A Christmas Story (1983)
Release Date:
1983
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 33m
Synopsis:
A Christmas Story follows young Ralphie Parker, who dreams of receiving a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Set in the 1940s, Ralphie navigates the challenges of childhood, including dealing with bullies, writing a school essay, and trying to convince his parents and Santa that the BB gun is the perfect gift. His family life is filled with humorous moments, from his father's obsession with a peculiar lamp to his younger brother's antics at the dinner table. As Christmas approaches, Ralphie faces various obstacles that threaten his holiday wish. The film captures the ups and downs of Ralphie's quest, leading to a memorable Christmas morning.
A Christmas Story, released in 1983, is a classic holiday comedy that captures the nostalgic essence of childhood during the Christmas season. As a PG-rated film, it is primarily intended for kids, offering a humorous and heartwarming look at a young boy's quest for the perfect Christmas gift. Most parents appreciate its charming portrayal of family life and the relatable antics of its young protagonist, though some note that certain scenes may require a bit of parental guidance.
Why Kids Should Watch A Christmas Story
The movie is celebrated for its timeless humor and relatable childhood experiences.
- Promotes the value of family and togetherness during the holiday season.
- Ralphie's determination and imagination provide a strong character-based strength.
- The nostalgic setting and humorous situations appeal to kids' sense of adventure and fun.
- Offers a lighthearted look at the ups and downs of childhood desires and dreams.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch A Christmas Story
Some parents express concerns about certain language and behaviors depicted in the film.
- Includes mild language and bullying that may be challenging for younger viewers.
- Scenes involving a BB gun and its potential dangers could be problematic.
- Some visual gags might be confusing or misinterpreted by younger children.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers humor, family values, and a nostalgic holiday experience.
What Parents Should Know About A Christmas Story
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ralphie's perseverance in pursuing his Christmas wish demonstrates determination and hope. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scene where Ralphie stands up to a bully may require parental guidance to discuss appropriate responses to bullying. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Ralphie's experience with the BB gun serves as a clear lesson on the importance of safety and listening to parental advice. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The family dynamics and interactions highlight the importance of communication and support among family members. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message emphasizes the joy of family and the spirit of giving over material desires. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
A Christmas Story is cherished for its humor, nostalgic charm, and relatable depiction of childhood dreams and family life. While some parents note the presence of mild language and potentially confusing scenes, these are generally outweighed by the film's positive messages and comedic appeal. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by providing context and discussing the film's themes. For those seeking similar family-friendly holiday films, classics like "Home Alone" or "Elf" are also recommended.
Official A Christmas Story Trailer
A Christmas Story, released in 1983, is a classic holiday comedy that captures the nostalgic essence of childhood during the Christmas season. As a PG-rated film, it is primarily intended for kids, offering a humorous and heartwarming look at a young boy's quest for the perfect Christmas gift. Most parents appreciate its charming portrayal of family life and the relatable antics of its young protagonist, though some note that certain scenes may require a bit of parental guidance.
Why Kids Should Watch A Christmas Story
The movie is celebrated for its timeless humor and relatable childhood experiences.
- Promotes the value of family and togetherness during the holiday season.
- Ralphie's determination and imagination provide a strong character-based strength.
- The nostalgic setting and humorous situations appeal to kids' sense of adventure and fun.
- Offers a lighthearted look at the ups and downs of childhood desires and dreams.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch A Christmas Story
Some parents express concerns about certain language and behaviors depicted in the film.
- Includes mild language and bullying that may be challenging for younger viewers.
- Scenes involving a BB gun and its potential dangers could be problematic.
- Some visual gags might be confusing or misinterpreted by younger children.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers humor, family values, and a nostalgic holiday experience.
What Parents Should Know About A Christmas Story
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ralphie's perseverance in pursuing his Christmas wish demonstrates determination and hope. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scene where Ralphie stands up to a bully may require parental guidance to discuss appropriate responses to bullying. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Ralphie's experience with the BB gun serves as a clear lesson on the importance of safety and listening to parental advice. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The family dynamics and interactions highlight the importance of communication and support among family members. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message emphasizes the joy of family and the spirit of giving over material desires. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
A Christmas Story is cherished for its humor, nostalgic charm, and relatable depiction of childhood dreams and family life. While some parents note the presence of mild language and potentially confusing scenes, these are generally outweighed by the film's positive messages and comedic appeal. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by providing context and discussing the film's themes. For those seeking similar family-friendly holiday films, classics like "Home Alone" or "Elf" are also recommended.
Official A Christmas Story Trailer
The Core Values Learned From A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story's most common core values include Family love, Determination, and Imagination. The movie showcases family Love through the Parker family's interactions, highlighting the warmth and Humor that come with family life. Ralphie's determination is evident as he faces various challenges to achieve his Christmas wish, teaching kids the importance of Perseverance. Imagination plays a significant role as Ralphie often daydreams about his desired gift, illustrating how Creativity can be a powerful tool for children to explore their dreams and aspirations.
These core values are woven into the narrative, providing children with relatable examples of how these values can be applied in their own lives.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Appreciating what you have | Being brave | Being hopeful | Building confidence. | Caring for others | Courage | Dealing with fear | Gratitude | Honesty | Kindness | Making good choices | Perseverance | Resilience | Respect | Responsibility. | Self-confidence | Self-discovery | Sharing | Standing up for what's right | Team spirit | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From A Christmas Story
Honoring Family Traditions: A Christmas Story showcases the importance of family traditions through the Parker family's holiday rituals. From picking out the perfect Christmas tree to the excitement of opening presents on Christmas morning, kids see how these traditions create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.
Believing in Yourself: Ralphie's determination to get a Red Ryder BB gun teaches kids the value of believing in themselves. Despite being told "You'll shoot your eye out," Ralphie remains persistent, showing children that confidence and perseverance can help them achieve their goals.
Learning from Mistakes: The movie highlights the importance of learning from mistakes when Ralphie accidentally says a bad word and faces the consequences. This moment teaches kids that everyone makes mistakes, but it's important to learn from them and make better choices in the future.
Practicing Patience: Ralphie's journey to Christmas morning is filled with anticipation and waiting, teaching kids the value of patience. The excitement of waiting for something special shows children that good things often come to those who wait.
Importance of Family: Throughout the film, the Parker family's interactions emphasize the importance of family. Whether it's sharing a meal or supporting each other through challenges, kids learn that family is a source of love and support.
Other Lessons Learned: Appreciating the Little Things | Being Honest | Doing What’s Right | Embracing Differences | Treasuring Time with Loved Ones
Why Kids Love A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure that takes kids back to a time filled with mischievous antics and relatable sibling dynamics. Ralphie and his friends get into all sorts of silly pranks and mishaps, making kids laugh with slapstick comedy and awkward situations. The movie is a treasure trove of funny moments, like when Ralphie tries to outsmart the adults around him or when his family gets caught up in their own quirky traditions. Kids will love the way Ralphie stands up for himself and his friends, showing that being unique and true to oneself is always a win.
The film's playful spirit and the strong bonds between family members create a cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect watch for kids who enjoy a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. With its blend of comedy, adventure, and the excitement of holiday preparations, A Christmas Story keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.