Plot
Howard is a workaholic, often putting his job before his family. On Christmas Eve “Eve”, he fails to attend his son Jamie’s Karate celebration – angering both Jamie and wife Liz. He then lies to Liz, saying he bought his son his Christmas present; The popular action figure of Turbo Man.
Now he’s got Christmas eve to find the toy (instead of spending the day with his family), but this turns out to be a difficult task since Turbo Man is the most popular toy of all time, and has been sold out for weeks!
In his way to find the toy, is the over zealous mailman Myron, who also has failed to buy his son the toy, a police officer who Howard just happens to annoy throughout the day, and Ted – his ‘overly’ helpful single neighbour – who all the women in the street love.
Cast Characters
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Howard.
Sinbad plays Myron.
Rita Wilson plays Liz, Howard’s long suffering wife.
The late great Phil Hartman plays Ted, Howard and Liz’ single dad neighbour – who has eyes for Liz.
Other cast include, Robert Conrad as the police officer, Jim Belushi as the mall Santa who Howard tries to buy a Turbo Man off of.
Breakdown
Sadly, I remember this being way better when I was younger, but the entire film you just want Howard to fail on his venture. He is egotistical, doesn’t know how to talk to kids (thanks to a poor screenplay), and is obviously a lousy dad.
Schwarzenegger (who has been funny in other films like True Lies/Last Action Hero) isn’t overly funny here – even in the horrid final act. This is by far his weakest comedy to date. Even at 93m with credits – it drags at times.
There are some slightly humorous moments like the ‘ball drop’ moment’, Harold trying to buy a ‘hot’ Turbo Man doll from dept store Santa’s.
My main issue with the film, the entirety of the first 80m is it plays as a serious, (albeit too cliche’), dad is an absent father. It never comes across as self aware, until the ludicrous final – where Howard is mistaken for the actor to play Turbo Man in a pageant (and for some reason Myron steals Turbo Man’s archnemesis) uniform – and then they ‘battle’ with real weapons. Uhg! Also – it just felt stupid that no one recognizes Howard.
Finally, that Howard does one small (accidental mind you) gesture… all is forgiven and he gets his happy ending. This feels totally undeserved.
It also feels like it is the longest day ever (considering the film is set in Minnesota – this is another faux pas I couldn’t ignore).
The late great Phil Hartman is good as Ted, the ‘in touch with his feminine side’ but really has ulterior motives. The schtick gets a little old a little quickly however.
Some fun cameos from Yardley Smith, Curtis Armstrong and Danny Woodburn (among others).
Overall
More cliche’s here than you can throw a stick at, with this being the weakest of all of Arnie’s comedy movies. Throughout the film it takes itself way too seriously, then has a completely nonsensical third act, followed by a truly non deserving ‘happy ending’.
Even Hartman doesn’t save this one. I remember it being so much better as a kid.
2/5
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