzenegger's accent does not help the comedy much. I wish he'd take some speech lessons. He's not very good at comedy nor is he a the most wonderful actor in the world. But kids don't care. I'm not going to suggest that you run out and buy this film right away but if you're looking for something for the kids to watch and they have everything else then by all means, give it a try.

There are a few moments that are funnier than others, no thanks to Schwarzenegger. There is a message in the film which I can give you in a nutshell. Spend more time with your kids. Here ended the lesson!

Parental advisory: There is some violence but no nudity, sex or foul language. I suggest a viewing age of at least 6.

Even when I was younger when it first came out, I never liked this movie. It was not funny and the entire mood of the movie was mean-spirited. I could not find any character in this movie that I liked and it never put me into the Christmas spirit. The acting was not very well done and it did not display the true meaning of Christmas in my opinion. Spend your precious Christmas money on something better.

I watched many of Arnold's movies and this one is one of my favorite. This is a great holiday-themed comedy, is hilarious. Sinbad and Phil Hartman"Rest in peace Phil" make a great cast for this movie. This is the type of holiday movie that the whole family can enjoy and have in their holiday movies collection.

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in this hilarious holiday romp as a harried dad charged with procuring the toy of the year. To accomplish his mission, he matches wits with a sleazy Santa impersonator, a stressed-out mailman and a horde of parents also at the end of their collective rope. Anyone who's ever gone through hell and high water for a Tickle Me Elmo doll will find much to love here.

I'm glad this movie is finally getting re-released since I've always liked it. If you *ever* want this movie, BUY IT NOW... here's why:

For those who don't know, this movie was pulled off the shelves about 3 years ago. Fox was on the losing end of a $19 million dollar lawsuit which claimed they had ripped off the script from a Detroit high school teacher (Brian Webster). Later, the award was reduced to $1.5 million. Meanwhile, Fox appealed the case which held off any payment until at least late 2003; however, Fox was forced by this decision to pull the movie off the market and excess stock was sent back to Fox.

Murray Hill publishing (the Plaintiff) had optioned a script titled "Could This Be Christmas" from Laurel as far back as 1993. The script was about two men trying to secure the last known Action Man doll on Christmas Eve. Murray Hill says they pitched "Could This Be Christmas" to Fox in 1994 and a year later Robert G. Laurel Lessnau learned of Fox's plans for "Jingle All the Way" which was penned by a script reader for Fox Studios.

On May 22, 2004, Fox won on appeal. Apparently they were able to show evidence that "Jingle All the Way" was based on a treatment that predated the pitch for "Could This Be Christmas" in 1994.

Murray Hill vows to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Incidentally, Murray Hill's Lessnau died in September 2001, about 6 months after the company's court victory.

When the movie was pulled, you saw the price on this DVD skyrocket. Here on Amazon, if you search for "Jingle All The Way", you'll find an "out-of-stock" version. This is the one that was pulled. Notice that the price is STILL (as of today) between $26.99 and $132.57. Before this re-release was announced, the prices were all in the $100 dollar range. Some people obviously have seen the writing on the wall and have reduced the price of these used DVDs on the eve of its re-release. Some people, I guess, have not heard of this coming. Anyhow, if you want this movie buy one (or two) NOW before any further legal action makes it unavailable again. Then you can sell your extra here at Amazon for a hefty profit.

Arnold may not be a masterful actor in the vein of Cary Grarnt or Patrick Stewart, but his mammoth muscles and his one-liners made him great in action movies and his charisma makes him great in comedies. Of the latter category this is one of his best, where he procrastinates in getting a TurboMan doll for his son to make up for is missing of his son's karate ceremony. Little does he know that it is the most popular toy of the winter season (a la Tickle Me Elmo, which was a major craze the same year this came out) and that it is sold out everywhere.
With very limited time (its christmas eve and he has promised his son that he will go to the parade with him and his wife), Arnold tramples store managers, grabs toddlers, breaks into neighbors' houses, and even venturees into con-artist dens in search of the elusive doll. Because of this time constraint and mad pursuit it could jokingly be called Commando meets A Christmas Story! But this movie is pure fun all the way, aand Arnold still gets to deliver his share of beatdowns, even though he gets the crap beaten out of him by the con-artists mall santas (hilarious part). In terms of combat, good ol' Arnold turns in his Surplus City rocket launcher, uber gun cache, and his garden shed circular saws for remote control cars, a giant candy cane, and some of the coolest and corniest firepower he's ever used in the film's hilarious final half hour.
All in all a great family movie and one of my all-time favorite Ah-nuld flicks! Definately recommended!

We didn't have much expectations with Arnold as the lead. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast pace. Funny and spreads holiday cheer. Good movies for kids. I like the ending.

THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER. ITS FUNNY, AND ENTERTAINING. AND BECAUSE OF ARNOLD THIS MOVIE DESERVES MORE THAN 5 STARS.

It's not going to win an academy award. It's not going to be the best acted or scripted movie that you will see. Arnie's acting, 'nough said. However, my family and I have seen this moview every holiday season, and quite honestly, this is the pick of the litter. Second,third and subsequent viewings were always more appreciative than the first. It is unique, and really hits upon the Christmas experience. Phil Hartman is great, as is Arnie. I know for the next 30 years my family will watch this every Christmas season, and I'm glad that Arnie took the risk to make a comedic Christmas experience.

Someone called this movie and its characters mean. I can only assume that this person has nver been out on a holiday rush to get the season's hottest toys...Tickle Me Elmo? Furbys? Beanie Babies? Well hey, sometimes it does get brutal out there as parents fight to get that toy.

Jingle All the Way may exaggerate it a little bit, but not by much as Arnold and Sinbad battle through the streets of Minneapolis to find the Turbo Man action figure. I've seen, on many occasions, parents racing through the stores to get to the store aisles just as the store opens, just like in this movie.

Mean? No..perhaps a bit misguided but both men just want to make sure thier kids have a great Christmas. Phil Hartman is hilarious as the slimy, anal neighbor, cozying up to Arnolds wife and Robert Conrad is a treat to see as a cop who is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Look for Jim Belushi in a cameo as a dept. store Santa. Not a classic, but good escapist holiday fun.