Review of A Christmas Story (1983) by Matthew D — 25 Dec 2018

The most relatable Christmas movie ever made!

A Christmas Story (1983) is a triumph of classic directing from the highly inventive Bob Clark and the perfectly executed gimmick of Jean Shepard narrating the entire film. Clark's use of high and low angles to represent a child's perspective, speeding up the daily bully rundowns, nostalgic cuts to the next scene, and wonderfully funny scenes right out of your own childhood. Clark is a brilliant director that proves himself all over again with each scene.

The Santa Claus sequence is masterfully crafted and absolutely hilarious no matter how many times I watch it. The tense Ovaltine decoder ring full of suspense of joy is cleverly put together as is the revenge on the bully. Every scene in A Christmas Story feels like something I've experienced in real life with my family or friends.

The morals are apparent from being careful for what you wish for, standing up to bullies, standing by your friends, and learning from your mistakes. All useful advice, but are particularly funny put into sequences that any kid can relate and empathize with from your father screaming about decorations, furnaces, food to your mother yelling about swear words, homework, or dinner time. I feel like watching A Christmas Story is more akin to peering into some random family's home during the Christmas season. This is brilliant writing at its most homegrown.

A Christmas Story is more than a gut busting comedy of constant laughs, but it is simultaneously a recreation of early 1950's America. The sweet old school score with classic symphonic sounds to the radio programs and decoder rings. Clark even made sure to add bars of soap in your mouth as punishment, Ovaltine, leg lamps, BB Guns, and mall Santas. It's a quaint attempt at referencing back to an older era of American culture.

Lastly, the cast of A Christmas Story is just cast to perfection. Jean Shepard's narration is ever present and wonderfully delivered with the enthusiasm of an adult man reminiscing on his childhood. Melinda Dillon is so sweet and motherly, while also capturing the insanity of 1950's mom behavior. Darren McGavin's father figure is so accurate to real life dad conduct it's even funnier. His swearing, frustration, excitement, and tender affection towards his son are all so true to life. Finally, Peter Billingsley as the main boy Ralphie is excellent at delivering funny faces to go along with the narration. He really captures the essence of a young boy anticipating Christmas.

This remains my favorite Christmas film of all time. I never tire of it.