Artist A Christmas Story

Though by no means an unqualified success when it hit theaters in 1983, A Christmas Story has slowly taken its rightful place as a holiday classic, showing up on TV nearly as often as It’s A Wonderful Life. The film’s genius lies in its attention to detail: Peter Billingsley’s quest for a Red Ryder BB gun is augmented by his droll but truthfully painted family and friends, and the film’s depictions of childhood problems hit uncannily close to home. Masterfully narrated by essayist Jean Shepherd, whose memoirs formed the movie’s basis, A Christmas Story strikes the rare balance between heartwarming and truly funny.

Updated 12/18/2009