National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Name: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Genre: Comedy
Released: December 1, 1989
Duration: 97 min
Rating: 49
Cast: Beverly D'Angelo, Chevy Chase, Juliette Lewis

1989

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 18 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 71 Ratings

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7.7

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7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 71 Ratings

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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

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Movie Details & Credits

Warner Bros. | Release Date: December 1, 1989 | PG-13

Starring: Beverly D'Angelo, Chevy Chase, Juliette Lewis

Summary: The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

Director: Jeremiah S Chechik

Genre(s): Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 97 min

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Critic Reviews

Andy Patrizio

This movie has always been a favorite when it comes to the nuttiness of Christmas and family, and it's still a riot. Have a merry dysfunctional Christmas. Read full review

Staff [Not Credited]

Credit first-time director Jeremiah S. Chechik for his sure-handed rein on Christmas Vacation's polar opposites of sentimental and satirical sides. It makes for a smooth-sledding comedy. Read full review

James Berardinelli

One of the great unanswered questions in Hollywood is how Chevy Chase still gets work. Although his appeal is not as incomprehensible as that of, say, Pauly Shore, it's not obvious, either; "range" is one word no one will ever use in conjunction with Chase's acting ability. Read full review

Harper Barnes

Christmas Vacation reminds me of a golden retriever I used to know: dumb and sloppy but kind of likable as long as you don't expect any new tricks. [1 Dec 1989, p.3F]

Dave Kehr

In this third outing for the Griswolds - following the dismal "National Lampoon's European Vacation" in 1985 - the satirical edge has given way to sentimentality and a whiff of smugness, while the black humor has degenerated into broad slapstick. It's a tribute to first-time director Jeremiah Chechik's fine sense of timing that the obvious physical gags still generate some substantial laughs, though they arrive almost in spite of Hughes' tired script. [1 Dec 1989, p.Friday A]

Hal Lipper

You're safe this Christmas. There are no more obnoxious, senile or terminally stupid relatives to go around. Clark Griswold has invited them all to his house. Know what? They're no more fun to watch at his place than they are at yours...This sort of predictable, lowest-common-denominator humor is entertaining to a degree. It fulfills expectations. [1 Dec 1989, p.7]

Juan Carlos Coto

Only one-third of these gags are funny. [5 Dec 1989, p.C1]

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User Reviews

HannahGarrett

Nov 4, 2018

This is one of my all-time favorite movies! It is the perfect combination of funny and completely relatable content. We all know that there is a certain pressure that surrounds the holidays. Everybody wants to have a good time and everything is supposed to be perfect and look like a pictureThis is one of my all-time favorite movies! It is the perfect combination of funny and completely relatable content. We all know that there is a certain pressure that surrounds the holidays. Everybody wants to have a good time and everything is supposed to be perfect and look like a picture in a magazine. In all reality, life isn't perfect and it is likely that they holidays won't be either. That doesn't mean that it's any less funny to watch Clark Griswold try! From unwanted guests to underwhelming holiday meals, I think everybody can watch this movie and say "Yeah that's happened in our family before!" This relatable humor makes the movie something that you can watch all year round. I highly recommend watching it during the holidays, though, because it's tradition and that's part of the Griswold family attitude. If you haven't already, go watch this movie!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

RefinedInsights

Jul 30, 2023

Oh, "Christmas Vacation," where have you been all my life? As a 90s kid who grew up hearing rumors that Chevy Chase wasn't funny, I admit I was a bit skeptical when this movie was recommended to me. But boy, oh boy, was I wrong to believe all that nonsense! Chevy Chase is an absolute comedicOh, "Christmas Vacation," where have you been all my life? As a 90s kid who grew up hearing rumors that Chevy Chase wasn't funny, I admit I was a bit skeptical when this movie was recommended to me. But boy, oh boy, was I wrong to believe all that nonsense! Chevy Chase is an absolute comedic legend, and this film is the ultimate proof of his talent.

I finally decided to give "Christmas Vacation" a shot about two years ago, and let me tell you, it was like unwrapping the best present ever! From the first scene to the last, I was hooked, and it made me feel like a wide-eyed kid on Christmas morning all over again. But here's the kicker - "Christmas Vacation" manages to infuse very adult themes into the holiday season, and it does so with such hilarity and heart that it instantly became a favorite.

