Review of A Christmas Story (1983) by Michael M — 22 Dec 2016

Well f***. Guess this is where I alienate everyone. Look, here's the thing, there's a lot I like and even respect about this movie. I like that it's a more realistic and even darker take on Christmas which makes it feel a bit more genuine.

I like how it really captures the feeling of childhood in a realistic way without any artificial sense of whimsy; it shows how tough it can be to be a kid and that kids can be violent and cruel little s***heads sometimes.

I also like its' very natural almost conversational tone. But do I like the movie? Well...no. Bottom line, I just didn't enjoy it. There were only two points I found funny, and even then it was just a light chuckle and nothing more.

Also, as much as I appreciate the darker tone that gives it a more genuine feel, it relishes in the darkness to such a degree it just becomes a very unpleasant film to watch. It's no wonder this director started by doing a Christmas horror movie, this thing is frequently shot like a damn horror movie.

It also just feels like a movie with a whole lot of nothing to it. I can appreciate movies that are slice of life pieces with little in terms of actual story, but they have to either be entertaining or be saying something.

For me anyway, A Christmas Story does neither of those things. It's just boring, ugly, and kind of unpleasant. Thing is, I don't hate the movie. I can even see this as something that might grow on me in repeat viewings.

This first viewing though, I really couldn't get into it. There's a lot of stuff in here I appreciate and respect, but none of it comes together in a effective way. If you like this movie, I get it.

It's quirky, it's different, it's genuine. I can respect that. I just couldn't get into it. It just didn't work for me. I'm ultimately giving it a slightly higher rating than I really think it deserves because there are aspects to this film I thought were really well done and even bold choices.

As a whole though...no.