A Christmas Story Movie Review
Synopsis: The funniest thing about Christmas, according to Jean Shepherd’s over the top holiday comedy, is spending it with your own family. In 1940’s Indiana, nine year old Ralphie dreams of his ideal Christmas gift: a genuine Red Ryder 200 shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. But when his gruff dad and doting mom regularly respond with “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Ralphie mounts a full scale, hint dropping, Santa begging campaign. In this tale you’ll be caught up in all kinds of childhood calamities from snowsuit paralysis to the yellow eyed Scotty Farkus affair to the dreaded tongue on a frozen flagpole gambit.
Rating:PG
Run Time:98 min
Director: Bob Clark
Dvd Extra’s: Theatrical Trailer, Languages and Subtitles: English, Francais, and Espanol.
Nudity Factor: None
Of Note: Ralphie says that he wanted the “Red Ryder BB Gun” 28 times.
Recommendations:
This movie became an instant classic when it was first shown, and its classic following has grown ever since then. The story follows Ralphie a nine-year-old boy that has one wish for Christmas a Red Rider BB Gun. He does everything in his power to convey why this would be a good idea. During this time he has many adventures or should we say misadventures. From tongues sticking to poles, dropping the fbomb, to finally snapping on the local bully. Ralphie has his share of troubles and disappointments while the holiday season is approaching yet his resolve to get the bb gun is unwavering. The actors all do a great job at their roles and really sell the era that this film was made in. The approach to set this in the early 1940s adds to the classic feel of this film. It also has a story that still relates to children and adults. We have all found ourselves in places similar to what Ralphie from being super excited for something that is a fraction of what we have built it up to be to finally giving the person bully a little taste of what it is like.
Overall, this was an instant classic that is a must-see each holiday season. Actually, it does not feel like Christmas until I have seen this at least once. Certainly is entertaining and brings the spirit of the holidays out.