Review of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) by Michael K — 20 Nov 2011

Merry Christmas from the....family...

PLOT:In this third installment of the National Lampoon's vacation, the Griswolds decide to stay at home for this Christmas vacation, but the hassles of the family fighting and getting Christmas perfect are getting in the way. Clark (Chevy Chase) just wants a happy family Christmas, but the family's fighting, the lights aren't working, the trees to big, the neighbors are prudes, and the bonus check Clark's been hoping for is getting further and further delayed. Will this crazy, mixed-up Christmas work out right? It's a simple plot executed to the max on creative events made to make Christmas crazy.

ACTING:The acting's not outstanding, but realistic. Chase is brilliant with his comedic flair. The other shiners were Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold, Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, and Mae Questel as Aunt Bethany.

SCORE:The score was pretty good and well used. The soundtrack had some great songs on it as well.

EFFECTS:There weren't very many, but of what there was, they were pretty good and realistic.

OTHER CONTENT:What really makes this movie so good besides the timeless jokes and creative failures is the realism to how crazy Christmas can get with who-doesn't-like-who in the family, the shopping, getting the lights all working, trying to get everything perfect overall for the Christmases you had when you were a kid.

OVERALL,an awesome Christmas movie with a creatively executed plot, realistic acting, well used score, realistic effects, timeless jokes and gags, and the realism of getting CHristmas perfect.