Really That Good: A CHRISTMAS STORY

Рет қаралды 158,873

8 жыл бұрын

REALLY THAT GOOD is an independent production of MovieBob. If you enjoy it and want to see more like it, please consider supporting The MovieBob Patreon: / moviebob1
Welcome to a NEW kind of film-criticism series, built around the radical premise that just because "everyone knows" a movie is a classic doesn't mean it stops being worth a deeper look.
At first, A CHRISTMAS STORY was a small 1983 movie that not a lot of people saw. But within a few years, regular Seasonal TV replays had turned it into a counter-culture staple - an All-American Christmas Movie that was just sly and jaded enough to be the "cool" alternative to more saccharine Holiday fare. Today, it's celebrated as an unironic generational classic on par with CHARLIE BROWN, THE GRINCH or IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.
But does it deserve to be? The word "overrated" may as well have been invented to describe seasonal family-favorites we feel duty-bound to revisit on a yearly basis. That doesn't necessarily mean that the story of Ralphie and his Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle BB gun with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time isn't a good movie... but does it belong among the great movies?
This Christmas, thousands of people will watch Ralphie, Randy, Mom and The Old Man's adventures - many as part of the now-ubiquitous 24-hour marathon. But before you do, maybe pull up a chair and listen as we explore whether or not A CHRISTMAS STORY is... REALLY THAT GOOD.
"Black Vortex", "Disco Lounge", "Marty Gots a Plan", "Oppressive Gloom", "The Curtain Rises", "Ultralounge", "Wizardtorium"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Пікірлер: 557

@StoneStephenT 8 жыл бұрын

When Ralphie's mom stops him from beating up the bully, she keeps saying his name to get his attention. Each time she says it, her voice has a different emotion behind it. She goes from shock to anger to understanding/comforting in less than ten seconds. And she never really punishes Ralphie for the fight, either. She seems to know that he felt (or would feel) bad enough for it later on. That moment is one of the film's more subtle character moments-and one that still tugs at my heart every time I see it. Melinda Dillon was so good in this movie.

@jenniferschillig3768 Жыл бұрын

As for Dad's reaction to it...Roger Ebert expressed the opinion that the Old Man knew the whole story before he sat down to dinner. Maybe, maybe not, but I like the subtle interactions between the couple in this scene. When Mom tells Dad that "Ralphie had a fight", Dad gives her this look as if to say, "is this something I should be concerned about?" And Mom's look seems to say, "No, it's okay, I got this." And that's all he needs.

@jfridy 8 жыл бұрын

My father was born in 1937, and has always said this movie is closer to understanding being a child in that time than any other movie he's ever seen. He even drank Ovaltine to something from his favorite show, Captain Midnight and the Secret Squadron.

@ekimr90 8 жыл бұрын

Like number 1,501 reporting in... God damn, that part where you used the "Day that shal live in infamy" speech hit me so god damn hard because it is something that I literally never considered before... Goddamn...

@Furore2323 Жыл бұрын

This is a part of my neotraditional Christmas watchlist, it's a genuinely great essay and a moment of sincere joy.

@stargazer3424 8 жыл бұрын

"December 1940" wait a minute. "One year prior to this." Oh shit

@tam_forreal 4 жыл бұрын

Star Gazer oh shit! 🤯

@kiambraleflore7537 4 жыл бұрын

Oh fuck...

@allegedman 8 жыл бұрын

I like how Bob explained in detail what the gun is every time he mentioned it.

@Mothman1992 6 жыл бұрын

allegedman what else would you call the official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.

@jackbuchanan9085 8 жыл бұрын

Holy Sh*t! Talk about over analyzed! The fact that the story takes place a year before the US enters WWII and the impact it must have on the characters, that's some deep sh*t! Well friggin done MovieBob! :)

@einootspork 8 жыл бұрын

"Santa Claus probably put it..." I love how instantly the dad puts himself in damage control mode

@Samanosuke1138 7 жыл бұрын

love the fact you call the b.b gun by its full name lol

@RF-vg5kv 3 жыл бұрын

One of the last scenes where ralphs mom and dad are sitting in front of the Christmas tree looking out at the snow is one of my favorite scenes in the movie, a perfect ending to the movie. It really is that good in my opinion .

