Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis

It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsene...( read more  read more... )d by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.

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83% liked it

198,430 ratings

Critics

61% liked it

33 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 37 min.

Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik

Release Date: December 1, 1989

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DVD Release Date: November 18, 1997

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Flixster Reviews (9,826)


  • September 25, 2009
    This is when they started going on too many Vacations. In fact, I don't think they actually went anywhere!? A sure sign that it had had its day.
  • August 8, 2009
    My Christmas is filled with ritual, as I guess most people's are. Part of that ritual is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, about which I have nothing but good things to say. This should be part of your Holiday season too, because despite it not seeming like it all the way th...( read more)rough, the film as a whole is just so thoroughly festive, cheery and good-hearted.

    It opens with a great set-piece, Clark taking his family out in the "front-wheel drive sleigh" to dig their Christmas tree out of the snow-covered ground. He's a desperate loser, but you have to love the guy, working his butt off to give his extended family the perfect Christmas. (That's the difference in this Vacation movie, by the way - the Griswolds don't go anywhere, their folks come to them).

    So the shenanigans finding a tree set the pattern for a season of chaos, fighting in-laws, squirrels, stupid relatives, huge dogs, snooty neighbours and collapsing turkeys. And as if that wasn't stress enough for poor Clark, he's waiting for his Christmas bonus to come through to cover a cheque he's already written.

    The script brims with festive jollity, enthusing the audience with Clark's excitement for the holidays. Stand out moments include the welcome (and hilarious) return of Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, the uber-hick sponger with a trailer-full of weirdo kids and rubber sheets, and Mae Questel's appearance as Aunt Bethany. She used to voice Betty Boo, and plays the crazy old woman to perfection.

    See this movie. Get it on video. I normally watch it the first time on a miserable October Sunday, when I start to think properly about Christmas. Nothing can replace this movie as the one thing guaranteed to get me looking forward to late December. Fabulous stuff, and as festive for me as tinsel and carols. Cuddle up with this one.
  • July 18, 2009
    This is the weakest of the three but its still a very good Xmas comedy, probably the best ever really. It hits all the right notes and cliches but cos its part of the Griswald series and has chase hamming it up it wins. It has a nice animated section at the start credits and cont...( read more)inues with some great slapstick and dialog throughout. The Xmas dinner, the house lights (copied by many now) the squirrel in the tree, cutting down the tree, the snobbish neighbours, cousin Eddie etc, the best Xmas flick around really.
  • June 10, 2009
    If the cat had 9 lifes he sure spreaded them all.....class
  • April 30, 2009
    "Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest ...( read more)Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse."


    Quality Christmas movie are hard to come by. Awful Christmas films are all over the place. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, Jingle All the Way, Deck the Halls, Christmas with the Kranks...the list is endless. Over the years it's become an unfortunate time-honoured tradition for studios to distribute holiday films as the Christmas season approaches, quality be damned. Only a handful are destined to become true holiday classics. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is one such classic. In the grand pantheon of classic Christmas films, Christmas Vacation - the third (mis)adventure of the Griswold family - is undoubtedly one of the best (if not the best). Everyone has a favourite Christmas film to view as part of their annual customs on Christmas Eve. For many (myself included), it truly isn't Christmas unless a screening of Christmas Vacation is beheld. Why is this film held in such high regard? The answer is simple, really - it's a terrific onslaught of memorable, hilarious laughs combined with a poignant sense of the Christmas spirit.


    "I dedicate this house to the Griswold Family Christmas."


    In this entry to the Vacation series, the Griswold family are staying at home for the Christmas holidays. Clark Griswold (Chase) is really getting into the spirit this year, and aims to create the perfect old-fashioned family Christmas. There isn't too much plot to be observed here - just a straightforward string of great laughs and enjoyable scenarios. The basics of the story concern Clark's struggle to create the ultimate picture-book Christmas for his family. The in-laws turn up, as do Clark's parents and a barrage of other family members. But, predictably, things go from bad to worse as the Griswold family Christmas descends into total catastrophe. Clark's dreams are slowly squandered as the holy day approaches. With irritable neighbours, odious relatives and plain bad luck, this season will test Clark's endurance as he tries to weather this storm and provide a decent, memorable festive season.


    "We're kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols."


    At its heart, Christmas Vacation is about the struggle to go above and beyond for the sake of family. Clark (God bless him!) is willing to move heaven and earth in order to guarantee his family will experience the best "Griswold Family Christmas" possible. Perhaps he's slightly over-the-top most of the time, but on the inside Clark is just a hardworking bloke trying to ensure the contentment of his family. Christmas Vacation was written by John Hughes (also responsible for The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off - i.e. the classic 80s teen flicks), and therein justifies its boundless appeal. Hughes' screenplay isn't merely a brainless sequence of slapstick - there's an abundance of quality humour for sure, but it has a strong heart at its centre, and Hughes manages to encapsulate the true spirit of the festive period. Time and time again, Hughes has demonstrated that familial values and the little things in life are worth pointing a magnifying glass at. Christmas Vacation is extremely easy to enjoy, and even easier to relate to - whether it's troubles with the Christmas tree, irritating oldies, the decorations, the gifts, the turkey...Hughes effortlessly captures the magic and the familiar dilemmas of the period with sugar-coated merriment.


    Christmas Vacation also conveys a strong message, as all Christmas movies do. It has nothing to do with the birth of Christ or the Three Wise Men...instead it speaks volumes about being with loved ones and family during the holidays, and that regardless of any mishaps that materialise one can always find fun and laughter in the little moments that make life special.


    "I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery."


    This reviewer watches National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation every Christmas Eve. No matter how many times one views this wonderful movie, it never gets old. First-rate laughs are continuous, and even after multiple screenings they're still funny. There are countless moments capable of triggering uncontrollable laughter due to their relatability and realism (if that's the correct term to use). Clark's road rage with two hillbillies interfering with the perfect Christmas tree search...Clark's constant struggle to get the Christmas lights working...a ruined Christmas dinner...we've all been there before, and can all relate to at least a few of the scenarios. Hughes rarely goes over-the-top, instead primarily grounding the gags in reality. The over-the-top laughs are still hilarious nevertheless (a saucer travelling as fast as lightning may be impossible...but I'll be damned if I ever stopped laughing as it looks hilarious, and small lines of dialogue (most of which will be inaudible amidst your uncontainable laughter) will tickle your funny bone). The film moves at a pleasing pace from one memorable scene to the one succeeding it. Every single scene will become eternally embedded in your memory, yet you'll want to view another screening before the credits even begin to roll.


    John Hughes scripted the first two Vacation entries (National Lampoon's Vacation and the decidedly disappointing European Vacation), but left the director's chair vacant. Those who directed the first two films (Harold Ramis directed Vacation, Amy Heckerling helmed European Vacation) went on to become household names. It's somewhat surprising that Christmas Vacation director Jeremiah Chechik went on to create such dirge as The Avengers. Regardless of Chechik's rather tragic career as a whole, he nevertheless still directed this Christmas classic. Christmas Vacation is competently-made; special effects have barely dated (the saucer scene does look a tad dodgy, though), production values are wonderful to behold (Clark's decorated house looks magnificent), key scenes are superbly orchestrated (the squirrel attack sequence never treads a foot wrong) and director of photography Thomas Ackerman captures the sets + locations skilfully (the opening tree hunt takes great advantage of the capabilities of widescreen). On top of this, the soundtrack is an enchanting cocktail of timeless Christmas tunes and original music. From the Griswold rendition of Deck the Halls to Ray Charles' The Spirit of Christmas, the songs included will further evoke the holiday spirit in a viewer.


    "Well I'm gonna park the cars and get check the luggage, and well, I'll be outside for...the season."


    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation also proves that Chevy Chase was once funny. Even if you're not Chevy Chase fan (I simply tremble at the thought), it's difficult not to laugh at his blundering antics as he fumbles his way through the jolliest holiday of all. Chase may not be the most honoured thespian in history, but when it comes to Clark Griswold he has it down to a tee. Initially a merry soul before delving into frustration and anger, Clark is the definitive embodiment of all who have endured the trials and tribulations of the Christmas season. Hughes' screenplay sheds light on all the nuances and dilemmas that constitute one of the most jolly (and stressful) times of the year. While Clark searches for the perfect gift for his wife at the mall, he continually sputters words as he pretends not to notice the store clerk's bountiful bosom. When the word "nippley" is substituted for "nippy", you truly know you have something special on your hands.

