Christmas Story (2007)
Release Date:
2007
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 23m
Synopsis:
In Christmas Story, young Ralphie Parker dreams of receiving a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Set in the 1940s, the film follows Ralphie's quest to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus that this is the perfect gift. Along the way, Ralphie navigates the challenges of childhood, including dealing with bullies, deciphering adult conversations, and trying to stay out of trouble. His family, including his quirky father and caring mother, add to the holiday chaos with their own antics. As Christmas approaches, Ralphie remains determined to make his wish come true, despite the repeated warning that he'll "shoot his eye out." The movie captures the ups and downs of a young boy's holiday season, filled with humor and the anticipation of Christmas morning.
"A Christmas Story," released in 1983, is a classic holiday comedy that has become a staple for many families during the festive season. This movie is rated PG, making it suitable for kids, and it captures the nostalgic and humorous adventures of a young boy named Ralphie as he dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Parents generally appreciate its lighthearted and comedic portrayal of childhood desires and family dynamics, though some are cautious about its occasional mature humor.
Why Kids Should Watch Christmas Story
The movie is celebrated for its charming depiction of childhood and family life during the holidays.
- Promotes the theme of perseverance and hope through Ralphie's determination to get his dream gift.
- Features a memorable scene where Ralphie imagines himself as a hero, showcasing creativity and imagination.
- Offers a nostalgic visual appeal with its 1940s setting that kids find intriguing and different.
- Includes humorous family interactions that highlight the warmth and chaos of holiday gatherings.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Christmas Story
Some parents express concerns about the movie's occasional mature humor and language.
- Contains scenes where Ralphie faces bullying, which might be emotionally challenging for some children.
- Features a scene where Ralphie uses a swear word, which may be inappropriate for younger viewers.
- Includes moments of mild violence, such as the infamous "triple dog dare" scene, which could be confusing.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about occasional mature humor and language.
What Parents Should Know About Christmas Story
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ralphie's determination to achieve his goal despite setbacks is a positive example of perseverance. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scene where Ralphie is bullied may require parental guidance to discuss handling such situations. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Ralphie faces consequences for swearing, which is addressed by his parents in the story. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The family dynamics show moments of teamwork and support, especially during holiday preparations. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie delivers a message about the importance of family and the joy of simple pleasures during the holidays. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
"A Christmas Story" is cherished for its humor and nostalgic portrayal of childhood dreams, making it a beloved holiday classic. While some parents are cautious about its mature humor, many find it a delightful film that captures the essence of family and holiday spirit. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes and addressing any concerns. For those seeking alternatives, "Home Alone" offers a similar blend of humor and holiday cheer.
Official Christmas Story Trailer
"A Christmas Story," released in 1983, is a classic holiday comedy that has become a staple for many families during the festive season. This movie is rated PG, making it suitable for kids, and it captures the nostalgic and humorous adventures of a young boy named Ralphie as he dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Parents generally appreciate its lighthearted and comedic portrayal of childhood desires and family dynamics, though some are cautious about its occasional mature humor.
Why Kids Should Watch Christmas Story
The movie is celebrated for its charming depiction of childhood and family life during the holidays.
- Promotes the theme of perseverance and hope through Ralphie's determination to get his dream gift.
- Features a memorable scene where Ralphie imagines himself as a hero, showcasing creativity and imagination.
- Offers a nostalgic visual appeal with its 1940s setting that kids find intriguing and different.
- Includes humorous family interactions that highlight the warmth and chaos of holiday gatherings.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Christmas Story
Some parents express concerns about the movie's occasional mature humor and language.
- Contains scenes where Ralphie faces bullying, which might be emotionally challenging for some children.
- Features a scene where Ralphie uses a swear word, which may be inappropriate for younger viewers.
- Includes moments of mild violence, such as the infamous "triple dog dare" scene, which could be confusing.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about occasional mature humor and language.
