really bad . why anyone think this be a good film let alone funny be a true mystery . i like comedy as much a the next man and i love a christmas story . the fact that it have the same director and be base on the same writer memoir have me completely puzzle a to why this film be such a complete failure on every level . charles grodin be woefully miscast a the father for starter . for another it do not seem to have the same pacing it just doesn not flow well . everything seem tire and force . the joy of life that permeate the first film be completely absent here you just want the movie to end . i wouldn not even recommend this movie for curiosity seeker who enjoy a christmas story . it that bad . negative .