A Christmas Story Christmasis fast approaching, and HBO Max released a new sequel to usher in the holiday season. Of course, as Peter Billingsley’s Ralphie learns, recapturing the magic of the past can prove to be challenging.
Released in 1983,A Christmas Storyis still widely celebrated asone of the best Christmas moviesever made. The story focuses on young Ralphie, a kid who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas, with the events of the film narrated by an adult Ralphie as he recollects the moments that shaped that particular holiday season.
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AChristmas Storysequel was only announcedat the beginning of this year, but the film is mere weeks away from hitting HBO Max. The full trailer forA Christmas Story Christmasopens with footage from the original film, reminding audiences of the timeless classic. When audiences are re-introduced to Ralphie as an adult, we learn that his father (affectionately referred to as The Old Man in the original film) has passed on. With what appears to be the family’s first Christmas without the Old Man fast approaching, Ralphie’s mother asks him to take up the role of ensuring everyone has the perfect holiday. Though Ralphie promises to do so, it’s clear the pressure is on.
With some liquid encouragement fromsome originalChristmas Storycast members, Ralphie embraces his duties only to find that his father made it all look easier than it turns out to be. Even trying to get the kids to help decorate the Christmas tree proves to be a struggle, as they refer to the task as “child labour.” As Andy Williams' rendition of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” plays, viewers see a montage of heartwarming moments and heartstopping mishaps as Ralphie feels the Christmas ember glow again.
Because the original film is regarded by many asthe perfect Christmas movie, it might be hard for audiences to avoid comparing Ralphie’s struggles to recreate the ideal holiday to the sequel’s task of living up to its predecessor. After all, variousChristmas Story sequels have been produced in the years since the original was released, all of which are, at best, forgotten.
Still, the return of Billingsley as Ralphie is certainly a plus, and perhaps the sentimental story of celebrating the holidays without a loved one will resonate with audiences. Only time will tell howA Christmas Story Christmasstacks up.
A Christmas Story Christmaswill be released on HBO Max on June 26, 2025.
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