Jack Frost (1998) - A Movie Review

Did I just see a snowman on a snowboard?

After a big snowstorm, Jack Frost appeared in theaters in 1998. A father is killed in a car accident on Christmas Eve. One year later, Jack reincarnates as a snowman. He has one final chance to make things right with his son, Charlie, before it’s too late.

Re-watching holiday movies from childhood is always the best way to relive nostalgia. Jack Frost is an endearing story. I don’t understand why this movie has mixed reviews. Holidays are never easy when you miss family members. In this fun, snowy adventure, Jack Frost is a film about handling grief.

Michael Keaton stars as Jack Frost, a kindhearted dad who lets his music career get the better of him. Keaton has two jobs in Jack Frost, one as the human counterpart of his character, until voicing the snowman. He was hilarious in his voiceovers.

Overall, Keaton does a wonderful job in his performance, finding the heart of a dad’s love. Keaton co-wrote two of the songs in the film’s soundtrack.

Joseph Cross plays Charlie, a young boy who is grieving the loss of his father. Cross is excellent in his performance, especially in one emotionally tough scene. The scene where he builds the signature snowman is well-acted and bold. Charlie’s growth is a big part of the film.

The late Kelly Preston plays Charlie’s mom, Gabby. Her part could have been expanded more in the story. She’s mainly here as Charlie’s emotional support, and we don’t get to know her character so much. Granted, it’s part of the story, but she spends too much time away from Charlie. Their relationship is sweet as they try to process grief together.

The film includes supporting talents of Mark Addy, Henry Rollins, Eli Marienthal, Taylor Handley, and several background roles. The storyline between Charlie and the bully, Rory (Handley) caught my attention when I watched the film again. It states that you never know what is going on in anybody’s lives.

Jack Frost marks the directorial debut of Troy Miller. He took over as the director when Sam Raimi dropped out. The film is a warm holiday story. Miller embraces the film’s magical moments with its visuals.

I can imagine my kid-self wondering if an actual snowman was used. I had also wondered if Keaton dressed up for any of the snowman moment. It turns out he didn’t and only provided his voice to the snowman. The snowman form was puppeteered by four different people. That’s the beauty of childhood movies. They bring out imagination.

Now that I watch it again as an adult, it’s CGI-heavy in its special effects. That’s not an issue. I still enjoyed watching Jack the snowman wander around town, or the epic snowboard chase scene. This is my favorite scene in the film.

The Jim Henson Creature Shop designed the snowman. Multiple versions of the snowman were built — some for close-up facial work, others for movement or action — giving the character personality and physical presence. The expressions look eerie at times.

However, there were problems in the production. Originally, George Clooney was cast as Jack, and when he dropped out, the puppet had to be redesigned to resemble Keaton.

This film is a helpful example for families to navigate grief. Grief is not an easy thing, especially around the holidays. This is the best time to be together with family.

Why does Jack Frost have a 5.5 rating on IMDB? This movie deserves so much more. It’s a kid-friendly movie that makes a delightful holiday watch for the whole family.