A Christmas Story
Peace. Harmony. Comfort and Joy... Maybe Next Year.
The Christmas spirit isn't served up with more observant hilarity than in this beloved adaptation of Jean Shepherd's holiday story. In 1940s Indiana, nine-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) dreams of his ideal Christmas gift: a genuine Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. But when gruff dad (Darren McGavin) and doting mom (Melinda Dillion) regularly respond with "You'll shoot your eye out!" Ralphie mounts a full-scale Santa-begging campaign. He encounters a slew of calamities from snowsuit paralysis to the dreaded tongue-on-a-frozen-flagpole gambit. We triple-dog-dare you to unwrap a more welcome Yultide classic!
Member Reviews
Great Christmas classic - egyptnation
Believe it or not but this is the first time that I have seen this movie - at the age of 25! Even though I didn't grow up with this film, as most people have, I absolutely loved it. It's a great parody of Leave It to Beaver-type family shows. The acting and script are what really drive it home. I totally get why this is at the top of most people's favourite Christmas movie.A definite do-not-miss at Christmas - TVJacks
Very very rarely do I enjoy a movie more than the book it was based on. This was definitely one of those times. With the story taken from "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by Jean Shepherd (the author is the narrator of the movie), the movie takes you back to the glory of the Christmases of your childhood -- no matter how old you are. This is a fun, funny, brilliant movie that gives an amazingly accurate window into the agony and ecstasy of a child's world during the countdown to December 25.You'll shoot your eye out. - Film_Prophet1
Those five classic words. Most people who hear these words remember this christmas classic. To my family, it is not christmas until we have watched little Ralphie's attempt at aquiring a BB gun. watching it has become a tradition as "It's a wonderful life". And I am surprised little people have heard of it.
A Christmas story was based on the memories of Jean Shepard, who has alot of humour in his memory in 1940. He reminisces about how Ralphie, his little alter ego, attempts to guarentee a Red Ryder air rifle, but all the adults he meet stall his plans with the same words "You'll Shoot Your eye out."
The magic of the film is that it knows and expresses exactly what christmas is like for a kid. Who doesn't remember that one big present they wanted as a kid, whether it be a hula hoop or a buzz lightyear action figure, you can't help but feel warm inside. And then there are the problems including the bully who acts tough and is really a coward. The endless lineup to see Santa. The little brother who is dressed up to winter to the point that he is unable to move his arms.
The best part of the movie, there is not one dull moment in this movie only small but perfectly memorable ones. Everyone who has seen it has a favorite. Whether it be the one where that kid gets his tongue stuck on a pole and the fire department comes in to get it off. The scene where Ralphie's brother Randy falling and due to his thick coat, is unable to get up. The old man's battles with the furnace. The leg lamp. These are just a few.
Plus there are no moral lessons. No magic letters. Just the ups and downs and magic of real life. And it ends like anyone's christmas, the kids lay a snooze holding their favorite toy while the parents watch the snow together. Life goes on.
Member Reviews
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Great Christmas classic - egyptnation
Believe it or not but this is the first time that I have seen this movie - at the age of 25! Even though I didn't grow up with this film, as most people have, I absolutely loved it. It's a great parody of Leave It to Beaver-type family shows. The acting and ...A definite do-not-miss at Christmas - TVJacks
Very very rarely do I enjoy a movie more than the book it was based on. This was definitely one of those times. With the story taken from "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by Jean Shepherd (the author is the narrator of the movie), the movie takes you ...You'll shoot your eye out. - Film_Prophet1
Those five classic words. Most people who hear these words remember this christmas classic. To my family, it is not christmas until we have watched little Ralphie's attempt at aquiring a BB gun. watching it has become a tradition as "It's a wonderful life". ...