National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

1989
Movie
97 min
English

It's Christmastime, 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 worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going, knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes63%
Metacritic41/100
Google Users89%
Director: Jeremiah S. ChechikGenres: Comedy, Family

Plot Summary

Clark Griswold is determined to have the perfect family Christmas, but his best intentions go awry with a series of disastrous events. From a disastrously decorated house and a surprise visit from his in-laws to a squirrel infestation and a power outage, Clark's holiday spirit is put to the ultimate test. Despite the chaos, the Griswold family ultimately finds a way to come together and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Critical Reception

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation was a modest critical success upon its release, often praised for its relatable portrayal of holiday stress and Chevy Chase's comedic performance. While some critics found its humor to be hit-or-miss, it has since grown into a beloved holiday classic, widely appreciated for its ensemble cast and enduring comedic moments.

What Reviewers Say

  • Chevy Chase's comedic talent shines as the exasperated patriarch.
  • The film effectively captures the chaotic and often stressful nature of family holiday gatherings.
  • While some jokes fall flat, the overall humor and heartwarming message resonate with audiences.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the film's humor, especially Chevy Chase's performance, and its ability to capture the relatable chaos of holiday family gatherings. Many viewers find it a nostalgic and essential part of their Christmas traditions.

Fun Fact

The iconic scene where Clark Griswold electrocutes himself while trying to fix the Christmas lights was actually filmed with a stunt double. However, Chevy Chase did insist on performing the stunt where he falls off the roof himself.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

<em>'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'</em>, unlike predecessor <em>'National Lampoon’s European Vacation'</em>, is more akin to the original. A good watch it is, if still off from the first flick. The festive vibes are there, it's per...