My Review of Jack Frost (1998)

 

Written by Mark Steven Johnson And Steve Bloom And Jonathan Roberts And Jeff Cesario

Directed by Troy Miller

Charlie: "You the man!"

Jack: "NO, I'm the SNOWMAN!"

Confession time: I have never watched this movie in full until this week. I know, it took twenty seven years but better late than never, right? I'm a Michael Keaton fan and this was one of his most interesting performances he's given in his lengthy career.

In this movie he played the lead in a rock band. His name was Jack Frost. He's portrayed to be an absent presence for his wife Gabby (Kelly Preston) and son Charlie (Joseph Cross), although he clearly loved both of them. Jack's also involved in an accident early in the movie and died. Only he didn't stay dead.

Nope, a year passed and for some reason, Jack ended up becoming a sentient snowman and it wasn't long until he reunited with Charlie. I have to say that I did love that Charlie took a little bit of time to believe that his father was now a snowman.

Of course, Gabby and Charlie's friend, Mac MacArthur (Mark Addy) but as a counterpoint, I also loved that Jack as a snowman freaked out ice hockey coach Sid Gronic (Henry Rollins). I also loved that Charlie's rival/bully of sorts, Rory Buck (Taylor Handley) actually stepped up to help Charlie and Jack when the latter was in danger of melting away.

The last act though was a little rushed. I wish that we had more time with Jack and Gabby being reunited before the former faded away. Saying that, it's a nice, sentimental and sweet ending to this movie. 

- John Travolta was originally considered for the title role as were many other actors before Michael Keaton was cast.

- There's a horror movie of the same title that came out a year before this one.

- Standout music: Hanson's Gimme Some Lovin' and Merry Christmas Baby as well as Spice Girls Sleigh Ride and The Jack Frost Band's Have A Little Faith.

- Chronology: The movie's set in Medford, Colorado with a year between Jack's death and return as a snowman.

Jack Frost might be more cult classic (though not at the time of its release) than a straight up classic. I do like it and I thought Michael Keaton did a great job in the title role. I have a soft spot for this one.

Rating: 7 out of 10