@ThePa1riot 8 жыл бұрын

As if to prove Bob correct, this past Christmas, as I was helping my parents get ready for our big Christmas party hosting our extended family. This was playing in two rooms non-stop all day. Whenever I would have a moment between tasks, I would just stand or sit for a moment and watch one of the scenes play out before getting back to party prep.

@bigcas78 8 жыл бұрын

I always loved the mother character. She reminds me the most of my mom then any other mother character in cinematic history.

@laus7504 8 жыл бұрын

+bigcas78 I'm a mom with 3 boys, so I've always kind of related to the mom in this movie. I hadn't noticed that we never find out her name. I'm glad that Bob's SJW lens that he analyzes movies with took the time to analyze her character specifically. I especially liked when she finds Randy hiding in the cupboard, asks him if he wants something to drink, gets it for him, and closes the cupboard back up. She could sense that being in there was comforting to him. A lot of moms would have made him get out. The passive aggressive part where she "accidentally" breaks the lamp was pretty funny, too

@olscratch74 8 жыл бұрын

Yay! Moviebob's "positive" series doing one of my favorite movies, and right on time too. Now do The Princess Bride and upload it on Valentine's Day!!! :-D :-D :-D

@pennyfarting 8 жыл бұрын

+UnbearableWitness That is an INCONCEIVABLY fantastic idea.

@ZachBlackforest 8 жыл бұрын

+Henric von Winklebottom I hope you're happy with yourself... Your bad joke quite literally killed me.

@iamdylanavery 8 жыл бұрын

+UnbearableWitness I also support this idea.

@pennyfarting 8 жыл бұрын

+Raster1990 Bad jokes: more effective than iocane powder.

@billyweed835 8 жыл бұрын

+UnbearableWitness The Princess Bride is my favorite movie of all time so I would LOVE that.

@TylerMcVicker1 8 жыл бұрын

Dang, I haven't seen this movie in a few years. Watching this now already is making me see it in a completely different light now that I'm "all grown up" now. Crap, I'm gonna ball once I see this again.

@ThomasTHEONEANDONLY 3 жыл бұрын

TNT, been watching every Christmas for the last five years.

@Corsair114 8 жыл бұрын

So who wants to chip in for Xanax? Let's see ya do "Stand By Me."

@joedanger88 8 жыл бұрын

+Corsair114 I'm in. Who has a really good prescription plan?

@msadaldin 8 жыл бұрын

+Corsair114 Since we're getting the Xanax why not do Old Yeller as well

@TheDayday127 8 жыл бұрын

+Corsair114 Yes please.

@robertmckinnon7003 3 жыл бұрын

@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770 3 жыл бұрын

Stand By Me sucks.

@DinoJake 7 жыл бұрын

The way you describe it, I kinda wanna see a "Really That Good" of It's A Wonderful Life.

@gokinsmen 7 жыл бұрын

As an Asian-American, I don't find the "Fa-ra-ra" scene very offensive at all. Lame? Sure. Offensive? Meh. Firstly, notice how the owner/head waiter can pronounce his 'L's perfectly fine. That alone shows that they're not stereotyping all Asians. It's only the other waiters who are probably new to the country (if you know how immigrant culture works). Secondly, unlike other legitimately racist depictions, the Asians here aren't portrayed as weak, buffoonish or emasculated. The only thing being made fun of is their pronunciation of a foreign language, which any immigrant would struggle with (especially in 1940). By contrast, contemporary movies like Lost In Translation or 21 are far more racist and concerning in their treatment of Asians. I love A Christmas Story and one lame L/R joke doesn't make much of a difference to me.

