Wolff rating: GOOD
Plot summary: A young boy wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but has to endure an amazing amount of childhood angst to get it.
Biased, pithy comments: This is a gentle movie told deliberately from the perspective of the protagonist. Mom and Dad exist as foils, and the little brother is tolerated, mostly. The confusing, shifting loyalties of high school, and the rapid, exaggerated daydreams we all had take their place, as well as a terrified veneration of the father who loves you. The movie made a small splash when it came out, but has reached cult status for many. For me, he ``fond memories'' genre seems a little quaint; although ironic here and there, this movie is almost too unironic to exist. Sweet, funny, and amusing, maybe even for children, but for me, I spent most of the time noting how much our culture has changed to one of SUVs picking up children the minute the school days end, and how you'd never build a slide like that for kids---they might get hurt on it.
Other Notes: Nice lamp.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: ??
Directed by: Clark