content rating:

PG

parental guidance advised

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a Christmas Story

Movie Facts

Release Year:

1983

Runtime:

95 minutes

Cast:

Melinda Dillon

Darren McGavin

Peter Billingsley

Director:

Bob Clark

Producer:

Renee DuPont

Bob Clark

Basic Plot

Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker lives in a small town in Indiana during the 1940's with his gruff-but-lovable father, his adoring mother and his tag-along younger brother.  Christmas is just around the corner and like all children, Ralphie dreams of the perfect Christmas morning.  When his mother asks what he wants for Christmas, he blurts out "a Genuine Red Ryder Carbine Action Two-Hundred Shot Lightning Loader Range model Air Rifle" and then winces.  He can already guess what her response will be.  She shakes her head as she speaks, "No, you'll only shoot your eye out".  From this point, Ralphie must design a devious plan to convince his parents and Santa to gift him with his ultimate Christmas dream.   

Review

There's an old time charm that those of us of a certain age can almost feel when we watch this movie.  It transports your heart and your mind back to a simpler era filled with wonderful memories.  We've left a nose print or two on those gloriously decorated and animated downtown store windows.  "A Christmas Story" recreates that very special time for those who were never fortunate enough to live it.  Darren McGavin's portrayal of a gruff, but lovable Oldsmobile man with a colorful vocabulary is spot on.  Melinda Dillon is impeccable as the stay-at-home mom with a gentle strength that comes from her tireless effort to care for her family.  And to all of the children who dream of an air rifle..."you'll shoot your eye out"!        

Overall rating

   (out of a possible 5 bubble lights)