Christmas is approaching and 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants only one thing: a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun. When he mentions it at the dinner table, his mother's immediate reaction is that he'll shoot his eye out. He then decides on a perfect theme for his teacher, but her reaction is like his mother's. He fantasizes about what it would be like to be Red Ryder and catch the bad guys. When the big day arrives, he gets lots of presents including a lovely one from his aunt that his mother just adores. But what about the BB gun? Another fabulous Christmas classic from the magnificent decade of the 80s. Set during the 1940s, we get an insight into a Christmas of that period and what it could have been like for a family of the times. However, with some slight mishaps along the way since this is after all a comedy, shown through the memory of Ralphie narrating his childhood. This is such an enjoyable story which many can connect with who have experienced Christmas as a child or parent. The wonder, happiness and, of course, the hopefulness that we get the gift we so desire. For Ralphie, this is the Red Ryder 200 Shot BB gun, which every child wants and whoever doesn't get one will be the odd one out. This reminds me of a similar scenario with the Turbo Man in Jingle All the Way (1996). Unfortunately, everyone tells him how dangerous they are and how he will shoot his eye out. I loved this repeated joke as each chance he gets to tell someone how much he wants one, he gets the same response from his mum to his teachers and even Santa. Where ever he goes and whoever he asks, he can't escape those dreaded words. My favourite recurring joke is seeing Ralphie imagine and fantasise about what could happen in the many situations he is put in throughout the film. From imagining saving his family from robbers using his new BB gun to his theme about what he wants for Christmas being graded with the highest mark over other students. There are so many creative scenes he thinks up that constantly get a chuckle from me. I also loved adult Ralphie recollecting his past as he narrates, which adds so many layers to what we are shown. We constantly jump back and forth between his younger self speaking to his older self talking in his mind. Another great aspect of this movie is Ralphie's family and school friends. His father is obsessed with his prize leg lamp which he won. His mother may be greatly under-appreciated but is so extremely loving. His brother, Randy, is the typical silly and annoying younger brother who has some eating problems. And his friends are frequently on the run from the school bully, Scut Farkus. If you haven't seen the film skip past the red to avoid me ruining the end. *Spoilers* When the big day finally arrives and all the presents have been opened Ralphie still hadn't got his BB gun. However, his father alerts him to a hidden present, which turns out to be none other than the gun! His father had purchased it for him, which was such a lovely scene. Although, whilst enjoying his new gift Ralphie shoots his eye out! The many warnings had come true and took me quite by surprise, I had no idea it would come true. This film has become so iconic in pop culture with so many memorable scenes and imagery from the tongue sticking to the lamp post, to the bright pink bunny outfit and the prize leg lamp. Overall, this is a magnificent comedic Christmas classic that is a must-watch each year-round. A Christmas Story is all about family and can be enjoyed by all ages but most definitely by parents.
Director: Bob Clark
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