@stanklepoot 7 жыл бұрын

I'm not Asian-American, but that was always my take on things. When Bob mentioned things that really stand out today, I always knew the bb gun was going to be one of them. I really thought that the obvious abuse Ralphie's friend was suffering was going to be the other one, however. Ralphie's mom was clearly bothered by what she was hearing over the phone, but there's never any indication that she would even consider trying to intervene in any way.

@AmaranthOriginal 7 жыл бұрын

It's also kind of funny that Bob used Family Guy as a watermark for calling out the scene, given they've done far worse in far meaner a spirit.

@TheMightyPika 7 жыл бұрын

I always saw the scene as more of a cute nod to how sweet it was that people from these two very different cultures are coming together and laughing at the silly differences but still sharing a lovely Christmas dinner together. That's what the holidays are all about, folks.

@yesiddelmar9816 7 жыл бұрын

ТТТТhis mоviе is nоw аvailablе tо wаааtсh hеrе => twitter.com/cb0ea07cb20be2b0e/status/822789905101094912 Reеаllуу Thаt Gооооd А CHRISТТТТМАS SТОRY

@king_big_pp 7 жыл бұрын

It's racist, but the decent acceptable racism. The type that everyone can have a laugh at. I think people need to understand that "context" plays a major factor in this type of humor. Some is fucked up and exists solely to demean or put down another group of people. Some exists to laugh at how awkwardly we all deal with everyday differences.

@sarahm.8954 5 жыл бұрын

I’m Black & simply love this movie & yes I watch every year all day on the holiday🎉

@estefez 8 жыл бұрын

"Really That Good" has been more enlightening and informative than all my college film classes put together. Moviebob you should be teaching at RISD!

@CaminoAir 8 жыл бұрын

I'm Irish and I think this film captures childhood and Christmas experience with great charm and warmth and I can understand why it is so embedded in American holiday season consciousness. The stand out of the cast (they're all very good) is McGavin, who is thankfully now immortitlied, because he is a superb character actor.

@framebyframegames 8 жыл бұрын

My grandfather (born 1913) said that they used to eat out at Chinese restaurants during the holidays and always remarked about how accurate the scene was. It's not a tacky foreign accents joke. The Chinese men and women running these restaurants had thick accents and were also really eager to please their customers.

@mfc1212us 8 жыл бұрын

+olimario yeah, why is it if they accurately portray an Oriental accent it's racist. But if they went to an Italian or German restaurant that was staffed by immigrants and they had their typical accents, it's not?

@icthulu 8 жыл бұрын

+olimario Agreed, there's nothing racist about the scene. People are just imparting their world view on a time near 40 years ago that was reliving a time 40 years before that. There is a clear respect between the family and the owners. It was not insulting or demeaning. Bob's wholly wrong here.

@asamisato6753 8 жыл бұрын

+olimario I think the point is that the overall scene is not racist, having the actors have accents is not racist... but the part where they have them sing the carol is racist because the whole point of that part is to point and laugh at the funny foreign people because they are acting weird and can't say words 'right'. Trust me, when you have been on the receiving end of people saying things in Asian accents to demean you, stuff like that (which is very much set up for the audience to laugh at rather than laugh with the Chinese men) doesn't feel so innocuous.

@memnarch129 8 жыл бұрын

+olimario And even so for the time period this was made in the "fa ra ra ra ra" thing would have been satire, even in the 80s. while yes there was still a bit of Xenophobe during that time most people knew that they way asians talked, or how brits or french people where portrayed in movies was NOT real and just a joke.

@icthulu 8 жыл бұрын

memnarch129 Er, not sure what you mean about xeno in that period. It was about USSR in the early 80's. Japan was just emerging, and China was a 3rd world of no value. The Japanese market expansion clash wasn't till later on in the decade. The joke of the scene is that they are having dinner with people that have no concept of Christmas, not that Chinese are to be looked down upon because they can't easily pronounce L's.

@SuperPussyFinger 5 жыл бұрын

*Gene Shepherd was a genius.*

@jacobadams8685 8 жыл бұрын

Need a Really That Good on Shawshank Redemption.

@jodypschaeffer 8 жыл бұрын

I f'ing love this series, Bob. Thanks for it, and have a great holiday. :)

@DanKaraJordan 8 жыл бұрын

This is another great piece of deep analysis, Bob. "Really that Good" is quickly becoming my favorite thing on You Tube. I personally put many of my favorite movies through a similar treatment in my head, but I often overlook the sort of movie that I still actually love (like the ones you have chosen for your series) but that I falsely assume are not serious enough to withstand any level of critical analysis. Thank you for your hard work on this series and for bringing a little more light and heart to the internet.

@RavenWolf515 7 жыл бұрын

Until watching this I had never really looked at this film in the context as having taken place immediately (or within 1-2 years) prior to the beginning of WW2, and coming after the depression. As you mention the earlier part of Ralphie's life must have been fairly rough going which makes Dad's joy in giving his son *exactly* what he wanted for Christmas that much more poignant. Very well put together, sir, I will keep all of this in mind for next year when I inevitably watch this film again.

@j1k2j3s4 2 жыл бұрын

Really love your videos! You do equally well narrating and delving into deeper issues. Thanks so much!

@maxgray2807 8 жыл бұрын

Any one else thinks that the narrator sounds like Adam west

@JoesArtchannel 7 жыл бұрын

Max Gray it is Jean Shepard

@brentirwin10 8 жыл бұрын

My Summer Story is actually written by Jean Shepherd, and like "A Christmas Story" comes from his long running radio show on WOR in New York. He also had other movies that were done for PBS both before and after the success of "A Christmas Story". All of these stories have the same characters.

@edique9772 10 ай бұрын

Flick Lives!

@Enshohma 8 жыл бұрын

Love this series Bob - can't wait for the Showa-era Godzilla and King Kong 1933 episodes!

@Toastrodamus 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for putting the time into this movie. One of the things that I think helps this movie succeed is its essential humility - it's not trying to change anyone's life, it's not trying to provoke a devastating emotional reaction. It narrows its scope to a very tiny slice of one boy's life in one town in one specific time, and it did everything within that scope to make it a really good movie. Even visually, the movie speaks so much with its color (mostly soot black, snow white, and leather brown, but with shocking highlights of color - the bunny outfit, the soap, the blood, mom's robe/scarf, Randy's snow suit, etc.), and its low perspective shots, its tiny rooms, the fades and swipes...Michelangelo's David it's not, but it is definitely a Shaker chair. It really is one of the most solid works of film craftsmanship of all time.

@SuperSuperspoof 6 жыл бұрын

Could you PLEASE do It's a Wonderful Life? (It does belong in this series, right?)

@opensprit 8 жыл бұрын

Well done MovieBob. In fact, this is the best work you have ever done.

@kingpin123rcs 5 жыл бұрын

This was an excellent, in depth review and analysis. You bring up things and talk about them in ways I had never thought of before like how the father was listening the whole time or how Ralphie never fantasized about using the gun on Scott Farcas. Also, the fact that because of the year, it was most likely the last 'innocent' christmas Ralphie (or the rest of the family) ever had.

@paradoxacres1063 8 жыл бұрын

I don't think I've ever watched this movie. But if Bob says it's Really That Good then it must be. I'll try to catch this the next time I see it on cable.

@sakayla37too 8 жыл бұрын

It'll be on all Christmas Day on TBS I believe! :)

@paradoxacres1063 8 жыл бұрын

Kayla Yeah, it seems like a good Christmas movie :) (I've always went for _Love Actually_ but maybe this year I'll shake things up a bit)

@sakayla37too 8 жыл бұрын

+Paradox Acres it's become a family tradition to watch it Christmas morning, hope you like it as much as my family does. Merry Christmas!

