Every year around Christmas, many movies get made in the hopes of becoming a staple of the holiday season. Some get extreme popularity, while others fade into the background. One movie though has continued to be played time and time again every Christmas season and that movie is none other than A Christmas Story. Directed by Bob Clark, this movie gets overplayed so much around Christmas time that many people have suddenly turned against it think that it’s not as good as people make it out to be. Despite the backlash, is this truly one of the best Christmas movies ever made? Or do the people have a point in saying that it might be overrated.
Set in the ’50s In the small town of Hohman Indiana, all 9-year-old Raphie Parker (Peter Billingsly) wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. However, no matter how hard he tries to drop hints to his mother (Melinda Dillon) and father (Darren McGavin), he always gets the same response which is “You’ll shoot your eye out” Ralphie however, is still determined to get what he wants as he tries some other ideas to get the Red Ryder while getting through the Christmas season with his family
The story is basic to understand but it also presents a likable and fresh take on a slice of life type story. Unlike a lot of other modern Christmas classics that try to be relevant to today’s culture, this movie is very timeless even with the whole premise taking place in the ’50s. The whole movie is told from the child's point of view and how materialistic he can be which can be very relatable to older folks in the audience. There are plenty of inside jokes and interesting scenarios that bring the audience back to a simpler time when there weren’t iPhones and technology galore. The story is treated with respect and while the stakes are not as high as some other Christmas stories, it still makes its mark as being a charming and fun Christmas film that almost anyone can enjoy.
There is no need for an introduction to these characters because I can bet that most of you reading know them by heart. Ralphie being the main character is your ordinary kid who is a little selfish but still very innocent. Most of his character development comes from Jean Shepherd who does a great job at feeling like a part of Ralphie that is reminiscing on the good old days. There are many other characters that get moments to shine too like Ralphies parents who are admittedly portrayed as kinda mean but still feel loving and caring even despite their own personal flaws. These characters are made simple but effective in their delivery and execution.
The whole movie is filled with vintage-like cinematography that happens to have a lot of Christmas scenery. The snow in the neighborhood and the decorations in the town and the mall are great examples of incorporating Christmas cheer. The 50’s setting is also very intriguing as it’s nice to see a story set in a different time period that is good for kids to understand and for adults to feel nostalgic for. Much like the story, the cinematography is simple and effective even if it may not be the most groundbreaking cinematography ever crafted.
It was hard to know which composer made the music for the movie, but it was nevertheless simple and charming with plenty of fun whimsical tunes and inserted Christmas carols. It’s nothing to write home about but it definitely fits the tone and style that this movie goes for.
A Christmas Story may not be my personal favorite Christmas movie, but I perfectly understand why it could be somebody else’s because the stuff in it that is good is really flipping good. Sure, it does get overplayed a lot, but the truth is, this movie is a charming and likable Christmas film that has many elements of Christmas cheer and wonderful characters that are memorable and engaging. This movie gets played constantly over the holidays and its no wonder why so many people hail this movie as a true classic thnat will live on for years and years.
(Final Grade: B+)