A Christmas Story Christmas Is Finally Here
A Christmas Story Christmas is finally here. Anticipated for 39 years, the follow-up to the annual holiday favorite “A Christmas Story” is a beautifully wrapped gift to all.
Can you believe Ralphie is all grown up? Now he’s a dad trying to give his family a memorable Christmas under stressful circumstances. Peter Billingsley recreates his iconic role of Ralphie Parker for A Christmas Story Christmas, streaming on HBO Max November 17th. But this time, Peter doesn’t just star in the film, he’s also a co-writer and producer. Thank you Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max for bringing Ralphie home.
Synopsis:
This heartwarming and humor-filled next chapter in Ralphie Parker’s tale finds him all grown up in the 1970’s with a family of his own. Ralphie returns to the house on Cleveland Street and hopes to give his kids a magical Christmas like the ones he had growing up. Of course, as is tradition in the Parker household, despite “dad’s” best efforts to make spirits bright, things go comically awry. Hijinks ensue in this endearing, relatable family tale.
Trailer:
Disclosure: I attended the New York City preview of the film. All opinions in this review are my own. Movie photos provided by Warner Bros Pictures.
No Spoiler Review:
A Christmas Story Christmas is a gift to all who love the original “A Christmas Story.” The film is a heartwarming nod to the magic of childhood memories. Christmas is marketed as a picture perfect holiday. It’s supposed to be a magical time of year, but we all know that life isn’t always wrapped up in a big red bow. As the saying goes “life happens”. Every family has its quirks and things hardly ever go as planned. A Christmas Story Christmas does nice job of acknowledging that it doesn’t matter! When we look back upon past holiday’s with our families they are perfect. Perfectly laced with dysfunction and we wouldn’t have it any other way! The film evokes this in humorous Parker fashion… with a lot of heart.
Throughout the film, our favorite dreamer Ralphie grapples with big emotions. He’s dealing with his dad’s death while trying to give his family a fun-filled Christmas. The film takes us on a journey which leans into the past while forging a path to the future. It’s a road we must all follow eventually. How can the child ever step into a parent’s shoes? In Ralphie’s case, how will he carry on the torch of the best dad and Christmas planner ever? Billingsley does an amazing job of paying homage to Mr. Parker (Darren McGavin). We see his character fully embrace his parental duties while holding on to his dreamer status. We love this here at Kid Congeniality after all “why should kids have all the fun?”
Keep Your Eyes Open:
A Christmas Story Christmas is full of Easter Eggs. I “triple dog dare you” to try to find them all. Sharp eyed fans will love what they see! From the way original cast members grace the plot to the clever and subtle use of props, this production subtly nails the nostalgia. Make sure to stick around for the credits. They are a walk down memory lane that prove what’s old is new again. Life (and Christmas!) may not turn out how we envisioned but there’s fun to be had along the way. Just ask Raphie… “The house was filled with life, laughter and love once again”
A Christmas Story Christmas streams November 17th on HBOmax.
