The Verdict
"Both warmly nostalgic and darkly humorous,A Christmas Storydeserves its status as a holiday perennial."
Movie Review and Other Insights
A Christmas Story is a visionary Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy film directed by the acclaimed Bob Clark (Bob Clark). Released in theaters on Nov 18, 1983, Wide, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by Metro Goldwyn Mayer and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the film features a runtime of 1h 33m.
The story follows based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a "Red Ryder air rifle." Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. Leading the cast are star performers Bob Clark, Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated PG , A Christmas Story delivers a Mono audio experience presented in a Flat (1.85:1) aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "Both warmly nostalgic and darkly humorous,A Christmas Storydeserves its status as a holiday perennial."
Images
Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"A Christmas Story is numbly predictable."
"It's all in A Christmas Story, but it's as real as wax fruit."
"The film does its commercial best to dole out the requisite nostalgia without being too sticky. The result is a pleasant, undistinguished Christmas pudding spiced with humor and enriched by some good performances from the kids."
"Bob Clark’s little Christmas movie “A Christmas Story” has vaulted into full Christmas Classic status."
"For old timers like myself, the final scene of Ralphie sleeping with his Christmas prize will always hold true to me and brings back yearly memories of one of the easiest times of anyones life, their childhood."
"An uproarious adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s book In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash."
Audience Reviews
one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time
Either you love this movie or hate it, well worth the money to see it on the big screen
Had not seen it from beginning to end in a long time. Still very funny.
It is a time piece with a sweet ending and has some Funny and poignant moments but isnt a fave for me
Nothing really like seeing a really good christmas classic in the movie theater
80s classic! One of the best Christmas movies and one I watch every year several times
Frequently Asked Questions
When was A Christmas Story released?
A Christmas Story hit theaters on Nov 18, 1983, Wide. It became available for streaming on Dec 25, 2011.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 1h 33m. It falls under the Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy genre, featuring a sound mix in Mono.
Who is the director of A Christmas Story?
The movie is directed by Bob Clark. The script was penned by Leigh Brown, Bob Clark, Jean Shepherd, Jean Shepherd.
Who are the main actors in A Christmas Story?
The top billed cast includes:
- Bob Clark as Director
- Peter Billingsley as Ralph 'Ralphie' Parker
- Darren McGavin as Mr. Parker
- Melinda Dillon as Mrs. Parker
- Ian Petrella as Randy Parker
Why is A Christmas Story rated PG?
It is rated PG
Which studio produced the movie?
A Christmas Story was produced by Metro Goldwyn Mayer and distributed worldwide by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
About the movie
NEWBased on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a "Red Ryder air rifle." Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact.
- Director
- Bob Clark
- Producers
- Bob Clark, René Dupont
- Screenwriter
- Leigh Brown, Bob Clark, Jean Shepherd, Jean Shepherd
- Distributor
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production
- Metro Goldwyn Mayer
- Genre
- Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy
- Release Date
- Nov 18, 1983, Wide
- Run Time
- 1h 33m
- Rating
- PG
- Sound Mix
- Mono
- Aspect Ratio
- Flat (1.85:1)