When tragedy strikes a loving family, leave it to Hollywood to bring back the deceased parent as Frosty the Snowman. That’s the premise of Jack Frost, a film that–to its credit–urges too-busy fathers to make every day count with their kids. The idea that children should be a parent’s priority is great. And our need for second chances is straight from John 8. But seeing a struggling blues musician (Michael Keaton) bond redemptively with his son via reincarnation should send shivers up Christian spines.
“[Jack’s] a man trying to be a father, a husband, a breadwinner, and he’s trying to do what he loves to do, “Keaton says. “Ultimately he realizes that if you don’t pay attention to the people dearest in your life–your family–you could lose it all.” Sounds good. So why is it Jack’s selfless decision to put career ambitions on hold and follow through on a promise to his family that leads to his death? Odd.
Beyond its strained logic and theological foolishness, Jack Frost (rated PG for mild language) isn’t very entertaining. It begins promisingly. A clever snowball fight plays out as the schoolyard equivalent of WWII when seen through the mind’s eye of children embroiled in battle-a very funny scene. But the script never again aspires to such wit. It spins its wheels in dull, preachy slush before stalling in a puddle of predictability. Add reincarnation and mild profanity and it’s clear that, while Jack Frost intends to melt hearts, it will leave discerning families cold.
