Welcome to Second Union’s “Films To Make You Festive“. For the majority of December, Second Union will be talking about our favorite “festive films” in an attempt to get our readers ready for the holiday season. Expect action, adventure and all the nostalgia a Christmas period can possibly produce!
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful! Since there’s no place to go, let us show you another one of our favourite festive films. Next on our list is one that, until recently, had completely evaded my attention. The film in question: A Christmas Story.
Celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley). Whether he’s dodging bully (Zack Ward), dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle BB gun,” bickering with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin), or being comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie does everything he can to get to Christmas Day in as close to one piece as possible.
Growing up in the UK during the 90s means that the type of Christmas in display in A Christmas Story is a little foreign to me. Whether it’s the sheer American nature of the holiday or the fact that it’s set during the 1940s, there were often moments that left me scratching my head.
However! There are certain themes that translate across all eras and all nations. The sense of family, the joy of Christmas, and the sheer delight at knocking the block off of that guy or girl that seems to find pleasure in your discomfort.
Overall, A Christmas Story is a hilarious, heartfelt homage to a period of festivities long passed. Ralphie’s desperate desire to get his Rifle, even though it’ll probably take his eye out. Old Man Parker’s excitement at winning the “Grand Prize” that needs to be seen to be believed. And a payoff befitting of any Christmas classic you’ll find on lists similar to this.
Not seen A Christmas Story before? Let us know what you thought! Use #Festive2U with your reactions and let us know what other films make you feel festive!
