Based on the short stories of humorist Jean Shepherd (who also narrates), a nine-year-old boy (Peter Billingsley) wants a genuine Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle for Christmas, much to the disapproval of his parents (Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin). Will he get his most desired present?
Great performances by Billingsley and McGavin, non-stop humor and director/co-writer Bob Clark's ("Porky's") attention to detail highlights this near-perfect holiday film that deserves to be a Christmastime classic like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Merry Christmas. My evaluation: ***½ out of ****.
Great performances by Billingsley and McGavin, non-stop humor and director/co-writer Bob Clark's ("Porky's") attention to detail highlights this near-perfect holiday film that deserves to be a Christmastime classic like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Merry Christmas. My evaluation: ***½ out of ****.