It Runs in the Family / My Summer Story

It Runs in the Family / My Summer Story (1994)

 

There are a few things requiring explanation before this last installment of exploring "A Christmas Story" sequels. The first confusing thing about this movie is the title. No one can agree what the title is; it switched, different sources label it differently. I'll use "My Summer Story" since that's what Netflix uses. The second confusing thing is the continuity. This movie takes place only a short time after "A Christmas Story" which means that although it's technically "A Christmas Story 3" it takes place before #2. This is because, though made in 1994, it was originally supposed to be the direct sequel to "A Christmas Story" with all the original cast reprising their roles. But that didn't happen and by the time it was made a decade later, only Ralphie's teacher, Miss Shields reprises her role.

I mentioned that a large part of the success of the previous sequel (a huge part) was Jean Shepherd's involvement. This movie not only gets Jean Shepherd but employed the director of "A Christmas Story" Bob Clark as well. And so, to my shock, this movie turns out to be the best, most faithful "A Christmas Story" sequel and quite good. I couldn't believe it.

It's still true that no sequel compares to the original - there's no way to recapture the magic - but, with lowered expectations, this movie is good enough. I think it was hurt partly by the casting of Charles Grodin as the dad. This is the era where, when Charles Grodin is involved in a family movie, you're expecting "Beethoven" levels of quality. The poster and subject matter also don't help - it looks like it's going to be another "Dennis the Menace" or "Problem Child" and nobody wants that.

But the mother is played by Mary Steenburgen, who's excellent, and Ralphie and his brother are  played by Kieran and Christian Culkin, who are very good. The star of the movie is clearly Jean Shepherd both in terms of his writing and narration (which seemed a little excessive in this installment). The wacky psychosis of his family and the "tall tales" of his youth are so enjoyable.