A Christmas Story
It's Christmas Eve eve. I know, it sounds silly but isn't that December 23rd is? And today is when I watch my favorite Christmas movie. And while I do love It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol and even, The Nutcracker. All those movies are wonderful and totally tug on my heart strings. But my favorite Christmas movie is about a little boy from Indiana named Ralphie. Here is my favorite Christmas movie:
A Christmas Story is the story told by Ralphie Parker (narrated by Jean Shepherd acted by Peter Billingsley) who is a nine year old boy from Indiana. The main point of this story centes around Raphie's desire for a `Genuine Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbone Action Air Rifle.' Ralphie is like many other kids of the 1940's. He lives with his younger brother Randy(Ian Petrella), his mother( Melinda Dillon), and his Father (Darren McGavin). As the story progresses, Ralphie tries to convince the adults in his life that a ` Genuine Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action Air Rifle,' would be a good choice as a Christmas gift. He leaves advertisements in his mother's magazine, he writes about why he wants it in a school assignment about " What I Want for Christmas". He even asks the head honcho, Santa Clause. They all respond with the classic phrase, `You'll shoot your Eye out.' Ralphie is let down by this but he does not give up.
This story is not only about Ralphie's quest for a BB gun, it also is a story about Ralphie's childhood n the 1940's. Like any other movie told from a child's perspective, there is some kind of school or neighborhood bully, who picks on others as well as the main character. This movie would not be the same with out Scud Farcus, a tall nasty looking green/yellow toothed kid. And who could forget a trusty sidekick named Grover Dill. Ralphie and his friends are afraid of Scut and try to avoid him as much as possible. These emotions build up in Ralphie until one day, he can take it no longer, his anger gets the best of him, and he beats up Scud Farcus. All the neighborhood kids gather around to watch the fight which came to be known as the Scud Farcus affair. Although Ralphie was worried that he would get not trouble as a result of this fight, he soon forgot about this as he continued tot think of ways to get what he wanted for Christmas.
We are also introduced to Ralphie's parents and brother. like. Any film of the forties can't be complete with out the house wife/ mother. Melinda Dillon acts, and looks like the typical house wife of the forties who cares for her family. Ralphie's dad, who is refrred to as `the old man', is somewhat crabby, but for the most part he is a very likable character. He likes to enetr contests and eventually wins a `major award' which turns out to be a sexy leg lamp. The `Old Man has a tendency to use bad language, however, when Ralphie starts to use some of these words, he is punished by having his mouth washed out with Life Boy Soap. . Jean Shepherd's narration, and Peter Billingsley's portrayal of Ralphie make it seem as though the two really grew up in the forties. From the way he dresses to the way he acts, Peter does a great job acting out Ralphie's part. The same goes with Jean Shepherd. Although he is not acting, just narrating, he describes Ralphie's childhood so well that it almost seems as though we are growing up with him. Similarly, the supporting actors and actresses, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Ian Petrella and Ralphie's friends, Schwartz and Flick who are played by Scott Schwartz and RD Robb, add a lot of humor to the story.
This is a movie with a plot which is as basic as can be. But that's OK, this is a movie about moments. And what wonderful, inspired moments there are. Some great moments of hilarity and some great moments of heartfelt emotion. It may not be the deepest, most involved story ever told but it's certainly an enjoyable one. If there was only one Christmas movie, it would be this one. Never atmosphere, storytelling and childhood memories have been pictured better when it comes to Christmas. I remember when I was a kid, it was shown on TV very late at night on the 24th of December of each year. It was always a pleasure to watch it and it still is. The passing of time didn't ruin it. In fact, it's only getting better. People of all ages can enjoy it and appreciate the cleverness and witty humor of the script as well as the very nostalgic atmosphere of the whole movie.