By Truman Martin – Staff Reporter

“A Christmas Story” is a 1983 movie based on the book by Jean Shepherd. The movie is set in 1940’s Indiana where Ralphie Parker and his family live. The movie is narrated by Jean Shepherd who is supposed to play an older version of Ralphie later in life. Throughout the movie, Ralphie tries to get his parents (and Santa) to buy him a Red Ryder BB Gun that he saw in a store window. The movie follows the family all the way to Christmas Day, showing what Ralphie does at school with his friends and how he deals with bullies. The movie made $20.7 million in the box office, and it was directed by Bob Clark.

This Christmas movie is probably one of the best Christmas movies ever made. There are so many strong points in this movie, it’s hard to count. First off, the movie is hilarious. The lightheartedness that the narrator brings is very good. The way he gets into the mind of a child while he narrates the story is incredible, and it makes people really relate to Ralphie. Speaking of which, this movie is super relatable to pretty much everyone. Everyone has had a thing they wanted for Christmas, but their parents were skeptical. Also, everyone has had a Christmas where not everything really worked out.  It is not as magical as other Christmas movies, but that’s what sets it apart from all of the other Christmas movies. It doesn’t need to be magical. 

The movie’s pacing is good; there aren’t really any slow points in the movie. There are little flashbacks/daydreams that help with the pacing and add another comedy element to the film. There are many iconic things in the movie, like Flick sticking his tongue to the pole, Ralphie’s bunny suit, and when Ralphie says “Oh Fudge” (only he didn’t say fudge). The movie really cleverly tells the story of a pretty ordinary family. Also, there don’t seem to be any weak points to the movie. 

Now, everyone has their own opinions for the best Christmas movie ever made, whether it be “Elf,” “Home Alone,” or whatever else, but this movie holds a special place in many people’s hearts and they can deeply relate to different characters. Kids can relate to Ralphie and his friends, and adults can relate to Ralphie’s parents. All of the actors do a really good job portraying the characters from the book. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, definitely a Christmas classic.

(Some information courtesy rottentomatoes.com)