FAMILY-ORIENTED `JACK FROST' WILL MELT HEARTS.Byline: Duane Byrge Hollywood Reporter ``Jack Frost'' is nipping nip·ping adj. 1. Sharp and biting, as the cold. 2. Bitingly sarcastic. nip  ping·ly adv.Adj. at our heartstrings in an affectionate family film starring Michael Keaton. Warm and glowing, ``Frost'' should win hearts at the box office and land video acclaim come this time next year. Most appealing about this perky perk·y adj. perk·i·er, perk·i·est 1. Having a buoyant or self-confident air; briskly cheerful. 2. Jaunty; sprightly. perk film is its look: Keaton plays rock star and family man Jack Frost, whose domicile is Colorado. Jack has been paying his dues in the music business, and, in this comfy situation, he's just about to make it big-time. What Jack doesn't realize, of course, is that he has already made it: He has a terrific, supportive wife, Gabby gab·by adj. gab·bi·er, gab·bi·est Slang Tending to talk excessively; garrulous. gab bi·ness n. (Kelly Preston), and an adoring, energetic son, Charlie (Joseph Cross). In short, he lives in a picture postcard-perfect world but doesn't totally appreciate his blessings. In a horrible turn of fate, Jack is killed in a car crash. The story line is framed through the Charlie's eyes. We see the loss the young boy has felt and empathize em·pa·thize v. To feel empathy in relation to another person. with his difficulty in not having a father. In the comedy's smartly looped scenario, Jack reincarnates as, well, a snowman. And, for the first time, Jack becomes a real father, nurturing his young son and, for a change, supporting his wife. With its upbeat theme and sumptuous look, ``Jack Frost'' undeniably hits all the right emotional notes, while Keaton is endearing as the father torn between career and family life. THE FACTS The film: ``Jack Frost'' (PG; slapstick slapstick Comedy characterized by broad humour, absurd situations, and vigorous, often violent action. It took its name from a paddlelike device, probably introduced by 16th-century commedia dell'arte troupes, that produced a resounding whack when one comic actor used it to violence). The stars: Michael Keaton, Kelly Preston, Joseph Cross, Mark Addy. Behind the scenes: Directed by Troy Miller. Written by Mark Steven Johnson, Steve Bloom, Jonathan Roberts, Jeff Cesario. Released by Warner Bros BROS Brothers BROS Benefits and Retirement Operations Section (King County, Washington) BROS Barnes and Richmond Operatic Society (London, UK) . Running time: One hour, 48 minutes. Playing: Citywide. Our rating: Three stars. |
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