“I just have to accept it. I accept I’m a snowman. Okay.”
Directed by Troy Miller (TV series Flight of the Conchords and Arrested Development), Jack Frost mixes the Christmas holiday with fantasy, comedy and drama as a father finds himself in a unique situation after an accident.
Michael Keaton stars as Jack Frost, a father and leader of The Jack Frost Band who is married to his wife Gabby, played by Kelly Preston (Jerry Maguire). Their son Charlie, played by Joseph Cross, has a lot to contend with as the situations change. His friend Natalie, played by Mika Boorem, provides some support and impresses with her acting skills/charisma.
Henry Rollins also co-stars as Sid Gronic, Charlie’s ice hockey coach while Mark Addy (The Full Monty) plays Mac MacArthur, Jack’s bandmate/best friend. Dweezil Zappa also stars as music agent John Kaplan along with his siblings Ahmet and Moon Unit (all Frank Zappa’s children).
The awkward dialogue when Keaton talks “cool” may make you squirm in your seat when you watch this movie. Jack Frost is a well intended movie with good themes that never reach beyond an average entertainment level.
The special effects by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and Industrial Light and Magic and fun winter chases provide some much needed spark to an otherwise dull, depressing story where the characters sulk about the ensuing drama.
Trevor Rabin, this film’s music composer also makes an appearance as the lead guitarist in the Jack Frost Band who have two featured songs on the soundtrack co-written by Michael Keaton.
Other songs like “Jingle Bell Rock” by Michael Sherwood, “Slow Ride” by Foghat and “Free Ride” by The Edgar Winter Group are featured in the film only – not on the soundtrack. Other musicians featured on the soundtrack include Bob Carlisle, Hanson, Jars of Clay, Lisa Loeb, Spice Girls, Swirl 360 and Lucinda Williams.
Jack Frost boils down to a “second chance” theme with a fictional ending which does uplift an audience as much as it should. Note: A 1997 horror film featuring a mutant killer snowman has the same title. Jack Frost is not recommended (* out of four stars) and is rated PG for mild language.
Copyright © Michael Siebenaler
Tall Writer 