National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Review

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Review

By Chris Traficante

Jeremiah S. Chechik’s goofy Christmas comedy National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation may be over 20 years old, but I always slap it on around this time of the year. It’s a film that bursts with quirky, festive spirit. This is, without doubt, on par with the original Vacation and, alongside Benny & Joon, Chechik’s best film. Filled with warmth and fun, this is a film about the craziness and conflict that occurs when you try to gather all the relatives around for the holidays.

Chevy Chase is his usual, hysterical self as Clark Griswold: an awkward, mildly sleazy, quietly sarcastic, somewhat moronic father that tries to guide his family through the Christmas holidays. Without Chase, this film is useless. Beverly D'Angelo is annoying as Ellen. Don’t get me wrong: she plays the part of Clark's next-of-kin relatively well. It’s just there’s something about her performance that grates. Maybe I have more of an issue with D’Angelo’s character than I have with D’Angelo’s performance. Maybe it’s Ellen’s voice, her neediness, her erratic temperament or a combination of all three that annoys the hell out of me. Randy Quaid, in contrast, is ridiculous but funny as Ed, the annoying cousin. He’s the typically embarrassing relative we love to hate; Quaid’s performance cannot be faulted. Supporting performances from a young Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki (who is now experiencing great success on the smaller screen with his role in The Big Bang Theory), Doris Roberts, John Randolph, Diane Ladd and Julia-Louise Dreyfus all do much to heighten the insanity that unfolds at the Griswold's house during the silly season. Chechik’s quirky Christmas comedy is one of, if not, the best of the National Lampoon's series. Its festive soundtrack and vibrant, white scenery makes for great viewing around this time of the year.

Warm, engaging and inviting, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a great screwball Christmas comedy. If you’re struggling to get into the swing of the Christmas spirit this year, check it out.

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