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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Updated: Jun 3

PG-13 | 1hr 37min | 8/10 #HolidaMovies #Comedy

Parental Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned, Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13


 
 

➱ STORYLINE:

As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark's employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.


➱ STAFF REVIEW:

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a delightful and uproarious addition to the holiday film canon. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes, this film perfectly captures the chaotic yet heartwarming essence of family gatherings during the festive season. Chevy Chase shines as Clark Griswold, whose determination to have the perfect family Christmas leads to a series of hilarious and relatable misadventures. The supporting cast, including Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid, deliver outstanding performances that contribute to the movie's charm and comedic strength.


The film’s humor ranges from slapstick to witty one-liners, making it a hit across all age groups. It skillfully mixes moments of genuine emotion with its comedy, reminding viewers of the importance of family and tradition during the holidays. The Griswold family's experiences, though exaggerated, are a mirror to the typical family holiday chaos, making the film not just funny but also endearing.


"Christmas Vacation" stands out for its memorable scenes and quotable dialogue, becoming a staple movie for many during the holiday season. Its balance of humor and heart, along with a classic holiday setting, makes it an enduring and beloved film.


➱ CREDITS:

Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik

Written by: John Hughes

Based on Characters by: John Hughes

Produced by:

- John Hughes

- Tom Jacobson

Cast:

- Chevy Chase

- Beverly D'Angelo

- Randy Quaid

Cinematography: Thomas E. Ackerman

Edited by:

- Jerry Greenberg

- Michael A. Stevenson

Music by: Angelo Badalamenti

Production Company: Hughes Entertainment

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Release date: December 1, 1989

Running time: 1hr 37min

Parental Rating: PG-13

Country: United States

Language: English

Budget: $25 million

Box office: $73.3 million


➱ SEARCH BY CAST/CREW HASHTAGS:

#JohnHughes - Writer, Producer

#ChevyChase - Clark Griswold

#BeverlyDAngelo - Ellen Griswold

#JulietteLewis - Audrey Griswold

#JohnnyGalecki - Rusty Griswold

#JohnRandolph - Clark Griswold Sr.

#DianeLadd - Nora Griswold

#EGMarshall - Art Smith

#DorisRoberts - Frances Smith

#RandyQuaid - Cousin Eddie Johnson

#MiriamFlynn - Cousin Catherine Johnson

#WilliamSBeasley - Associate Producer

#MauriSydGayton - Associate Producer

#TomJacobson - Producer

#MattySimmons - Executive Producer

#ThomasEAckerman - Cinematography

#BillyHopkins - Casting

#HeidiLevitt - Casting

#StephenMarsh - Production Design

#BealaNeel - Art Direction

#LisaFischer - Set Decoration

#MichaelKaplan - Costume Design


➱ SEARCH BY GENERAL HASHTAGS:


TRIVIA

- The old Dodge pickup that tailgated Clark and the family in the opening scenes of the movie was previously used as #KurtRussell work truck in #Overboard (1987) and in "They Live" (1988).


- The shoes that Cousin Eddie wears are the same ones that he gave Clark as a gift in the original Vacation.


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1 Comment

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Unknown member
Oct 13
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Save the neck for me Clark 😜

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