“A Christmas Story Christmas” (2022) starring Peter Billingsley / Z-View
A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
Director: Clay Kaytis
Screenplay: Nick Schenk, Clay Kaytis based on a story by Nick Schenk, Peter Billingsley based on characters created by Jean Shepherd
Stars: Peter Billingsley, Erinn Hayes, Julie Hagerty, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb and Zack Ward
Tagline: Ralphie comes home.
The Plot
It’s 33 years after the events that took place in A Christmas Story. Ralphie (Billingsley), his wife (Hayes) and their two children are returning to Ralphie’s childhood home for Christmas. Although his father recently passed, Ralphie’s mother is still alive. Ralphie wants to give his entire family a memorable holiday, the type of Christmas his old man would have pulled together.
The pressure on Ralphie is increased because he’s given himself until the end of the year to become a published author. Time is running out.
Not a lot in the old neighborhood has changed. Ralphie’s old pals, Flick and Schwartz are still around. So is their old nemesis, Scut Farkus!
All seems to be on track until something unforeseen happens and then all bets are off. Will Ralphie’s family Christmas come together? Will Ralphie become a published author? Is Farkus still a creep? All will be known by Christmas Day!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
It’s hard to catch lightening in a bottle twice. A Christmas Story is such a beloved classic, that to try and replicate it, is a tall order. While A Christmas Story Christmas doesn’t come near the bar set by the original, it does get a lot of mileage out of bringing back so many members of the original cast.
Returning cast members include Peter Billingsley (Ralphie), Scott Schwartz (Flick), R.D. Robb (Schwartz) and Zack Ward (Farkus). Darren McGavin who played Ralphie’s father had died and incorporating his passing into the story worked. Melinda Dillon played Ralphie’s mom, but she didn’t return for this story. Julie Hagerty was a nice choice to replace her. Erinn Hayes, who played Ralphie’s wife was really good. I’m surprised we don’t see more from her.
If you enjoyed A Christmas Story and aren’t expecting another classic, then give A Christmas Story Christmas a shot, It’s better than a bunny suit.
A Christmas Story Christmas earns 3 of 5 stars.
