This is an odd bit of news that only a select few readers may find noteworthy. Or, maybe many of you will...I'm really not sure, to be honest. Nonetheless, quite a few Geeks out there LOVE the "Holiday Classic" A CHRISTMAS STORY -- so we thought we'd bring a DVD to your attention.
Many folks don't know that a sequel to A CHRISTMAS STORY was made -- eleven years after the first film's release. The movie continues the saga of the Parker family through summertime adventures and oddity. It's called, appropriately enough, MY SUMMER STORY (aka IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY).
This was previously released on VHS (somewhat unceremoniously) and has actually aired on TV occasionally (often at odd times in odd places). Thus, the title has remained more or less under many people's radars.
The movie stars Charles Grodin as The Father, taking over Darren McGavin's role. Mary Steenburgen steps into Melinda Dillon's "Mother" part. Tedde Moore reprises her role as Ms. Shields, the teacher -- she's the only original cast member who returns here. Replacing Peter Billingsley's Ralphie and Ian Petrella's Randy? Kieran Culkin and Christian Culkin. Yes, you read that right, Kirean Culkin as Ralphie.
The Parker's troublesome neighbors, the "sons-a-bitch Bumpuses" (whose dogs demolished the Parker's Thanksgiving dinner in ACS) are also featured.
Paul Zaza, who composed the first film, returns. Jean Shepherd and Bob Clark once again script - based on Shepherd's works; Shepherd narrates again as well. As before, Bob Clark directs. It even has the same editor (Stan Cole)!
Despite the return of such key behind-the-scenes talent, the film simply doesn't have the crisp charm or subversive underpenning that made the first film so addictive and effective. Part of this is due to the filmmaking itself; MY SUMMER STORY seems a bit more belabored than its predecessor -- which felt almost effortless in execution. More significantly, the film is ultimately crushed by the memory of its progenitor. The vivid performances of the first film are never matched here, the characters lack the naturalism driving the ACS.
As Talkbackers might say (someone please be sure to say it below): TOO SOON!
This isn't a complete wash...Shepherd's humor, style, and attitude are enough to beat down nearly any barrier...but rarely does the film grow into itself and find its own, disperate identity -- or live up to the identity established by its forerunner back in 1984.
Why am I mentioning all of this?
MY SUMMER STORY was just released on DVD for the first time.
TECHNICALLY, it was released last week. But (in my neck of the woods, at least) stores aren't exactly rushing to get this onto the shelves - so I delayed this post until I felt you stood half a chance of actually finding the title should you decide to go look for it.
It's available from Sony Home Entertainment; it's an odd curiosity piece if nothing else, and a fascinating case study in how difficult it is to catch lightning in a bottle twice.
