Review of A Christmas Story 2

Although, director Bob Clark's 1983's A Christmas Story was first overlooked as a sleeper hit. It has since grown a positive critical reputation. This was all, due to television stations replay the flick, every holiday season. The plan work, and now, this film considered by some, as a holiday classic that families can and should enjoy watching together every holiday season. Sadly, the same cannot be said for this direct-to-DVD sequel. In my opinion, I really doubt, any television station would aired, this film. Nor, do I believe, that this movie has much rewatchability. If people say Christmas has gone commercial and lost its soul, this is the product to prove they're right. Not only is this film directed by Brian Levant, was very unnecessary and complete pointless film to an already over-commercialize first film. It's also wasn't nearly as funny as the original film. The stupid slapstick humor, such in the case, of a tongue being stuck on something, the endless childish day dreaming, and the over-mean Santa were mostly rehash jokes from the first movie; adding nothing really new. They were so watered down. Even the overused leg lamp joke is forced down our throats. It really comes out of nowhere. Unlike a warm tongue, and an ice-cold pole. This sequel taking place in 1946, seven years after the events of the first movie didn't stick with me. Based off, the film that in return is based from the short stories and semi-fictional anecdotes of author and raconteur Jean Shepherd. The film follows the story of a slight older, teenager, Ralphie Parker (Braeden Lemasters), whom hoping to get a little more than a BB gun, this Christmas. Hoping for a car of his own. Ralphie would do anything to put his hands on one, while also gaining, the attention of his class' prettiest and most popular girl Drucilla Gootrad (Tiera Skovbye). Can Ralphie find the money for such a thing or will this be, his first disappointing Christmas? Watch the movie to find out, if you want to! Without spoiling the movie, too much, the quality of this movie story is below average. The film is full of awful writing, full of unnecessary calls backs, narrative, and subplots that don't make much sense. Another problem with the writing, is how it turns, mostly likable characters from the first movie, into unlikable beings, this time around. A good example is the Old Man (Daniel Stern) who come across, as very shallow, bitter, and over-cartoony angry, because of 40 cents. I really don't get it, for a turkey lover; you would think that, he would spend 40 cents per pound for a turkey. Even if, the Old Man was too poor, to buy a turkey this year, how in the hell, was he able to gain, enough money for a car? It doesn't makes no sense. Daniel Stern cannot match the likable screen presence of Darren MacGavin from the first movie. Even, the main lead, is disturbing to watch. I really didn't like, Ralphie's perverted actions, throughout the film. It was a little too creepy. The lack of dialogue for him, was also a bit alarming. Despite that, Braden LeMasters does look the part and his adult voice over narrative, really does sound, like the same guy from the first movie. I can't say, the same for the others actors in this film. They look like, they step into the wrong movie. Visually, the movie's production is mostly a miss than a hit. I like, how the film tries hard to make it seems like its 1946 Indiana with its sepia tone, however, the CGI backdrop effects are a bit too jarring, not to notice. Overall: Like the 1994, TV movie sequel call, 'My Summer Story' (originally released as It Runs in the Family), this ultimately falls as far inferior follow up to the timeless original. I hate the fact that it was even made. This direction to video film isn't worth checking out, but if you find yourself, wanting more of the Christmas Story. Check out, author Jean Shepherd 'In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash' or Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories' for a good laugh. Even Shepherd others stories, like 1988's Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss, 1982' Other Disasters, 1985's The Star-Crossed Romance of Josephine Cosnowski & 1976's The Phantom of the Open Hearth were a lot better than this film. In my opinion, just stay away from this monstrous film, at all cost. You will have a better holiday season, without it.