    The always watchable Beverly D'Angelo shares great chemistry with Chase, making their marriage a great comedic partnership. As for the kids (Rusty and Audrey) there's young Johnny Galecki and Juliette Lewis, respectively. They're arguably the best pair to tackle the characters.


    "Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"


    Chase doesn't deliver all the best laughs - he receives great assistance from Randy Quaid playing the repulsive Cousin Eddie who shows up unannounced with maniacal energy (it's hard to believe Randy and Dennis Quaid are from the same gene pool). Quaid's best moment is, of course, when he stands outside in his bathrobe emptying the contents of his "shitter" into a storm drain. As Catherine - Eddie's wife - Miriam Flynn is very appealing. Both Quaid and Flynn also starred in the original National Lampoon's Vacation.
    The two kids of Eddie and Catherine provide great moments of comedy. Oh, and I can't forget to mention their dog (named Snots, for obvious reasons).
    Also in the supporting cast are two sets of grandparents, a cantankerous uncle (Hickey), a clueless aunt (Questal, who was the voice of Betty Boop) and two arrogant neighbours condemned to suffer through Clark's shenanigans (Louis-Dreyfus, Guest). So many greatly realised characters vying for screen-time, with some quite underused to be honest.

    Frequently cited as the best of the Vacation series and one of the best Christmas films ever made, nothing can seriously derail National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. First-time director Chechik has transformed John Hughes' masterful screenplay into a tour de force of comedy; a rare film balancing hilarious laughs with moments of satisfying poignancy. Even the opening credits sequence is terrific - a wonderful nod to the classic animated holiday movies of old. Christmas Vacation never gets mired in cringe-worthy sentimentality, nor does it deliver hackneyed messages. It reminds us that no matter what mishaps or disasters befall us...familial relationships are what truly matter.

    That, and never light a match near a sewerage drain.

    Christmas Vacation is funny, touching, entertaining and extremely watchable. It's a Christmas classic that continues to delight audiences when the annual festive season is upon us. We all have a favourite Christmas movie...this is mine. It's more memorable and enjoyable than A Christmas Story, far jollier than It's a Wonderful Life, and far better than all those trite Hollywood holiday flicks (i.e. those mentioned at the commencement of this review). If you've never viewed this classic, wonderful gem, then watch it at the earliest opportunity. It's full of funny moments and great performances, and it will warm the coldest heart.

    If Christmas Vacation doesn't make you giggle numerous times, then you obviously don't understand the true meaning of Christmas - which is, of course, flammable toilets and electrified cats.


    "The most enjoying traditions of the season are best enjoyed in the warm embrace of kith and kin. Thith tree is a thymbol of the thpirit of the Griswold family Chrithmath."
  • November 15, 2009
    it was okay but vacation was alot better than this one and european vacation sucked too compared to the first vacation movie.
  • November 13, 2009
    For anyone with a big family, this movie is a must. It sums up the hectic holidays in a way that makes you appreciate them even more.
  • November 13, 2009
    Holiday favourite! I love Juliette Lewis.
  • October 29, 2009
    This is a Christmas movie that NEVER gets old
  • October 26, 2009
    The best Christmas movie ever made! Chevy Chase is too funny! :)

Critic Reviews


January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Sequence after sequence seems to contain all the necessary material, to be well on the way toward a payoff, and then it somehow doesn't work. full review

View more National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • nereidrain
    October 27, 2006
    i wanna look him straight in the eye and i wanna tell him what a cheap lying no good rotten for flushing low life snake licking dirt eating imbread.. overstuffed ignorant blood sucking dog kissing brainless dickless hopeless heartless fatass bugeyed stiff legged spotted lipped worm headed sack of monkey shit he is.. halleuah!!! holy shit!!... where's the tylenol
  • harobikes333
    May 16, 2006
    Great movie. Everyone should take some time to watch this funny funny comedy!!:) Truly one of my favorites

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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Trivia

National Lampoon's Christmas Vaca... Trivia


  • In what movie did Randy Quaid kidnap his brother-in-law's boss?  Answer »
  • What Chevy Chase flick featured the annoying neighbors named Todd and Margo?  Answer »
  • In National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, what was Clark going to buy with his Christmas bonus?  Answer »
  • In National Lampoons Vacation the man that sells the Griswolds the cabins is also Clark's boss in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation  Answer »

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