“A Christmas Story Christmas” Movie Review
In the era of remakes and sequels, a new one emerges: “A Christmas Story Christmas,” a sequel to the 1983 film, “A Christmas Story” comes just in time for the holiday season.
This follow up movie is considered separate from adaptations like “A Christmas Story 2,” “A Christmas Story Live!” and “It Runs in the Family/My Summer Story.”
Unlike these adaptations, this brings back some of the original actors. Peter Billingsley reprises his beloved role as Ralphie. Ian Petrella (Randy Parker), Scott Schwartz (Flick), R.D. Robb (Schwartz) and Zack Ward (Scut Farkus) all also came back to star in the movie as their past roles.
Leading the film is Clay Kaytis, who has also directed “The Angry Birds Movie” and “The Christmas Chronicles.”
Not only does Billingsley star in this film, but he also helped write it and was one of the producers.
It takes place in the 70s, about 30 years after the original movie. Ralphie is an aspiring science fiction writer living in Chicago with his wife and two kids. When he gets the call that his Old Man has passed, he returns to his hometown, which he swore he wasn’t going to do until he was a successful author.
His mother asks him to try and make this Christmas the best ever. But, when multiple things go awry, this proves to be a difficult task.
The ending is both memorable and nostalgic. It's one of the best parts of the movie, making you want to go back and watch the first “A Christmas Story” all over again.
In fact, one of the reasons why this movie is good is because of its nostalgia factor. It has flashback in a lot of parts, like Ralphie’s Old Man opening up the box and pronouncing fragile and “fra-geelay” and thinking it was Italian, which is such an iconic and quotable scene.
Realizing some of the old cast came back as their old role is also so heartwarming and takes you back to the first movie. Seeing where their lives took them as they grew into adults was satisfying to watch, remembering how they were as kids.
But, one of the weaker points of the movie is the voiceover. Obviously, it's needed for nostalgic purposes, but it felt too forced. It sounded more like an audiobook reading than a story being told off the top of Ralphie’s head.
Another weaker part was the overall cheesy-ness of some of the parts. A lot of the dialogue felt so sickly sweet that sometimes it was hard to watch. However, this is a family Christmas movie so the cliches were a must.
The fact that doing something NOT cheesy in a Christmas film is rare, this isn’t a huge weak spot, just something to take into account before being watched.
Overall, this is a decent sequel to a beloved Christmas movie. The nostalgia for adults as well as the feel good moments for the entire family should be a sell to watch over the holiday season. Despite it feeling cheesy in some parts, it does a good job of appealing to multiple audiences.
Although watching the first “A Christmas Story” isn’t necessary, to get the full effect it is recommended.
This adaptation was good, but it in no way was better than the original. It is still worth the watch, if only for nostalgic reasons. If you want classic Christmas, just watch the OG.
Rating: 3/5
Chloe Rey is a first-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact her, email ckr5449@psu.edu.