You know how "Home Alone" captured the Christmas spirit for me as a child? Well, "Christmas Vacation" does the same for adults! It takes relatable Christmas scenarios, sprinkles them with humor, and brings the Griswold family to life in a way that feels oh-so-real. I found myself laughing and nodding along, thinking, "Yep, that's totally something that would happen in my family too."

The laughs in "Christmas Vacation" are side-splitting, gut-busting, and downright iconic. Chase's portrayal of Clark Griswold is a masterclass in comedic timing and delivery. From his hilarious misadventures with the Christmas lights to his epic rant about his boss, every moment is pure gold. And let's not forget the supporting cast, who add their own brand of humor, making this movie a joyous ensemble of comedic brilliance.

But beyond the laughs, "Christmas Vacation" captures the essence of the holiday season - the chaos, the mishaps, and the love that binds families together. It's a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud humor, making it a Christmas classic for the ages.

Since watching "Christmas Vacation" for the first time, it has become an annual holiday ritual for me. It's like sipping hot cocoa by the fire or hanging up stockings on Christmas Eve; the season just wouldn't be complete without it. So, if you're in need of a dose of festive fun, gather your loved ones, pop some popcorn, and let "Christmas Vacation" sprinkle its holiday magic on you. It's a Yuletide treat that keeps on giving, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Merry Griswold-style Christmas to all!… Expand

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RealViewer

Dec 22, 2019

One of the best Xmas movies made in the last thirty years One heck of a well written slapstick movie

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

timone

Dec 30, 2018

Throughout Christmas there are movies that are on TV every December when it's Christmas. Most of the time it's Home Alone and Die Hard which some people say that it's not a Christmas film and loads of times they show Charles Dicken's classic tales of Ebenezer Scrooge. those movies are worthThroughout Christmas there are movies that are on TV every December when it's Christmas. Most of the time it's Home Alone and Die Hard which some people say that it's not a Christmas film and loads of times they show Charles Dicken's classic tales of Ebenezer Scrooge. those movies are worth a watch and they are fantastic Christmas films but one that is fantastic when I watch it now at Christmas (that is every Christmas), is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This is the third film of the National Lampoon's Vacation franchise and I haven't seen the others apart from now is this one and I absolutely love it. It's funny, it's witty and it has the charm of seasonal Christmas to the whole family who would laugh their arses off at this charming Christmas comedy. The Griswold family, Clark and Ellen played by Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo are going to get a Christmas tree and when they got back, set the tree up and their grandparents have come to spend Christmas Eve together. The comedy is witty that the funny moments is something you want to laugh at and make you have a wonderful time as the film goes on and that's saying much whilst you waiting for Christmas Day. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is the best Christmas film to date and probably the best sequel to watch on Christmas and make you wanna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny f**king Kaye. Thank you for all the joy we had in this world and we will forever be grateful. Merry Christmas, everyone.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

kyle20ellis

Mar 28, 2022

It mayn't be one of my favourite Christmas movies, but it is one of the funnier ones for me. I agree some of it is silly, and when I say silly I mean silly, and the story is really quite predictable. But it at least looks good with some nice cinematography and scenery, and the music is fineIt mayn't be one of my favourite Christmas movies, but it is one of the funnier ones for me. I agree some of it is silly, and when I say silly I mean silly, and the story is really quite predictable. But it at least looks good with some nice cinematography and scenery, and the music is fine too. The script has many funny moments and the sight gags while silly are respectable. The direction is competent and the performances from Chevy Chase and Beverley D'Angelo are likable while Randy Quaid gives some great relief as a decidedly obnoxious relative. So in conclusion, no masterpiece but it is entertaining, that's what matters to me. 8/10 Bethany Cox… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

geewah

Jan 12, 2021

One of the greatest Christmas movies ever made.
Nothing but slapstick, and predictable gags but somehow it works in this hilarious movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

LegoLover58

Feb 4, 2023

Masterpiece of a Christmas movie. To date one of the best executions of the the "family comes over for holiday" plot.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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