National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Directed by Jeremiah Chechik
Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid
Christmas Vacation is the third film in National Lampoon’s Vacation series following Vacation and European Vacation. Chevy Chase reprises his role as Clark Griswold, the family man who always seems to make a mess out of life. This time around, Clark has decided to hold Christmas at his home and invite the entire family to stay for the holidays. What follows it absolutely hysterical, unbelievable, and classic Griswold fun. Clark’s perfect Christmas includes killing the cat, burning the tree, kidnapping, and a surprise visit from Cousin Eddie (Quaid). This is a modern classic Christmas film.
The film plays on the idea that everyone hates the holidays because of family and the strange things that they do. Most people are embarrassed by them. But most families do not have a bizarre family such as the Griswold’s. In the end though, everything works out. Clark finally comes to have his perfect Christmas because he is with his loved ones, and that’s what matters at that time of the year.
Christmas Vacation has such a crazy plot that it works. The story is so basic, but the antics and obstacles that occur during the week are so outrageous, it makes up for the overdone story of family ruining the holidays. Chevy Chase naturally embodies Clark, the lovable goofball he is. Cousin Eddie though, steals the show with his strange attire and random dialogue. He has some of the most bizarre random lines ever.
This film is not a Christmas classic such as A Christmas Carol or It’s a Wonderful Life, but it is a modern classic that is similar to A Christmas Story, one of the best holiday comedies. National Lampoon has made a wonderfully executed comedy that will please the entire family. Christmas Vacation is a must watch during the holidays for a good old Griswold family Christmas.
Rating: B
June 24, 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment