A Christmas Story (1983)

Genre

Comedy

Director

Bob Clark

Country

USA

Cast

Peter Billingsley, Jean Shepherd, Ian Petrella, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb, Zack Ward, Yano Anaya, Tedde Moore, Jeff Gillen

Storyline

In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) dreams of owning a Red Rider BB gun, and sets out to convince everyone it is the perfect gift.

Opinion

I've found out the existence of this film only months ago - and by months I mean on March -, and decided to watch it. Now that December has come, and Christmas, like it or not, is in the air, it felt like the perfect moment to watch "A Christmas Story", a film that turned out to be a quite charming and funny holiday flick.

I was immediately sold by the story. Set in the 1940s, it is a nostalgic story told through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy who desperately wants a rifle for Christmas. And it's a hell of fun to see him trying to obtain what he wants and eventually see if he will shoot his eye out. That being said, it does not prevent the story from being cheesy, and thin. The main plot is so weak, the writers added a lot of subplots to make the film work. But at least it work.

The great thing about this film is that it's able to bring you back to your childhood, to those days you woke up early to unwrap the presents, or you went picking up a tree with your parents. There are really a lot of moments in this film that will remind you of your childhood.

What I loved the most about it though, other than the adorable Ralphie, a very likable character wonderfully brought to life by Peter Billingsley, is the film's subtle and edgy humour, and its ability to make you laugh about the silliest moments of Christmas season.

I triple-DOG-dare you to watch "A Christmas Story", and, please, don't shoot your eye out.