Watch A Christmas Story Live! For Free

One of my all time favorites.

How sad is this?

Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

I have no words. Every horror you could've conceived about this anathema has come to fruition. For the sake of you and your family, if you loved the original, stay as far away as you possibly can.

But I am a fan of Musical theatre. I saw the touring production of this musical a few years ago in Denver. It was charming and enjoyable - as was this production! This is a musical based upon the writings of Jean Shepherd with a lot of beautiful nods to the original movie. If you're watching a "Live" production on TV - it's more than likely a televised version of musical theatre - don't expect a typical movie.

Fox 's live version of "A Christmas Story" is the latest in a line of live shows on TV. Those who have seen the others are familiar with the pitfalls and problems that can plague a live television production, though most of these shows have been very entertaining. The electricity (and risk) of a live show is palpable, adding to the enjoyment of the viewing. I am happy to say that this production is a tremendous success. It starts with a frozen tableau that dissolves into the live action, a clever convention that is used throughout, showing a dedication to detail and a willingness to go the extra mile. This musical, based upon the stage production, is narrated by Matthew Broderick, the adult version of the central character, Ralphie.We realize that Broderick is not the usual narrator when he holds the car door for Ralphie's mother. Like the stage manager in "Our Town", he is an all-seeing guide, who talks of Ralphie's inner dreams and fears, and lends universality to the messages of the story. Several times I felt a lump in my throat during the show and a few of them were caused by Broderick's role,If you have never seen the movie or the play, it will not prohibit enjoyment of this Christmas tale, a classic that many enjoy every year. If you happen to be an older person, this is a nostalgic trip down memory lane that recalls simpler times and simpler tastes. The commercial overload that Christmas has become makes it a pleasure to revisit the analog days before Walmart and Amazon.Like Frank Morgan in "The Wizard of Oz", Broderick portrays a number of characters within the story, most of them fleeting. The cast is excellent, including fourteen youngsters who, like the rest of the cast, are triple threats. Maya Rudolph plays the mother with touching simplicity. Chris Diamantopoulos, who plays the father, reminds me of Jack Lemmon-a perfect combination of musicality and comic talent. There are too many talented players to mention, but Jane Krakowski gives her usually stellar performance, and the boys who play Ralphie (Andy Walken) and his brother Randy (Tyler Wladis) handle the load of their performances like champs.There are few slip-ups in this production and most I saw were quickly dealt with or ignored quite professionally. The sets are wonderful. The orchestration is terrific. The production numbers, including the staging, is masterful. The sound, which can be a problem in live productions, is consistently clear. The camera movement is so good that it deserves special mention. Weaving in and out of the scenery and keeping pace with the action, it drew my attention some, but never felt annoying. The story includes Walter Mittyesque flights of fancy that were handled with moving walls, special lighting, camera effects and choral craftwork. The transitions are perfectly executed and sometimes breathtaking.This is a classic that deserves rewatching, if only to admire the details that one might miss the first time around. Kudos to the director for the vision and for the artistic choices that were made. A documentary about the backstage activities that created this live illusion, including the quick changes, would be fun to watch.

Do not bother supporting this live event. It was a musical and a liberal agenda. The original movie did NOT have music in it and the movie was focused on the 40s-50s era. This modern trending needs to stop. Watch this live version if you want but I guaranteed you'll hate it after seeing the old beloved classic. Shame on Fox for allowing this to be made. I'd rather watch Star Wars: Holiday Special than this.