Jean Shepherd first published the books In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash in 1966 and Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories And Other Disasters in 1971. Both books were the inspiration for the beloved holiday classic film A Christmas Story, released on November 18th, 1983. The film was a moderate success when released, but continues to grow in cult status today, having been readapted as a stage play in 2000 and a Broadway musical version in 2012. A direct-to-video sequel, A Christmas Story 2, was also released in 2012. Throughout the last 39 years, however, fans of the original have begged for a continuation of the story, featuring the original film’s cast members. Finally, after all this time, they received it on HBO Max. A Christmas Story Christmas was released on November 17th, 2022. Here’s my review:
Set 33 years after the original, in 1973 Chicago, Illinois, Ralph Parker is now a husband and dad struggling to build his career as a writer. When he suddenly receives the news that his father has passed away, he brings his family to his hometown of Hohman, Indiana where he is faced with two very difficult burdens: making his own children’s Christmas special and writing his father’s obituary. In doing so, he takes a hilarious trip down memory lane as he rekindles fond—and not so fond—memories of his past.
This movie is an emotional tribute to the late-great Darren McGavin who passed away on February 25th, 2006. It’s very touching, but also very hilarious. McGavin had a career spanning 63 years, and had many beloved roles on Broadway, television, and film. While the role of Old Man Parker is one of his best-known, he received an Emmy Nomination for his guest role on the series Murphy Brown (1988-2018), starred in the original Broadway productions of My Three Angels in 1953 and The Rainmaker in 1954, and he appeared in Billy Madison (1995), which ignited the film career of Adam Sandler. Despite his absence, the film beautifully carries on his legacy.
Although the film takes place in 1973, the story is relatable to modern standards. One certainly could feel that they relate to the sequel more than they relate to the original as the original took place in 1940. There’s wittier humor, and it’s remarkable to watch Ralphie Parker be a responsible, conscientious adult instead of continuing to be a kid obsessed with getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
This film reunites the original “Christmas Story,” cast: Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker, Ian Petrella as Ralphie’s brother Randy, R.D. Robb and Scott Schwartz respectively as Ralphie’s best friends Schwartz and Flick, and Zack Ward as “Officer” Scut Farkus. Melinda Dillon, who played Mrs. Parker in the original, was offered to reprise her role in the sequel, but declined as she was content with her retirement. Julie Hagerty was cast in the role of Mrs. Parker, and she portrays the role beautifully. Billingsley also co-wrote with Clay Kaytis who directed the film. Vince Vaughn, Marc Toberoff, and Irwin Zwilling all co-produced with Billingsley.
Overall, “A Christmas Story Christmas,” is a great movie, period! It has an emotional effect similar to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” as that film paid tribute to former “Ghostbusters,” cast member Harold Ramis who passed away in 2014. Even if you weren’t a fan of the original “A Christmas Story,” I would highly recommend this film as you’ll appreciate its emotionally moving message. I unashamedly rank it as my new favorite Christmas movie!
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