Rating: PG

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 94

In the 1940s, young Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift—and he won’t “shoot his eye out.”

“The affection audiences feel for A Christmas Story is related to the holiday spirit, yes, but specifically to awareness of how the true meaning of Christmas manifests in the real world, where a warm meal on a cold, dark day—and a surprising moment of parental grace—can ease a troubled mind,” observes the AV Club.

“In short, A Christmas Story isn’t just about Christmas; it’s about childhood and it recaptures a time and place with love and wonder,” says the Boston Globe. “It seems a film that will give pleasure to people not only this Christmas, but for many Christmases to come.”

“One detail after another rings true,” says Ebert.com. “There is a real knowledge of human nature beneath the comedy.”