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.