Christmas music aficionado Mitchell Kezin turns filmmaker here, documenting his passion for the most unusual, eccentric, and unbelievable Christmas songs ever released, while also visiting fellow collectors (from filmmaker John Waters, to radio deejay Dr. Demento, to Joseph Simmons of Run DMC) to share favorite songs. Jingle Bell Rocks! is not about the beloved hits everyone knows, but rather forgotten greats such as Nat King Cole's devastating "The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot" (Kezin's favorite song), alternative Christmas songs with a cultural spin (the very sweet "Santa Claus is a Black Man" and El Vez's "Santa Claus is Sometimes Brown"), novelty numbers ("Santa Came on a Nuclear Missile") and unexpected discoveries ("Close Your Mouth (It's Christmas)" by the Free Design). A few songs are explored in depth but mostly this is an easygoing survey of odd and unusual holiday songs and a look at the people who love them—shining a spotlight on a seasonal music genre that is maligned by many, tolerated by some, and embraced by a few obsessive fans. An entertaining curio that is likely to be popular during the Christmas holiday season, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Jingle Bell Rocks!
Oscilloscope, 94 min., not rated, DVD: $19.99 Volume 30, Issue 2
Jingle Bell Rocks!
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