What Parents Should Know About Christmas Story
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ralphie's determination to achieve his goal despite setbacks is a positive example of perseverance. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scene where Ralphie is bullied may require parental guidance to discuss handling such situations. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Ralphie faces consequences for swearing, which is addressed by his parents in the story. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The family dynamics show moments of teamwork and support, especially during holiday preparations. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie delivers a message about the importance of family and the joy of simple pleasures during the holidays. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
"A Christmas Story" is cherished for its humor and nostalgic portrayal of childhood dreams, making it a beloved holiday classic. While some parents are cautious about its mature humor, many find it a delightful film that captures the essence of family and holiday spirit. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes and addressing any concerns. For those seeking alternatives, "Home Alone" offers a similar blend of humor and holiday cheer.
Official Christmas Story Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Christmas Story
Christmas Story's most common core values include Perseverance, Family love, and Being hopeful. Throughout the movie, kids can see how Ralphie perseveres in his quest to convince everyone that he should get the Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. He faces many challenges but continues to Hope that his dream will come true. Family Love shines in the way Ralphie's parents, though a bit overwhelmed, are always there for him and his brother. These values teach children that even when things are difficult, keeping hope alive and leaning on family can make a big difference.
Perseverance is evident when Ralphie refuses to give up on his goal, even when adults around him warn him that he might "shoot his eye out." His determination is inspiring and shows how staying focused can help achieve even challenging goals. Family love is beautifully portrayed in the scenes where Ralphie's family, despite their quirks and chaos, come together for the holidays, supporting and caring for each other. Being hopeful is most clearly seen in Ralphie's anticipation for Christmas morning, holding onto the excitement and belief that his wish might come true despite the odds.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Appreciating what you have | Being brave | Gratitude | Resilience | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Christmas Story
Believing in Yourself: Ralphie's unwavering belief in his dream of owning a Red Ryder BB gun demonstrates the power of self-belief. His determination highlights the importance of holding onto your aspirations, even when faced with doubt from those around you.
Importance of Family: The Parker family, with all their quirks and chaos, embodies the significance of family. Their interactions, especially during the holiday season, showcase how essential family support and love are, even amidst the ups and downs of life.
Laughing Through Hard Times: The movie is filled with humorous moments that remind us how laughter can lighten even the toughest situations. Ralphie's experiences teach us that maintaining a sense of humor can help us navigate life's challenges.
Appreciating the Little Things: Through Ralphie's eyes, the small joys of childhood are brought to life. From decoding secret messages to enjoying simple family moments, the film encourages us to cherish the little things that bring happiness.
Honoring Family Traditions: The Parker family's Christmas rituals — from decorating the tree to their holiday meals — underline the importance of traditions. These moments reflect how traditions help strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Other Lessons Learned: Being True to Yourself | Embracing Differences | Practicing Empathy | Treasuring Time with Loved Ones
Why Kids Love Christmas Story
Set in a magical world of wizardry and whimsy, "Matilda" is a dazzling spectacle that kids can't get enough of. Our young heroine Matilda is a book-loving genius who discovers she can do extraordinary things with her mind, turning everyday moments into magical adventures. The mischievous tricks she plays on her enemies are both hilarious and creative, inviting kids to imagine what they would do with similar powers. The school, with its strict rules and strange teachers, becomes a fantastical battleground where Matilda’s intelligence and wit shine. From levitating books to pulling off clever pranks, the film captivates children with its blend of wonder, humor, and the thrill of bending reality to make things right.
As Matilda teams up with her supportive teacher Miss Honey, they embark on a mission to outsmart the intimidating headmistress Trunchbull, whose strict reign over the school is both terrifying and slightly ridiculous. The movie is loaded with scenes that are packed with humor as the kids band together, creating their own secret mischief to challenge the overbearing adults. Matilda's unique talents and her friends' antics make every moment unpredictable and fun. Her resilience and cleverness become sources of endless amusement, captivating kids with the courage to stand up for themselves and tackle challenges in the most entertaining ways. "Matilda" inspires with its whimsical blend of magic, laughter, and youthful rebellion, making it an unforgettable journey for young movie watchers.