(Guest blogger and honorary Film Warrior Rachel Brethauer joins us for the holidays with a look at one of the all time classics of Christmas films.  You can see more of Rachel's work on her blog HERE, and follow her on Twitter under the name @rachem)

4 Silver Bells

Maybe it seems a little obvious to choose a movie they play literally for the entirety of Christmas, but it still needs to be said: “A Christmas Story” is the greatest holiday movie of all time. Now, you might be thinking that’s some big talk. But a bit of consideration will make you realize just how many things the movie does right, and worthy of this mantle.

Pretty much everyone has seen the movie, so to rehash the plot points runs the risk of me turning into Chris Farley on SNL: “Remember the leg lamp? That was awesome: Fra-GEE-lay. It must be Italian!”

Instead, let’s celebrate a Christmas movie that doesn’t devolve into sentimentality, a true risk of both Christmas movies and period pieces. In the hands of a lesser production team, this could have been the worst movie ever. Imagine how it COULD have been: big-eyed Disney moppets, a toothless, whitewashed script. That’s worse than figgy pudding.

Not only does the movie capture the indignities of childhood that have nothing to do with the holidays—facing off against the neighborhood bully (and is it just me, or did they base Sid from Toy Story on Scut Farkus?), daring other kids to do stupid, reckless crap, weird parental punishments, and being fooled by marketers—it also paints a realistic picture of the average family Christmas. Whether it took place in the ‘40s, like the movie, or the ‘80s of the release, everyone can find a tale to relate to in this movie.

That’s the reason millions of people still watch it over and over again every year.

At least, that’s what I hoped. When I agreed to write this post, I hadn’t seen the movie in at least five years (Something she failed to mention.  Nice. –Ace). My cable company doesn’t carry TBS, so a 24 Hours of “A Christmas Story” has long been a memory. Upon picking up the DVD last week, I happily discovered how well the movie holds up to adult scrutiny.

In fact, I think it gets better with age. This could be because I’ve since fallen in love with lots of movies and TV shows that have continued the tradition of an entertaining narrator, fantasy sequences, breaking the fourth wall, and a heightened version of reality.

Even limiting the comparison to Christmas movies, “A Christmas Story’s” legacy is clear. “Home Alone” is a high concept, more sentimental film, but the towheaded protagonist protecting his home is right out of one of the fantasy sequences in "A Christmas Story.” “

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a Chevy Chase-ified, full-on late ‘80s version of the Parkers’ tale. “Elf” is a mix of edge and heart, just like “A Christmas Story,” and it even features an appearance by Ralphie himself (Peter Billingsley plays Lum-Lum, the foreman Elf).

This year, as you watch a variety of Christmas movies, take note. You’ll be able to find elements of “A Christmas Story” woven throughout the best of all of them. Or, do yourself a favor and just get reacquainted with this movie over the holiday season.

Don’t worry, you won’t shoot your eye out.