Review of A Christmas Story (1983) by Kendall I — 01 Oct 2012

An instant classic and Christmas tradition in my family.

PLOT:During the Christmas season in 1940s Indiana, young Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) is just a normal kid with a normal family. This year for Christmas, he wants a Red Rider air rifle with a compass in the stock and thing which tells time, but he keeps getting undermind by his mom (Melinda Dillon), his teacher, and even Santa himself; not to mention avoiding school bullies, decoding secret messages from radio broadcasts, and dealing with his dad's (Darren McGavin) crazy antics as well. This is a very subtle plot idea executed in every possible good way it can be.

ACTING:The acting is just great. Billingsley does just delightful and charming as Ralphie. Dillon does a perfect and flawless job as a 1940s mother, as well as McGavin as a strict 1940s father. All the kids did a great job in either a nostalgic or charming way.

SCORE:Of course, the score is all Christmas music, but it's done in such a special way that you can tell the movie right from the music. It warms my heart just thinking about it.

OTHER CONTENT:It's surprising that Bob Clark of Black Christmas did a brilliant comedy like this a good few years later. There are several things to love about this movie. One thing to love is the nostalgic accuracy to the 40s items, sayings, and personas. I do believe it stayed true to the decade in almost every way. Secondly, the charm is a huge factor in this movie's likeableness. The charm is warm, unique and feels like home to me because of how many Christmases I spent watching this. Thirdly, the uniqueness to its plot twists and mishaps is just to good to miss. Lastly, the well-written narrative Jean Shepherd gives throughout the movie's running is just intense and real-sounding. I felt the emotions as if I were reading a great novel.

OVERALL, an epic Christmas film with a well-executed plot, flawless acting, warm Christmas score, nostalgic accuracy, warmly unique charm, unique plot twists, and a well-written narrative.