Brightlyme i know i wasted 90 mins of my life.

Glucedee It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Tyreece Hulme One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.

Gary The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

fripperiffic-48032 This was one of the most bloated, lackluster, and defaming pieces of garbage I have ever witnessed on television. It took the original movie's spirit and soul, and crushed it to a bloody pulp. The musical numbers were far too frequent, and just so freaking generic and bland, I truly don't understand how they could come across as anything less than the same re-hashed Broadway style cut and paste songs. How many times have we seen the frickin can can and heard the same basic show tune compositions? Just nauseating. I tried to endure the first hour with my family, but actually got angry and left the room. I have respect for the work put into a live production, but this should have never seen the light of day.

NavyOrion Three freaking hours! Anyone who managed to see all of this Christmas train wreck must surely,by the end have wished for a Red Ryder BB gun, just so they could shoot their eyes out!Every promo for the special stressed the fact that it starred Maya Rudolph, who got top billing as Ralphie's mother (the rest of the supposedly "star-studded" cast was filled with other SNL has-beens and C-list never-weres.) This reflected the producer's blind conviction, against all evidence, that audiences find Maya Rudolph pleasant, talented, funny, or attractive. SHE IS NONE OF THESE.I wish they would give Rudolph her own expensive TV special, costarring Lena Dunham, Rebel Wilson, and Rosie O'Donnell. Then the Hollywood execs who insist on putting these mediocrities in front of cameras would lose a bunch of cash, and the 99.9% of us who have better taste could miss seeing all of them at the same time.

kz917-1 Should not have been made a live musical!Right from the jump with the jazzy pop opening I had an inkling this was going to be a disaster. Sadly I was right, I really, really did not want to be right as this is one of my most beloved Christmas movies.Then we have Matthew Broderick (who is now a silver fox) as old Ralphie narrating the trainwreck that is unfolding before our very eyes. It's creepy he's looking in the windows, at times interacting with the family.While we are on the subject of the family - THEY NAMED THE FAMILY!While I did enjoy some of the musical numbers, the majority of them were not necessary in any way, shape, or form. They actually detracted from the story instead of adding to it.My top three numbers include A Major Award with the lamp kickline, Ralphie's Nightmare with adults as crazed zombies, and Jane Krakowski in full "Chicago" mode in You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!At three hours in length and way too many Old Navy ads it was mostly unbearable and not recommended viewing for anyone that loves the original movie.One last thing they made the exterior of the house red, it should be yellow.This content deserved better than it got and I for one can't wait for the ORIGINAL VERSION 24 hour marathon!

dodgercodger As a true aficionado of the original, I was at first disappointed and confused. I was on the verge of giving up during the first 45 min. Then, something started to grow on me. Sure, there were many elements that were not part of the original, but the essentials were there. True, the presence of Broderick on set was a stretch, but then, so is the notion of characters bursting out in song and dance every five minutes. (Am I the only one that thought he was an Alton Brown dopplganger?) I though, for the most part, the additional elements did add to the overall telling of the tale. (I was sorry that the Ovaline/Orphan Annie segment was lost). More positives must be noted in the overall staging of the production -- moving seamlessly between sets, quick costume changes, etc. cannot be ignored. And as with any live performance, the occasional goofs (well, ones that the audience might pick-up on) lend an even stronger bit of entertainment. (I noticed the small clock falling off the cellar door and the "purkey/turkey" exchange). I'd also like to know the secret of the tongue-on-flagpole scene. His tongue really did seem firmly attached! So, to my purist brethren -- enjoy the original. Everyone else -- sit back and relish in the journey.