I've been religiously watching this film every year around Christmas since my parents bought our first VCR. I've seen it dozens of times and have memorized many of the more famous sections. I still laugh out loud each time I see it.
For those who don't know this slice-of-life film follows Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley, DIRT BIKE KID) and his attempts to get a Red Ryder carbon axle 200-yard-range model air rifle for Christmas. His mother (Melinda Dillon, MAGNOLIA) insists that he'll shot his eye out. Each attempt he makes to gain support for his side only seems to build his belief that there is a conspiracy again Red Ryder and his peacemaker.
The film is full of classic scenes. The sticking your tongue to a frozen metal pole scene. The saying "fudge" scene. The visit to Santa scene. Ralphie and friends' dealings with bully Scut Farkus (Zack Ward, ALMOST FAMOUS). Ralphie's dad (Darren McGavin, THE NATURAL, BILLY MADISON) and his leg lamp, aka a major award. I could go on but I'd end up naming nearly every scene. How many movies can you name almost every scene as a classic?
The reason these scenes resonate is because we relate to them. When Ralphie's friend Schwartz (R.D. Robb, MATILDA) triple-dog dares their other friend Flick (Scott Schwartz, THE TOY) to stick his tongue to that pole, we know that kind of peer pressure. When Ralphie's brother Randy (Ian Petrella, CRIMES OF PASSION) is forced to get dressed up in a hundred layers of clothing to go outside, we understand the humiliation. When Farkus' toady Grover Dill (Yano Anaya, BETTER OFF DEAD) summons you, you know the outcome will not be good from your own experiences.
Ralphie's family is not idealized for the holidays. His old man is a gruff blue-collar worker who obsesses about crossword prizes and impressing the neighbors. Mrs. Parker might have two children, but sometimes she has three. But despite arguments and disagreements, Ralphie's parents love each other and they love him. The portrayal of the family is even more touching because it's real and not some Christmas wish for the "perfect" family.
But what really makes the film special is Jean Shepherd's voice over as the adult Ralphie. The film was based on his book "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash." His witty commentary has only gotten funnier as I've gotten older and can understand the cleverness better. "In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." There I go again quoting the film.
Another great thing about this film, much like MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, is that it's not just a great holiday film -- it's a great film period. The coming-of-age tale woven into the film is not just about Christmas, but about youth. When waiting six months for summer vacation to come seems like an eternity, a BB gun or any toy that captures a child's imagination becomes the most important desire of a lifetime. There's an innocence captured in this film that is universal and makes me smile just thinking about the days when I was cuddled up in my bunk bed hoping that the footsteps walking up and down the hall from my parent's bedroom where bringing my "BB gun" to the base of the Christmas tree.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
