A Christmas Story (1983)

Cast: Peter Billingsley (Ralph Parker), Melinda Dillion (Mrs. Parker), Darren McGavin (Mr. Parker), Ian Petrella (Randy Parker), Scott Schwartz (Flick)

Director: Bob Clark

Genre: Family/ Comedy


With the Christmas season upon us, it’s appropriate to make some remarks about a film I consider the best Christmas story this side of Dickens. Never a truer title has ever been spoken!! Not only is the film A Christmas Story creative, it’s also brilliantly funny.To have a movie about a young boy who only wants the ultimate Christmas gift of all Christmas gifts and give it such a humorous twist, is definitely creative. This classic story takes place in 1940’s Indiana. It centers around 9 year old Ralphie Parker who only wanted the best gift- a Red Rider 200shot range model air rifle (with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time). He strategically figures he can fool his extremely cautious mother and not-so-bright father into granting his wish by a far cry from subliminal messages, only to be turned down with a warning he would become accustomed to hearing, “you’ll shoot your eye out!” He figures that he truly needs such a gift, especially when dealing with his younger brother Randy, the town bully, and the possibility of potential creeping marauders. With his parents letting him down, he tries to convince his school teacher to sympathize with his plight only to be let down as well…with a C+. With all hope abandoned, he realizes he has one more chance. This time, he’s certain to get his BB-gun from Santa. Yet, once again, even the big guy himself somehow sides with his parents. Such a story about a situation we can all relate to in one way or another is never tiring. I think I’ve seen this movie far more than any other movie out there. It’s definitely recommendable to anyone and perfect for Christmas. I have noticed that it is a film people either love or hate. Those that don’t enjoy it so much seem to dislike it only because it can be seen almost 24/7 on television during the Christmas season. Yet, others like me just never get tired of it.

The Odd Couple (1968)

Cast: Jack Lemmon (Felix Ungar), Walter Matthau (Oscar Madison), Herb Eldeman (Murray), John Fielder (Vinnie), David Sheiner (Roy), Larry Haines (Speed), Monica Evens (Cecily Pigeon), Carole Shelley (Gwendolyn Pigeon)

Director: Gene Saks

Genre: Comedy


There's something about this film I’ve always liked. Perhaps the life of two “bachelors” acting like so is appealing- I don't know. Maybe it’s the simple complexity that comes from the mind of Neil Simon. Despite a couple of moral problems, this is still an enjoyable movie. Based on the play by the famous play write Neil Simon, this almost classic story is about Felix Unger (Jack Lemmon) comes to live with his already divorced, broke, and sloppy poker pal, Oscar Madison (Walter Matthau). After twelve years of a supposedly happy marriage, Felix and his wife go splitsville and Oscar takes pity on his buddy. The two try to come to terms with their completely opposite idea of perfect living conditions and housekeeping. Oscar prefers a house were disarray is no big deal. His is a typical living condition for the average bachelor. He's a typical guy and all that’s important is paying the rent (eventually), keeping the ex happy with her alimony, having enough food in the fridge as long as it resembles food, and making sure there is just enough money left over for weekly Friday night poker with the guys. Felix on the other hand prefers a dust free, spotlessly clean, orderly, dehumidified, hot cooked meal way of life. With his recent divorce, he is struggling to get his life back together and hopefully move on with his duties as a single. Oscar happily let’s him stay in his apartment thinking the two will get along just fine. He's willing to do all he can to help his buddy Felix despite the fact that there isn't much help he gives to himself. He quickly finds out that not only are their ideal living ideas completely opposite but if something isn’t worked out fast, he's going to kill Felix. The movie has a lot of good laughs and the main characters have qualities that anyone can relate to in some way or another. This is one of those movies that make people consider themselves to be a "Felix" or an "Oscar." I think the story line is really clever. It’s so original and can be molded in many ways.