National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation


Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, Doris Roberts
Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
1989

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: The Griswold family decide to have the perfect Christmas, complete with extended family. However, Clark (Chevy Chase) soon realizes pulling off the perfect Christmas is much more difficult than he imagined.

Review:

Tim: This franchise started off strongly with the very good Vacation, then took a very disappointing turn with European Vacation. Luckily, the franchise got back on the right track with this film. This movie isn't as good as the original, but it is a major improvement over the awful first sequel.

One of things I liked about this film is that it really changed the concept of this franchise. Instead of the long, trouble filled trip, the Griswolds this time pretty much stay at home. Yes, the troubles and problems still add up in similar fashion, but this change of pace was a welcome one.

This movie works because it has a very good script by John Hughes. The movie isn't as funny as the original, but it still has some classic, hilarious moments. That is what sets it apart from so many other comedies. This is a truly funny and entertaining movie. Yes, it is a bit spotty and suffers from some jokes that just fall flat, but those moments are mostly forgivable.

Once again, the cast is one of the strongest aspects of the film. Chevy Chase is just hilarious. He is so good in these slapstick roles and really hams it up here. His comedic timing is perfect and accounts for the majority of the film's laughs. Beverly D'Angelo is decent, but just doesn't have much to do at all. I actually liked Juliette Lewis as Audrey. She might be the best Audrey yet. Unfortunately, Johnny Galecki is not very good at all as Rusty. I really don't know why this franchise recasts Audrey and Rusty in every movie, but I suppose it works. In this case, Rusty is weak, while Audrey is fairly good. I also liked seeing Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie. He is perfect in this role.

This movie does have some classic lines. I think my favorite scene in the whole movie is Chevy Chase's "Where do you think you're going?" meltdown scene. Chase is so good at these angry meltdowns, and this one is a classic. There are a number of other very funny moments as well. This really is an enjoyable movie.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is an entertaining, solid movie. It isn't as good as the original, but it marks a huge improvement from the disappointing second film. That is not always easy to do in a franchise, but this is a movie that pulls it off, and ends the trilogy on a high note. That is impressive in its own right, and makes this a must-see.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
National Lampoon's Vacation, National Lampoon's European Vacation, National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation