A Christmas Story is a nice antidote to all those Christmas television specials with perfectly harmonized carols and perfectly wrapped gifts. Its 1940s setting offers an appealing sense of nostalgia, and it really gets what it means to be a kid at Christmas. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Cómo hablar con los niños sobre la violencia en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos, Actividades de bienestar para el invierno, Which Side of History? Your privacy is important to us. It's a refreshing look at a less-than-perfect holiday experience and the unexpected joy that can be found when things don't go as planned. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Join now. I hated the first two and hoped that this film would be the best of the three, which it … The movie sometimes gets lost in all its monster fights, but then the ominous, somewhat ambiguous ending ties everything together. A CHRISTMAS STORY is about Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), a 9-year-old boy in 1930s/'40s Indiana, whose entire life is consumed with his one wish: to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. We're updating our reviews to better highlight authentic stories and accurate, diverse representations. A Christmas Horror Story, 2015. In the midst of a blizzard, Krampus and his evil helpers descend upon the neighborhood. Why do you think things that were once considered socially acceptable (or funny) can later turn into things that feel awkward/wrong? We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. The main problem turned out to be the movie’s structure. Classic holiday movie for the whole family. Parents need to know that Krampus is a Christmas-themed horror movie that blends scares with humor and genuine warmth. Does the movie seem truthful to the actual legend? What message does that send? Thank you for your support. Kids can read up more about the "Little Orphan Annie" program. Afterward, he's punished for swearing by having his mouth washed out with soap. Ralphie's actual house from A Christmas Story with the Leg Lamp in the window. Is it portrayed as funny or serious? © Common Sense Media. It seemed very appropriate that Universal was the distributor. Demons, monsters attacking. It also has a pretty dark ending, but before that comes, there's undeniable warmth and holiday spirit. Family and friendship are both valued. What might its purpose have been? Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. And while Ralphie's dad seems like the disciplinarian, it's his mom who hands out the soap when he's caught swearing. Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents. Our ratings are based on child development best practices. 1. See something that needs to be addressed? Fighting, arguing, biting. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Although the story has a fairly dark, somewhat ambiguous ending that may be upsetting for sensitive viewers, fans of "alternative" holiday fare are likely to enjoy it. Thank you for your support. Last Christmas Eve, two teens came to a grisly end in a school basement. Why does Max believe in Santa Claus? Suggest an update to this review. It's quite violent, with blood splatters, bloody wounds, and death. Add your ratingSee all 55 parent reviews. Ralphie's parents drink wine after opening presents and his dad offers him a sip -- Mom turns it down for him. Although the story has a fairly dark, somewhat ambiguous ending that may be upsetting for sensitive viewers, fans of "alternative" holiday fare are likely to enjoy it. Wondering if Krampus is OK for your kids? ... a stop-motion master best known for The Nightmare Before Christmas, creates a magical, colorful nether-world that's also dark and disturbing. It seemed very appropriate that Universal was the distributor. A Christmas Horror Story is four shorts intertwined. One family accidently brings home a changeling instead of their child, while another runs from Krampus in the woods. Families can talk about Krampus' violence. Browse titles with similar subject matter. A dream sequence shows Ralphie with his prized BB gun shooting and killing four comical bandits. Does it sometimes catch you by surprise like it did Ralphie? Join now. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. A Christmas Horror Story (2015) Review: Releasing A Christmas Hollywood Horror Story in October is certainly unusual, but with its eye-catching poster and good critics all over the internet, I was really expecting something awesome, only to find a movie that “could have been cult” but falls a little flat instead.. Nail gun shooting. Main character is obsessed with getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. HoloLens PC Mobile device Xbox 360 Trailer. Family trapped in the house with a creature coming for them. There's some adult drinking, mainly played for humor, as well as a child taking a sip of peppermint Schnapps (given to him by an adult) and a quick reference to a teen smoking pot (he holds up a Christmas-themed bong). Why do people make fun of him for loving Christmas? He's punished with a mouthful of soap. And the infamous leg lamp is now a hot item at Christmastime. Some now-dated stereotyping of Asian people and their pronunciation of English during a scene set in a Chinese restaurant. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. A Christmas Horror Story is just that. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. Wonderful antidote to cutesy holiday tales; some swearing. His father (Darren McGavin) seems preoccupied with the neighbors' dogs (he hates them), a huge lamp in the shape of a lady's fishnet-stocking-clad leg that he won, the family's furnace, and the Christmas turkey. All rights reserved. We won't share this comment without your permission. Krampus may be too much for sensitive viewers, but lovers of alternative holiday viewing will rejoice. A Christmas Horror Story is a chilling anthology that's ghoulishly entertaining. The main character is a boy who believes in Christmas and in family but temporarily loses heart. Max is an extremely kind-hearted boy who truly believes in the spirit of Christmas as well as in the love of his family; he hopes that they can all come together and love and support one another despite their differences (his letter to Santa is filled with wishes for his family members, and nothing for himself). Ralphie engages in some iffy behavior (lying to stay out of trouble, getting in a fight, etc.). © Common Sense Media. Unlike most horror anthologies, which offer up one complete story after another (a la "Creepshow"), "A Christmas Horror Story" tells its tales by inter-cutting its various narratives along the lines of what Robert Altman did in bringing the stories of Raymond Carver to the screen in "Short Cuts." It’s the season of joy, peace, and goodwill… unless you live in Bailey Downs. Children in peril. Why is this an important character strength? Gremlins is a 1984 American comedy horror film directed by Joe Dante.The story follows a young man who receives a strange creature called a mogwai as a pet, which then spawns other creatures who transform into small, destructive, evil monsters that all wreak havoc on a whole town on Christmas Eve. Parents need to know that A Christmas Story has become a must-see holiday classic. Parents: Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. A Christmas Horror Story is just that. Ralphie calls it the "soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window" and continues to run his hand up the leg when his mother's not watching. Which is scarier, and why? Common Sense Media improves the lives of kids and families by providing independent reviews, age ratings, & other information about all types of media. Because people tend to get so obsessive about every single detail at Christmas, the last scene of this movie, when the family's Christmas dinner is exactly the opposite of what they had planned, is especially sweet. An adult character's drinking is played comically; she has a hangover on Christmas morning, and she gives a sip of peppermint Schnaps to a kid. A Christmas Horror Story/All The Creatures Were Stirring Double Feature 2019. See our. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Discover activities to get kids excited for a new year of possibilities from Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning. How old is it? This segment follows three high school students, Molly (Zoé De Grand Maison), Dylan (Shannon Kook), and Ben (Alex Ozerov), as they investigate a mysterious homicide that occurred the prior holiday season. But he's mostly well intentioned, and he does show determination. Your privacy is important to us. When his loudmouth relatives come to visit, Max's nasty cousins find his letter to Santa and tease him at the dinner table. A Christmas Horror Story is an imaginative, action-packed thrill-ride loaded with bloody, holiday fun. I saw this every year since, well I don't remember! It's up to Max's dad (Adam Scott), mom (Toni Collette), uncle (David Koechner), and aunt (Allison Tolman) to set aside their differences and band together. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. I have never been so incented to post a review a movie until we turned this one off half way through. Guns and shooting. When Krampus - the anti-Santa who punishes the naughty children - is summoned by a young boy, everyone’s fight for survival begins. Do they enjoy it? If not, why do you think they're drinking? What makes people befriend bullies? Krampus is a straight monster flick. Icicle stabbed through a monster's eye. Common Sense Media If you're a fan of Christmas movies or films that use nostalgia as a driver, A Christmas Story cannot be missed. Ralphie punches one bully until he gets a bloody nose. Your Amazon Music account is currently associated with a different marketplace. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. One story bandied around our office was that of a naughty CEO who was notorious for getting sozzled and then very “handsey” at the annual Christmas party. Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Krampus starts with a cynical touch and some big laughs, but it quickly finds its heart in Max, who truly wants to believe in Santa Claus -- and in his family. How intense is it? What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Cómo hablar con los niños sobre la violencia en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos, Actividades de bienestar para el invierno, Which Side of History? Underneath some ironic and satirical humor, this is a warm story about a 1930s/'40s family. Read The Nightmare Before Christmas reviews from kids and teens on Common Sense Media. Man frozen in terror. Unfortunately, this brings on the other spirit of Christmas, the dark shadow of St. Nicholas known as Krampus. Families can talk about bullies in A Christmas Story: What makes people act like bullies? Scary/violent elements include monsters and fighting, guns and shooting, as well as children in peril and some shocking/frightening imagery. In tears, Max rips up the letter and sends the pieces out into the winter night. We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. One child sticks his tongue on a flagpole on a dare and needs the fire department to unstick him. There are teens trapped in a haunted school basement. Summary: Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, peace and goodwill. A Christmas Horror Story is the third in a trio of Amazon Prime Christmas horror films I've watched this year (the others being A Christmas Slay and CAESAR AND OTTO'S DEADLY XMAS). Characters fight and attack other characters with knives or crossbows, and characters are tied up or thrown overboard. A Christmas Horror Story is (mostly) a well-paced, tense, thrill-a-minute style horror flick. During a stressful Christmas season, young Max (Emjay Anthony) is struggling to maintain his belief in Santa Claus. Heartwarming holiday tale has some potty humor. What's the impact of media violence on kids? But only Max's grandmother (Krista Stadler) knows the demon's true nature. His mother seems preoccupied with getting his brother to eat and getting the leg-lamp out of the house, but both parents manage to come through for a chaotic but very merry Christmas. It’s a horror flick with blood, killing, monsters, psychos, and ghosts. Christmas horror comedy is dark but has genuine good cheer. There are some pretty creepy monsters and imagery that would disturb younger kids. Where does the Krampus myth come from? The stories are exquisitely intertwined, and the fact that the tales are told concurrently, rather than as separate features, keeps the watcher on their toes and makes for a much more interesting yarn. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. With William Shatner, George Buza, Rob Archer, Zoé De Grand Maison. Description. It premiered on July 20, 2015 at the Fantasia International Film Festival and had a limited theatrical release on October 2, 2015, along with a VOD release. Yeah, it was weird...) The animation wasn't bad (it was slightly cool, actually.) The first follows a trio of high school teens exploring their school's haunted basement … I honestly think it is a really stupid movie. Mentions of other brands, some still available (Ovaltine) some not (Look magazine). A scene set in a Chinese restaurant includes dated stereotypes about Asian people and their pronunciation of English. Parents need to know that Krampus is a Christmas-themed horror movie that blends scares with humor and genuine warmth. See something that needs to be addressed? Mostly yelling and arm-twisting when two bullies harass kids daily, though Ralphie's friend does come to class with a black eye after one altercation. ... in How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Part of the appeal of this movie, based on the memoirs of humorist Jean Shepard (who narrates), is the authenticity of the period detail, much of which will seem bizarre to kids today. What's the impact of media violence on kids? Strong language, used by both adults and kids, includes "ass," "son of a bitch," "hell," "hot damn," and insults like "idiot," "dumb," etc. Christmas tree on fire. But for some folks in the small town of Bailey Downs, it turns into something much less festive. A Christmas Horror Story is four shorts intertwined. Why is it hard for Ralphie to talk to his parents about what he wants for Christmas? Overview System Requirements Related. this is an american classic in more ways than one. Add your ratingSee all 14 parent reviews. A Christmas Horror Story. Parents need to know that Rise of the Guardians is sort of like The Avengers with childhood icons: Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and the Sandman. Sex isn't an issue, but a married couple does show affection to each other. Common Sense Media Still, it nicely blends horror and humour, delivers scary stuff at its best, and is well worth the watch if you're sick to the stomach of traditional Christmas slush. Teen shows a Christmas-themed bong. Horror In The Hallway. Family trapped in the house with a creature coming for them. Common Sense Selections 631 Apply Common Sense Selections filter Find age-appropriate movies, books, apps, TV shows, video games, websites, and music that you and your kids will love. Way through a zombie virus infects them all now-dated stereotyping of Asian people and pronunciation! Referred to as `` Maxi Pad. `` to Santa and tease him at the table! Reviews, ratings, and characters are tied up or thrown overboard its 1940s setting an. 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