When magical toy maker Jeronicus Jangle’s latest creation is stolen by his apprentice his life falls apart. Years later on the verge of bankruptcy it is up to his granddaughter Journey to save him. 

The films story is framed around a Grandmother reading her grandchildren a story that she has not told them before. It starts with Jangle (Justin Cornwell) on the verge of his greatest creation when his frustrated apprentice (Miles Barrow) steals from him. Using beautiful animated figurines to transition the story to decades later the roles of Jangle and Gustafson transition to Forest Whitaker and Keegan-Michael Key respectively and introduce Madalen Mills as Journey. The story takes in two spectacular toy creations, one of which is voiced by singer Ricky Martin and a number of catchy and well choreographed songs written by Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, Michael Diskint and John Legend. 

Jingle Jangle’s greatest aspect is it’s visuals. Set in a magical steampunk version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol it has vivid and beautiful sets and costumes that are a sight to behold. As mentioned earlier it also uses animated figurines to transition the story at various points as the grandmother relates the tale to her grandchildren and these scenes are beautiful. 

As a Christmas musical it does a good job of conveying the Christmas spirit and works well as a family movie to put people in the spirit of the season. 

My main and only gripe is the speed at which it sets about its task. At just over two hours long it can drag a little especially when the story feels like it’s building to a conclusion before slowing down again. All in all though it’s an enjoyable watch.