A Christmas Story Christmas is a legacy sequel to the cult holiday-themed movie released in the year 1983. It follows the all-grown-up Ralphie (played by Peter Billingsley), who now aims to become a full-time author and recreate the magic of Christmas for his kids. The film is directed by Clay Kaytis and also written by him and Nick Schenk. Furthermore, it is based on the works of Jean Shepherd.
The complete cast of the film includes Julie Hagerty as Mrs Parker, Ian Petrella as Randy Parker, Scott Schwartz as Flick, RD Robb as Schwartz, Zack Ward as Scut Farkus, Erin Hayes as Ralphie’s wife Sandy Parker, River Drosche and Julianna Layne Ralphie’s son and daughter respectively. Moreover, the film is edited by David Walsh Heinz while Matthew Clark serves as the cinematographer.
-A Christmas Story Christmas Review Does Not Contain Spoilers-
The long-awaited sequel of the holiday classic starts with a middle-aged Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), who now lives with his family in Chicago, Illinois. The Christmas favourite kid has still not given up on his dreams and saved enough finances to pursue writing as a career (for almost one year).
The ambitious child turned into an optimistic adult is assured to return to the rat race if the gig doesn’t work out till January. Moreover, he is assisted in the process by an ever-loving wife, and two kids, who are willing to have Cornflakes with Orange juice, for the sake of their dad’s writing career.
The movie shifts to Indiana, when Ralphie learns that his old man has passed away and that his mother will be alone this Christmas. The middle age protagonist decides to spend Christmas with her mother while reliving all the iconic memories of his childhood. He also tries to furnish the magic of the holiday but confronts one problem after another.
The basic plot of the film might exude all vibes of a perfect Christmas sequel, but the execution feels more like a short-handed attempt. Through the screenplay, the film maintains the quality of a true continuation, wrapped with several references (including the bullies), but ends up looking dull in comparison to the classic.
Also Read: Dead to Me Season 3 Ending Explained: Did Jen and Judy Get Their Happy Ending?
You can spot almost all the characters from the original film, along with a flashback montage that appears every time to state the obvious. This includes the clingy hounds, Flick and Schwartz, Scut Farkus, and the reminisce of the old man (Darren McGavin). Although the moments are quite nostalgic, they don’t make up for the sequel, which is often flat at times.
In the film, Ralpie gets lost in daydreams about winning Pulitzer, curating a perfect Christmas, and seeking revenge from the bullies in the most western style possible. There are many attempts to induce laughter through these dream scenarios, but only one of them actually succeeds in generating a smirk of acknowledgement. All in all, it’s only the subtle performance of Peter Billingsley that holds the entire thing together.
A Christmas Story Christmas Final Thoughts
Although the film is miles behind the original one, it does make up for a decent watch during the holiday season (mostly depending on your definition of decent). However, it reminds you so much of A Christmas Story, that you might end up rewatching the fan-favourite holiday film.
You can stream the movie on HBO Max. Let us know your thoughts about it in the comment section below.
Also Read: Urusei Yatsura Episode 6 Review: Unintentional Participant in a Battle