9/22/2009

It Runs In the Family (1994)

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"That's what life is...a tie. a lousy tie."
A sequel to the ever popular A Christmas Story, this tale finds young Ralphie (Kieran Culkin) pitted against his new nemesis in dueling spinning tops and taking strides toward coming of age by being included in night fishing trips with his Dad (Charles Grodin) and his Dad's buddies. Meanwhile, Mom (Mary Steenbergen) experiences frustration at "dish night" at the local movie theater and Dad continues his battles with the neighboring Bumpus clan.

Also appearing are Christian Culkin as Ralphie's little brother Randy; Tedde Moore as Ralphie's mother; and Dick O'Neill as the shopkeeper.

The original title of this film was My Summer Vacation and if it had a general theater release, it was certainly limited. Critics generally reviewed it as lackluster and contrived, but I felt it was a decent little film, albeit not as good as the original A Christmas Story.

Directed by Bob Clark with screenplay by the inimitable Jean Shepherd, who also wrote the original novels and narrates this story.

Run time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Rated: PG

My personal rating: B-

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