Year of release:
1984

Rated:
PG

Genre:
Comedy

Big stars:
Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon

Content that might be unsuitable for younger children:
The neighborhood bully (Scott Farkas; "he had big yellow eyes") scenario won't be humorous to the younger children, and the department store Santa, while funny to adults and older kids, might bother the little ones--unless they are snoring because it's not a fast-action cartoon with bells and whistles. Ralphie also gets up the nerve to defend himself against the bully, while using the words he's heard his father use while repairing the ancient furnace (we don't hear the exact words, but our minds fill in the gap). The bully is vanquished, Christmas finally arrives, it's a happy one, and there's entertainment every step of the way.

Plot:
This is Christmas and childhood from the viewpoint of Ralphie, a nine-year-old who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The daydreams in Ralphie's mind are nearly as funny as his family is quirky and lovable. Ralphie's brother Randy is also entertaining, especially when decked out in his super-bulky snowsuit, or hiding under the kitchen sink.
Children who think they have tough parents Today might find it interesting that in Ralphie's/Shepherd's day, the common punishment for swearing was holding a bar of soap in your mouth.

The movie is based upon part of Jean Shepherd's book "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash." Shepherd narrates the movie. (Every time I see the movie I want to get the book, and eventually I will...)

While it is a holiday flick, it can also be entertaining to watch in summer when it's 100 degrees in the shade.