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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.
Christmas Story, A
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 8 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 11 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info
Genre(s): Comedy | Family/Kids
Written by:
Jean Shepherd (& novel In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash)
Leigh Brown
Bob Clark
Directed by: Bob Clark
Release Date:
Theatrical: November 18, 1983
DVD: October 7, 2003
Running Time: 94 minutes, Color
Origin: USA / Canada
Summary
RATING: PG adult language
Starring Peter Billingsley, Ian Petrella, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb, Zack Ward, and Tedde Moore
This delightfully funny holiday gem tells the story of Ralphie Parker a 1940's nine-year-old who pulls out all the stops to obtain the ultimate Christmas present. (Warner Bros.)
Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database View The Trailer Official Studio Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The Onion (A.V. Club) Noel Murray
The affection audiences feel for A Christmas Story is related to the holiday spirit, yes, but specifically to Clark and Shepherd's awareness of how the true meaning of Christmas manifests in the real world, where a warm meal on a cold, dark day—and a surprising moment of parental grace—can ease a troubled mind.
Read Full Review >TV Guide Staff (Not Credited)
The cast is wonderful--especially McGavin, Billingsley and Petrella--the laughs are nonstop if rarely subtle, and the whole thing deserves to become a Christmastime classic.
Read Full Review >Boston Globe Jay Carr
In short, A Christmas Story isn't just about Christmas; it's about childhood and it recaptures a time and place with love and wonder. It seems an instant classic, a film that will give pleasure to people not only this Christmas, but for many Christmases to come. [19 Nov 1983, p.1]
ReelViews James Berardinelli
It's those moments and others and the way they are tied together by Shepherd's tongue-in-cheek narration that cements A Christmas Story as one of those rare must-see holiday movies, even for those who don't celebrate Christmas.
Read Full Review >Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert
It is pitch-perfect, telling the story through the enthusiastic and single-minded vision of its hero Ralphie, and finding in young Peter Billingsley a sly combination of innocence and calculation.
Read Full Review >The New York Times Vincent Canby
Though Mr. Billingsley, Mr. Gavin, Miss Dillon and the actress who plays Ralphie's school teacher are all very able, they are less funny than actors in a television situation comedy that one has chosen to watch with the sound turned off.
Read Full Review >Chicago Reader J.R. Jones
Director Bob Clark teamed with nostalgic humorist Jean Shepherd for this squeaky clean and often quite funny 1983 yuletide comedy, adapted from Shepherd's novel In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.
Read Full Review >The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Stephen Godfrey
Needless to say, what's refreshing about A Christmas Story is subversive to the sepia-toned and loving references to the forties which director Bob Clark has provided for the film. The fictional Parker family that Shepherd has written about for 20 years is not as gentle or gauzy as they first appear. It's possible to imagine them so preoccupied with their own problems, whether dealing with the neighbor's dogs or winning a mail- order contest, that they could forget Christmas altogether. [25 Nov 1983, p.E5]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this movie is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 11 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Enzo P. gave it an8:
A Christmas Story is fun throughout the entire film. The best christmas movie I have ever seen. To bad its only ninety-eight minutes I didn't want it to end. But I thought that it had to much narrative speaking the actors barely said anything, it was as if it was a documentary. The whole thing is someone speaking no acting. To add to that this movie was one of those films when you know what the ending is going to be. So that makes no thrill to the ending. Now lets talk about what the movie is about. Ralph is a down on his luck 9 year old boy that only has one wish. To get the Red Ryder 200-Shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. But everybody says that 'You'll shoot your eye out.' Even his teacher and (fake) Santa Claus. So after all I wrote my advice to you is SEE IT.
Sonya W. gave it a10:
This is my favorite all time Christmas holiday movie of all times.
Christina D. gave it a9:
I like " It's A Wonderful Life"better though.
Jack E. gave it a10:
This movie ia classic such a claasic that the original house was bought and put back in the original setting up to the Foot light. I always injoy it every time I watch it.
James E. gave it a10:
This is by all accounts a classic holiday movie. Funny from beginning to end at any time of the year!
