See more movie reviews

Jack Frost (NR, 1979)

common sense media says

Minor Rankin-Bass classic with a touch of romance.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this isn't a Christmas tale per se, but a winter story that revolves around unrequited love and heroic acts, with a dollop of Russian peasant repression for good measure. Mild battle scenes occur, but their stop-action animation style prevent them from being too scary. An explanation of what a Russian Cossack is may be helpful to younger children in understanding the villain. Workers in Father Time's realm are called "gypsies."

Positive messages: Despite poverty the residents of January Junction find joy in creative ways during the Christmas holiday. Heroism, bravery, and sacrifice are all on display.
Violence & scariness: Scenes of comic peril mild enough for even young viewers.
Sexy stuff: Story has a romantic bent, but a knight kissing a fair maiden's hand is as demonstrative as it gets.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Jack Frost

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about Jack's decision to become human. What do you think you would miss about being magical, if you were in Jack's shoes? For older kids, discuss the "ice money" that Jack provides. How could the villagers use that sort of system year-round? Also, families can try some of the crafts included in the remastered edition of the movie.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Narrated and sung by Buddy Hackett, JACK FROST is characterized by the stop-motion animation which its directors, Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, made famous. In this 1979 film, remastered in 2008, Jack Frost (voiced by Robert Morse) longs to become human to win the affection of Elisa (Debra Clinger), a resident of impoverished January Junction. Father Winter (Paul Frees) grants his wish -- with conditions. But when Jack joins the residents of the village, posing as an itinerant tailor, his plan is imperiled by an evil villain and a knight in golden armor, both of whom want to marry Elisa. Jack is forced to make a difficult decision about the best way to honor Elisa and her fellow villagers.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The movie may seem like a Christmas story, but it actually opens with an extended riff about Groundhog Day and a bargain that Jack Frost has made to extend winter for as long as possible. Christmas plays only a small role in the movie so families looking for alternatives to Christmas movies could incorporate this into their viewing. However, in the 2008 edition there is an easy-to-follow special feature on making holiday gifts.

Overall, the movie is a bit convoluted, and there are so many secondary characters introduced and never seen again -- from the Hail Fellow to the Sleet Sisters and Fetch Kvetch -- that it's hard to keep track. Though the animation is as good as one expects from a Rankin/Bass production, the songs that accompany the action aren't particularly memorable. The movie ends on a poignant note, and some viewers may wonder if Elisa has made the right choice.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Home Video
Director: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass
Cast: Buddy Hackett, Paul Frees, Robert Morse
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 49 minutes
Theatrical release: December 13, 1979
DVD release: October 7, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Nancy Davis Kho
 
 

Review It

 

Review Jack Frost

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

animefan
teen, 16 years old
5
 
This is one of the lesser-known Christmas specials by the Rankin-Bass company, obviously because it really doesn't center around Christmas-- like Rudolph's Shiny New Year, it takes place around a later holiday, in this case Groundhog's Day. It deals with romance, but there's nothing to worry about as it's a very clean movie. I loved this movie, and the only annoyance I could find was the singing groundhog who narrates the story. I think they could've done without him, I really do.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (4)
96grlpowrCE
teen, 16 years old
4
 
It's just what I always wanted, it's perfectly right, it's just what I always wanted, a Christmas delight! :D lol
(You're probably wondering about the title of my review... it's from one of the musical numbers in the movie, hahahaha.) I loved this movie as a young child, and I still love it now. The only thing that was disappointing was the ending. I always felt really bad for Jack. Anyway, the music in this movie was awesome, and it's one of those movies I just HAVE to watch during December or it just doesn't feel like Christmas. lol
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Jack Frost?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines