As a movie critic who has spent countless hours poring over films from every era and genre, I must confess that I find myself at odds with the hordes of fans who hold “A Christmas Story” in such high regard. To me, this film is not only a misfire but also a disappointment.
Every year, a multitude of Christmas movies become available, but some stand out as essential viewing for certain individuals. As soon as Thanksgiving concludes, numerous broadcast networks and streaming platforms begin airing these timeless films, allowing audiences to select their preferred device and indulge in festive spirit. However, unlike many others, I find A Christmas Story unappealing. Contrarily to the widespread acclaim it receives as a holiday icon, I believe this film is subpar and undeserving of its status as a classic.
As a devoted cinephile, let me share some insights about a timeless holiday classic that you might’ve missed during the festive season: “A Christmas Story,” released in 1983 and directed by Bob Clark, is more accurately described as a comical tale (though I use ‘comedy’ loosely). It was primarily inspired by Jean Shepherd’s 1966 book of short stories, “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.
As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on “A Christmas Story.” Unlike many holiday films where children harbor dreams for a specific Christmas gift, this one seems to deviate from the norm. You might argue that every child has a wish list during Christmas, but in this film, the focus on gifts and Santa is relentless, with little to no Christmas spirit in sight.
Although we might overlook the gun-centric theme in the movie, it doesn’t necessarily make it a good one. The characters in A Christmas Story, aside from young Ralphie, are not portrayed as happy individuals. For instance, Ralphie’s father is frequently depicted as angry and self-absorbed, often neglecting his family’s feelings, such as his obsession with the leg lamp demonstrates. Ralphie’s mother appears more sympathetic but is also generally unhappy and neglected in her own needs. She receives no personal gifts or respect. Even young Ralphie, though innocent, endures mistreatment throughout the film, and some scenes may be seen as depicting child abuse and neglect, like when he is forced to taste soap for using bad language, a scene presented comically.
In a different way of saying it: People often think that A Christmas Story is merely about obsession with guns and unhappy characters, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. It uses a convincing portrayal of nostalgia to such an extent that it sometimes feels like a deception. Many people are surprised when I tell them the movie was released in 1983, as they assume it must have been made around the time it’s set due to its vintage appearance. The film has a very authentic-looking, old-fashioned aesthetic that goes beyond what one might expect from a period piece. This nostalgic atmosphere, along with an implied longing for the “good old days” of the late 1930s (which, as a side note, weren’t necessarily great for many people), helps make the movie appealing to audiences. However, it also uses this retro vibe to deliver humor that can be questionable, such as the scene where Ralphie is made to taste soap. Personally, I prefer my humor without that touch of nostalgia-tinged awkwardness.
Miserable characters, fake nostalgia, and a pretty flimsy consumerism story passed off as charming all come together to make A Christmas Story a pretty bad movie. And yet, somehow, this bad movie has become a major part of the American holiday tradition. Something about this movie continues to appeal to viewers year after year after year and while I will probably die on the hill of this movie just sucking, I can acknowledge that people like what they like and some traditions just stick. Even I end up watching A Christmas Story at least once a season because it was my mom’s favorite and now it’s something we watch in her memory (albeit I do it begrudgingly). But even with it being tradition, it’s time we stop acting like it’s a good movie. It’s not. And I guess that’s okay. Merry Christmas… and try not to shoot your eye out, okay?
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2024-12-21 06:40