Uma História de Natal Natalina

... This one was solid. Even better it isn't one of those garbage Christmas rom coms that get churned out this time of year. It got an extra star from me just for that!!!!

The story was touching. Independent from the first movie. But it stayed true to the first movie when important and had good callbacks. Peter Billingsly reprises Ralphie perfectly. The mannerisms and face expressions took me right back.

The story is relatable and touching. A little heavier in subject matter than the first. But plenty of lighter moments too. I liked the Christmas carolers scene because I feel the same way about them. Haha. Overall a pleasent watch. It's not going to replace the original as your favorite. But you're going to be able to sit thru the entire movie without questioning why they bothered making a sequel. And it's going to get you into the season!

It starts out slow as it tries to give a recap of how we got to this time and place. But about midway through, it breaks into a memorable movie with some laugh out loud moments and some very touching scenes. Obviously Peter Billingsley had a lot of input but Vince Vaughn also leaves his mark on the story. Might not be the classic that the original one is, but it is certainly a well executed sequel destined to someday run back-to-back with the original in an all day marathon.

Ralphie may not be screaming Bumpus! Every five minutes like Darren McGavin did but then he was never destined to have the same personality as his on screen dad. He's the character we all assumed he would grow up to be.

Ralph's imagination cutaways were a bit overused, but this movie is everything a Christmas movie or story should be. Funny, poignant, impactful, silly, and nostalgic.

Tying to the original as it does but propelling us to the 'future" (in this case, the America of my childhood) without being heavy handed or unrealistic makes us feel all of the nostalgia and happiness for the characters of the original, and develop a deep connection to who those characters have become since.

Most importantly, it reminds us of how we've been touched by family and friends we Love who are no longer with us.

Thank you.

That's key with a sequel to an iconic film. Just don't ruin the legacy of the original. Pay respects to the first with nostalgia while still introducing something new. I haven't seen the sequel from about ten years ago and don't plan to as it would only taint the original.

'A Christmas Story' is in my top three for Christmas movies, and possibly my number two favourite. It went a long way with having most of the original cast returning. I have to say my favourite was Officer Farkus, and those yellow eyes. My main criticism would actually be the mother. I know it's a different actress, but her character's personality seemed so different from the first one.

This happened to be our family's Christmas Eve movie this year and was just glad I did not end up disappointed.

A Christmas Story is probably THE most classic of classic Christmas films.

I'm not always for sequels, but A Christmas Story Christmas pulls all the nostalgia off nicely.

Much of this only works due to the commitment of quite a few of the original cast you know and love from the original film. Ralphie (Peter Billingsly) looks much the same and carries the sequel very well. Flick, Schwartz and even Farkus return.

While some of the situations are different in this 1973 setting, they manage to carry on the humor of the original and you'll definitely have a smile and a chuckle whichever of the generations you fit into.