Review of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) by Genevieve R — 27 Dec 2013
This is a fun, nostalgic Christmas movie with some occasional laughs. Most of the jokes were slapstick, which isn't as funny to me as irony, satire or sarcasm. However, I can see why people consider it a classic. Unlike some Christmas movies, this isn't perfect or beautiful, it's messy and chaotic, like real life. As a result, it's a charming movie.
I didn't enjoy Chevy Chase's acting very much. I found the scene where he "goes crazy" unconvincing because he seemed crazy the entire movie. With the wild glint in his eyes, condescending smile and constant put-downs for anyone outside his immediate family who annoys him, I found him hard to relate to as a protagonist. I think anyone would have been a better leader than him; maybe Ellen or Nora Griswold? It just seems like he hates almost everyone and all he wants is a tightly contained, orderly, traditional Christmas where he is completely in charge and everyone is "normal." Honestly, if I had to deal with this guy on a regular basis, I would probably try to avoid him because he seems like a snobby prick.
Furthermore, in this economy, I don't think the dilemma about Clark's Christmas bonus is as relatable as it was then. Not having the bonus doesn't mean he can't afford food or presents for his kids; no, it means he can't splurge on a pool. Boo hoo! How unfair! I think retail workers would scoff at his "problems," especially the immature temper tantrum he throws because he can't put in a pool.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Nicholas Guest were very funny.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation isn't the greatest Christmas movie, but it's alright.
This review of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) was written by Genevieve R on 27 Dec 2013.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has generally received positive reviews.
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