@paradoxacres1063 8 жыл бұрын

Kayla That sounds great. I'm looking forward to it :) Merry Christmas to you, too!

@LibraGamesUnlimited 8 жыл бұрын

+Paradox Acres Wait until next Christmas when it's on for 24 hours strait. :)

@numb3r5ev3n 7 жыл бұрын

From 20:29-20:55: I just realized that Stand By Me and IT were both written by Stephen King and both have the message that the narrator would never have friendships and connections ever again like they did when they were twelve. It makes me feel bad for Stephen King. :(

@MusicByMack 7 жыл бұрын

Gosh dang it, I always felt touched by Ralphie's dad surprising him on Christmas day but I never flat out cried from it before.

@timpower4922 5 жыл бұрын

There’s a reason this movie gets played on a loop every year. Well done, Bob.

@ArthurCrane92 8 жыл бұрын

I like these kind of videos 'cause they bring out Bob's sentimental sise.

@amyrat151 8 жыл бұрын

My history teacher in high school loved this movie. He talked about how he felt like this was his childhood with a bratty little brother who wouldn't eat his food and getting horrible presents from relatives. I also remember in class a bunch of people talking about various parts in the movie they all felt happened to them.

@OptimusSatanas 5 жыл бұрын

I love that the movie never falls into hard stereotyypes or oversimplified tropes. It does hit some tropes, but manages to make them come across as authentic.

@saxyhank 8 жыл бұрын

Bob, I've just recently started watching your channel (speaking about like 3 weeks) and I have thoroughly enjoyed your take on movies. Especially this Really That Good series, your analysis is wonderful and I think a lot of what other channels or reviewers lack. Putting a film into social/historical context? Fucking ace. I've been a huge fan (and recommend it to everyone seeing this) the RegularCars channel, where Mr Regular goes into not only the specs on the car and how it drives, yada yada yada, but the psyche of owners and drivers, it's presence in the automotive world at it's inception, and why the hell was such a beast built and what from. Most people I show it to don't get it because they're very tech based, but I feel the same way about Mr Regular as I do you. This series particular has opened up an entirely new window I see movies from and I can only hope to keep up being able to see them in such light. Thanks Bob, and may the force be ever written in your ring.

@RamblingSailors 8 жыл бұрын

This is one of those movies that I utterly disliked, but simultaneously knew I was witnessing a form of genius. Kind of the way I feel watching Andy Kaufman or Sasha Baron-Cohen.

@JosephDutra 8 жыл бұрын

What makes the film so unique and classic, is because it all takes place from a kid's perspective of life and the scene where he's trying to figure out the secret message and the dramatic music is rising up where it's suppose to rise the tension, and you feel that tension because we all went through something like this as a kid. We all grasped at something that adults wouldn't consider important be we did. Ralphie's constant daydreaming throughout is a great example of a kid's imagination and creativity and him saying dropping the F-bomb in front of your parents is basically a kid's worse fear. I don't think there has ever been a more classic film than A Christmas Story that truly captures the point of view of a child.

@NamaTheNerd 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Bob. I love this series.

@Miniike 8 жыл бұрын

Fantastic, feels-y video as usual! Can't wait for a video on It's A Wonderful Life sometime.

@huntertjohnson521 8 жыл бұрын

Great insights, once again! Thanks MovieBob!

@DarkSoulsSauron 8 жыл бұрын

This is why I love your content bob. seriously, this kind of meta commentary that brings a new level of depth to a film I actively dislike. Now I need to go back to this and examine it again with the context of the time period.

@BellaLynn30 8 жыл бұрын

love this movie.. It's the best. I even went, and visited the house.

@everetth-top4760 7 жыл бұрын

Man, just hearing the music from this movie makes me smile. Such a wonderful film that deserves it place its fans' hearts.

@GamerBruni 7 жыл бұрын

I watchеd А Christmаs Story full mooovie here twitter.com/8b2d0afbef1c29c93/status/822789905101094912 Reаlly Thаt Good A CHRISTMAS STORY

@lukethegreat29 6 жыл бұрын

You are 100% correct about that ending scene next to the Christmas tree. Gets me every time. I think it’s because the last three minutes (Chinese restaurant and back at home) are the only times in the movie where every member of the movie is visibly happy. Every other scene has at least one character in a bad mood or feeling something other than joy. We find a beauty in the imperfect and the family can take a deep breath and just be together. It’s seriously beautiful.

@alexsdemkin 8 жыл бұрын

Have not watched this movie in years and it still makes me cry.

@brucegooding716 8 жыл бұрын

Brilliant and thoughtful insights with this video.

@MrPunkerMcmetal 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this series.

@joshwilkins9138 8 жыл бұрын

Huh. Didn't expect it, but you swayed me. Love your stuff Bob. Keep up the great work

@rocko7711 2 жыл бұрын

This is a great video Bob We need another great Really That Good Xmas movie

@madmanvarietyshow9605 4 жыл бұрын

Gah I remember when I got my Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. Still have it even! It's been beaten up sure but I loved that thing as a kid. My grandpa and dad taught me all about firearm safety and how to shoot. So many good memories tied to that rifle. And even a couple bad memories (no one was hurt don't worry). Even with all the bad stuff it's still a tradition I plan to pass on to my son. And like Ralphie it was probably my favorite Christmas present I've ever received. As a soon to be father that works too much to my not yet out of the womb son, everything about Ralphie's dad really hit home and not gonna lie I teared up a bit Bob. Love this series so much and sad it's probably not going to continue.

@HallowqueenCrafting 8 жыл бұрын

Episodes like this are why I absolutely love shows like this. They deepen my understanding and appreciation for certain works. I always assumed this movie was supposed to be set in the 1950s. Never really gave it much thought to be honest but that was my assumption, I'm a gen Xer myself, and aren't all "good old days" nostalgia movies aimed at us supposed to be 50s and 60s? The idea that it's set sometime in the post depression/pre US involvement in WW2 era, which upon closer inspection it does appear to be, does lend it a different perspective, and does make certain aspects of the events and characters more poignant. So thank you for that. I've enjoyed this series of webisodes quite thoroughly and look forward to it continuing.

@peterjacobsen7613 8 жыл бұрын

Another fantastic video. As an optimist I look at nostalgia as a good thing reminding us why the past was good, but at the same time to enjoy the present and look forward to the future moments. As for the american way of life in this film, it's fun to see how times haven't changed.

@eVanDiesel 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing analysis, thank you

@ECL28E 8 жыл бұрын

15:05 - 15:15 This brings up my favorite episode of Recess, when Gus becomes the latest victim of the school bully, Gellmen. He works up the nerve to stand up to him, knowing he's gonna get his ass whipped....and he does. Gus gets thrashed while the kids watch in shock and awe, but doesn't back down.

@Damageonthestack 8 жыл бұрын

The voice over from Older Ralphie sounds different, like it was re-recorded. Is this from an updated blu-ray or some other shenanigans?

@sageemerald7685 8 жыл бұрын

Raise your hand if you got your tongue stuck on the playground as kid! Also, I'm reading the book, it's a good book.

@weirdaljedifan2 7 жыл бұрын

Last year, my brother asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I snarkily gave him a list that started with the Red Ryder BB gun and a Turboman Action Figure, and then worked in what I actually wanted; a WiiU. Sure enough, he got me a BB gun to spite me.

@sd31263 7 жыл бұрын

Did you shoot his eye out?

@sockatume 8 жыл бұрын

That edit at the 31-minute mark was a wonderful thing.

@shamblingheat 5 жыл бұрын

Brilliant analysis. I love this series!

@ataraxia7439 8 жыл бұрын

This series is defiantly some of your best work.

@bgajdek 8 жыл бұрын

Seriously, can we admit it's a crime The Bob hasn't been on Moive Fights? I can't be the only one who thinks this right?

@really1337 8 жыл бұрын

+Br Ga Eh I'm worried SJ will try and copy the premise of his show.

@bgajdek 8 жыл бұрын

Oooooohhhhh SNAP

@Gloria_Cook 8 жыл бұрын

+Br Ga As much as I like Movie Fights, I think he's a little too good for Movie Fights. feel like he'd clash in a stylistic way similar to when they got Adam from YMS.

@bgajdek 8 жыл бұрын

YMS was slummin his choices for the show. I liked in the speed round when he says he's never seen those movies...

@patcam89 8 жыл бұрын

It's a crime he hasn't been on a retarded show about man children talking about Marvel and Star Wars? Pass.

@chwenhoou 8 жыл бұрын

Outstanding job on this review, Bob. While I'm not big on running A Christmas Story on a 24 hour marathon, it is definitely a holiday movie that needs to be watched once a year. I look forward to your next Really That Good reviews in 2016, hopefully we will see Big Trouble in Little China get the spotlight it deserves but that's just me. Merry Christmas, MovieBob, and a happy new year.

@randomentertainment8617 6 жыл бұрын

I LOVE this movie, one of my favorite movies of all time and it's my favorite Christmas movie of all time.

@mightyNosewings 7 жыл бұрын

"Ralphie is immediately present in the story, but also just outside of it." That's some Derrida shit right there. Also, I'll say it: A Christmas Story is better than It's a Wonderful Life.

@nicholasjoost5111 4 жыл бұрын

Just got done with the movie. Finishing this review up now. Merry Christmas!

@EdgeyvonKarma 8 жыл бұрын

Love this series, Bob. Hoping you cover It's A Wonderful Life someday.

@Skullkan6 4 жыл бұрын

I don't often agree with you, but I think you mostly nailed this one.

@tam_forreal 4 жыл бұрын

I can’t wait to watch Christmas Story this year! 🥰🥰🥰

@sarahmacdonald955 8 жыл бұрын

Please keep doing this series.

@b-roaskie7233 5 жыл бұрын

God I love rewatching these

@Sykdude 8 жыл бұрын

Great review Bob. I love this movie.

@brandchan 8 жыл бұрын

When I first watched this in my early 20s, I was kind of eh on it. But I caught some of it last night (waiting for new tires) and I enjoyed it a lot more then I thought I would. I really do like that decoder ring scene. I also really like the part where the Mom tries the soap out her self. Just nice little moments. I don't know if I would want to watch an entire day of it but still probably one of the best Christmas movies out there.

@joedanger88 8 жыл бұрын

This is the second best Christmas movie ever, after "Die Hard", and I don't think I'll ever watch it the same way again.

@silverlightsinaugust2756 5 жыл бұрын

I don’t think anybody would think the gun thing is a problem because they understand the context that it is an older movie about an even older time. Explanation not necessary. We get it.

@joshsipe5216 3 жыл бұрын

Best Christmas video

@Pfisiar22 6 ай бұрын

I keep coming back to this video and I have to say this remains the best piece of movie analysis and criticism that moviebob has done. And I'm generally a big fan of his insightful writing even if I don't always agree with his arguments. But this is spot on in a way most film criticism rarely is. Me, I grew up never understanding why people loved this movie. Maybe it's over exposure was part of the problem. Yet, I've gone back and watched it since because of this and I have to say I can appreciate the movie a lot more.

@donnylurch4207 8 жыл бұрын

Terrific series! The ending music reminds me of Booster's Tower from Super Mario RPG.

@robertbogert8257 3 жыл бұрын

Saw it in the movies a few days before Christmas was about 6 years old . Loved it then still love it now

@RyanDB 8 жыл бұрын

Well, I wish I'd seen Stand By Me before watching this. Can hardly be mad though, it's an old film at this point.

@lunarx3dfx 8 жыл бұрын

Bob, first I'd like to say that I love your work, even when I disagree with you, and respect your opinions. Keep em coming my friend. Now, while I have disagreed with you multiple times in the past, I can't disagree with you more about your feelings on this movie. I remember my dad showing me this movie the Christmas Eve before I got my Red Ryder in 1989. I hated this movie then, and I still loathe this movie. I have never understood the love this movie gets, and I doubt I ever will. To me this movie is full of negativity, and just makes for an awful watch. Now, that being said I want to end this on a positive note. a Like I said in my opening, I appreciate your work, and I look forward to the next one. Your really that good series are something I'm excited for every time I see a new one. I also would like to say that while you have definitely made me look at this movie in a different light, I just can't bring myself to watch this one again. Have a happy holidays.

@Pratchettgaiman 8 жыл бұрын

Something tells me that those Chinese restaurant workers are not going to have as good a Christmas next year, despite not being Japanese....

@RealRed05 8 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful surprise!

@joshuar8261 7 жыл бұрын

is it me or does the narrator sound like Adam west

@hammerite6418 3 жыл бұрын

Let’s just forget a Christmas story 2

@rocko7711 Жыл бұрын

Amazing video Bob I hope you can do another XMas video

@really1337 8 жыл бұрын

Wooo holiday timing!

@Abonanno24601 8 жыл бұрын

I saw it in the Theater when I was about 6 or 7. I was supposed to see The Toy but tix were sold out so I saw this. WOW, was I happy I did!!

@jeremyleyland1047 8 жыл бұрын

Yes, but is "Its a Wonderful Life" really that good?

@Gloria_Cook 8 жыл бұрын

+Jeremy Leyland No

@theparkourhobo 8 жыл бұрын

+Esteraur Why not? (Assuming you aren't being sarcastic)

@manguy01 8 жыл бұрын

+theparkourhobo He's _probably_ not one of those guys who's so afraid of anything remotely religious that he can't see past it. ... _probably_ not

@QwertyCaesar 8 жыл бұрын

+MicManGuy Having watched it recently its actually a very secular film. Faith really doesn't take any part in the film. God and the angels are a framing device more than anything else. The movie was originally meant to have very religious undertones. Anybody who can take off their fedora for ten seconds could see it for what it is, which is a very humanist story about being good unto others, which a value hardly specific to christianity or religious belief in general. Also, it still holds up quite well in my opinion. Still one of the best instances of a film covering suicide (conventional suicide that is) and George Bailey remains a good, admirable man despite the radical shift in values since the film was made. There's some fragments that are out of place but they never really drag down the film. Really it is at its weakest when George goes through a world in which he never was born. It stands out as being a bit preachy in a film that otherwise does a good job of showing the value of charity and deceny in a subtle manner.

@manguy01 8 жыл бұрын

IllCaesar lol. That part is the whole point of the movie.

@mollieroses2768 8 жыл бұрын

Bob, I would LOVE if you made a 'Its a Wonderful Life' review. It's one of my favorite movies of all time (and i'm a millenial) and you breaking down how deep the themes go in it would be a treat to hear.

@KappaDrudge 8 жыл бұрын

Weird. Got the message that said WB killed for copyright but on reloading the page it played like normal.

@iamdylanavery 8 жыл бұрын

+KappaDrudge I think that happened briefly with the Spiderman one too.

@einootspork 8 жыл бұрын

+Dylan Avery KZfaq started a policy of protecting certain people who get copyright strikes on videos they consider fair use. That's probably why.

@michaelmayeux3964 5 жыл бұрын

Just want to put this out there. This movie's success isn't due to Generation X's nostalgia for their grandparent's childhood. The children in this movie would be the parents of Generation X. Movie takes place in 1940. We're getting a glimpse of the way of how their parent's childhood played out.