A Christmas Story

Positive—Wow, what a trip into the past this one is! A composite of late humorist/author Jean Shepherd’s short stories recounting his childhood growing up in the post WW2 era midwest. An utterly charming, and altogether wonderful film. Set in 1940’s Cleveland, Ohio, it traces the longings of a young nine yr. old boy named Ralphie, who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. His mom, of course, rejects the idea immediately, because “You’ll shoot your eye out!!” Ralphie, his gaggle of schoolboy pals, and a couple of neighborhood bullies, are delightful and hilarious to watch from start to finish. No detail of the 1940s is left out. Nostalgia buffs will be drooling over the attention to detail given the decor, clothing, and automobiles of the era. This film has been hailed as a “new classic” and is shown every year now on television come holiday time. One major cable channel airs it nonstop, over and over, for 24 full hours come Dec. 25th! From start to finish, a genuine delight…
My Ratings: [Better than Average / 5]
—Cynthia Matranga, age 49

Positive—…even though the movie makes no reference to what Christmas is really, it is a good family movie nevertheless. Very good cast and very few “bad” words. I recommend it. Of course, it comes on TV about 8 million times between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
My Ratings: [Better than Average / 5]
—Daniel Holmes, age 20

Negative—The father is an angry impatient jerk. The mother a whiney, weak woman who tolerates sassiness from her children. The children swear. The father swears. There is some sexual innuendo… This movie is not welcome in my home.
My Ratings: [Better than Average / 5]
—Anonymous