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Jack Frost

Play trailer Poster for Jack Frost PG 1998 1h 35m Kids & Family Holiday Fantasy Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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19% Tomatometer 57 Reviews 40% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
As a touring musician clinging to dreams of stardom, aging rocker Jack Frost (Michael Keaton) never had much time for his wife, Gabby (Kelly Preston), and young son, Charlie (Joseph Cross). A year after Jack's tragic death in a car accident on Christmas Day, Charlie plays a mournful tune on his father's harmonica. Much to his surprise, the elder Frost is magically brought to life as a snowman on the family lawn. Given a second chance, Charlie and Jack struggle to make up for lost time.
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Jack Frost

Jack Frost

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Critics Consensus

Sentimental schmaltz and uninspired storytelling sink this film.

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Critics Reviews

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Sight & Sound It's a modern fairytale, complete with a magic harmonica that brings the snowman to life and a picture-postcard setting, featuring row upon row of twinkling Christmas lights and endless snowy vistas. Jun 18, 2012 Full Review Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Jack Frost is so treacly and fake it makes you feel like you're trapped in a winter-wonderland paperweight. Rated: D+ Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Ben Falk BBC.com This is a watchable, if by-the-book little movie. Rated: 3/5 Apr 17, 2001 Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) My least favorite Michael Keaton role Oct 24, 2020 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy It took four screenwriters to come up with dialogue so horrendous, it could have single-handedly ushered in a new era of silent cinema. "You the man!" "No, you the man!" "No, I'm the snowman!" Rated: 1/4 Dec 29, 2018 Full Review Tim Brayton Antagony & Ecstasy It took a lot to be the worst reincarnation fantasy titled Jack Frost from the second half of the 1990s, but by golly, they found a way. Rated: 2/10 Jul 19, 2014 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Lincoln R Pretty bad for a film Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/29/25 Full Review TheMovieSearch R Holiday films from the late ’90s often carry a unique charm, and Jack Frost, starring Michael Keaton, fits squarely into that nostalgic category. Even with its occasionally overstuffed screenplay and moments that feel a bit exaggerated, the film manages to carve out a warm place in the hearts of those who revisit it. There’s an undeniable sincerity in its emotional beats and a sweetness in its premise that allows viewers to look past its imperfections and simply enjoy the experience it offers. Like many films from that era, Jack Frost wasn’t created to be a cinematic masterpiece; it was crafted to be fun, whimsical, and accessible to families. Movies during that time didn’t always strive for epic scale or award-season prestige—they existed to entertain. While some have aged better than others, films like this remain endlessly rewatchable even if they’re not structurally flawless. It’s the same sort of charm found in Jingle All the Way, a film you correctly noted as technically terrible yet undeniably enjoyable. These movies tap into a feeling rather than perfection, and sometimes that’s exactly what audiences crave. Michael Keaton brings a lot of heart to the role, offering a performance that balances humor, warmth, and a surprisingly deep emotional resonance. He makes the fantastical premise feel grounded enough to connect, and he carries the film with his signature charisma and sincerity. Alongside him is Kelly Preston, whose presence adds an extra layer of comfort and affection. She was always one of those performers who brought genuine heart into every scene she touched, and she helps solidify the emotional core that holds Jack Frost together. Despite its flaws, the film earns credit for embracing its own sense of magic. The themes of family, love, and second chances shine through the sometimes uneven screenplay, reminding audiences of what really matters during the holiday season. It’s not a film that depends on perfection—it thrives on warmth, nostalgia, and sentimentality, never pretending to be anything grander than a heartfelt family tale. In many ways, Jack Frost was heavily judged upon release. Critics dismissed it for tonal inconsistency, sentimental storytelling, and visual effects that didn’t quite hold up even then. But time has a way of softening perspectives. Modern audiences approach these kinds of films with more forgiveness, especially when they offer emotional sincerity, and this one absolutely does. It’s easy to see why people return to it when they want something sweet and comforting. For all these reasons, Jack Frost deserves a spot on the annual holiday rewatch list. It’s cute, fun, and warm, and while it may not have the cinematic polish of more modern Christmas films, it has a timeless spirit. Sometimes a movie’s greatest strength is its ability to bring families together for a simple, cozy evening—and Jack Frost accomplishes exactly that. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/18/25 Full Review I Am F Good charming kids movie. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/10/25 Full Review Stephen C Funny in 1 hour and 35 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $34,500,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/15/25 Full Review Tinisha W Classic Christmas movie, full of sentiment and comedy. A top favourite and staple holiday movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review Faiz D One of my favourite christmas movies. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/13/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Jack Frost

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Movie Info

Synopsis As a touring musician clinging to dreams of stardom, aging rocker Jack Frost (Michael Keaton) never had much time for his wife, Gabby (Kelly Preston), and young son, Charlie (Joseph Cross). A year after Jack's tragic death in a car accident on Christmas Day, Charlie plays a mournful tune on his father's harmonica. Much to his surprise, the elder Frost is magically brought to life as a snowman on the family lawn. Given a second chance, Charlie and Jack struggle to make up for lost time.
Director
Troy Miller
Producer
Irving Azoff, Mark Canton
Screenwriter
Mark Steven Johnson, Steve Bloom, Jonathan Roberts, Jeff Cesario
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Canton Company, Warner Brothers
Rating
PG
Genre
Kids & Family, Holiday, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 11, 1998, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 23, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$34.5M
Runtime
1h 35m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby SR, DTS, Surround
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