TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, DAY 10: “NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION”

EACH DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS, WE’LL PROFILE A TITLE WORTHY OF YOUR HOLIDAY VIEWING PLEASURE.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (PG-13)

Article by Adam Mast

CHRISTMAS VACATION might just be the greatest comedy sequel ever made. While that’s certainly debatable, there’s no question that it’s one of the best Christmas movies of all time.

Interestingly enough, the title of this flick is a little misleading because Clark Griswold and family don’t actually go anywhere during this entry in the wildly popular series. I suppose Wally World and a chaotic adventure in Europe took their toll on the Griswolds, so Clark decides that perhaps the best course of action is to simply stay put and invite a colorful assortment of family members to their home for the holidays. I mean, what could possibly go wrong, right? As it turns out…A lot could go wrong!

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION — Courtesy of Warner Bros

CHRISTMAS VACATION was written by the great John Hughes who, just two years earlier, penned and directed a near masterpiece in the form of the Thanksgiving road trip romp, PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES. As was the case with that unforgettable Steve Martin/John Candy vehicle, CHRISTMAS VACATION strikes up a perfect balance of broad comedy, warmth, and Christmas cheer.

Chevy Chase is an absolute riot in this picture but he gets quite an assist from an outstanding supporting cast that includes the likes of Randy Quaid (back as clueless cousin Eddie), William Hickey (as cantankerous, toupee-wearing Lewis), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (as a disgruntled neighbor.)

CHRISTMAS VACATION is comprised of a plethora of unforgettable scenes including Clark’s exchange with an attractive department store associate, a Christmas lights fiasco, a turkey dinner from hell, a bit involving “the Jelly of the Month Club,” a chaotic encounter with a squirrel, and just about every scene featuring crass but lovable cousin Eddie.

Simply put, CHRISTMAS VACATION has real charm and it absolutely overflows with Christmas spirit. Even though Clark is an excitable goofball who tends to make a mess of things, he always has his family’s best interest at heart, and that’s to be admired. I know I’ve been throwing the term around quite a bit in this “Twelve Days of Christmas” column but I have to say it again; CHRISTMAS VACATION is a holiday classic.

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

DAY 9- THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS – CLICK HERE
DAY 8- HOME ALONE – CLICK HERE
DAY 7- RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER– CLICK HERE
DAY 6- GREMLINS – CLICK HERE
DAY 5- MEET JOHN DOE– CLICK HERE
DAY 4- IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE – CLICK HERE
DAY 3- DIE HARD – CLICK HERE
DAY 2- ELF – CLICK HERE
DAT 1- KRAMPUS – CLICK HERE

Adam Mast

Adam Mast has been a lifelong film enthusiast dating back to age 6 when his parents took him to see a little movie called JAWS at a drive-in theater in Northern California. This would lead him to several writing stints for various publications and outlets. Mast would also have a hand in several film projects of various shapes and sizes. In 2014, Mast would join forces with colleague John Pugh to create Cinemast.net as a means discuss film from a fan and analytical perspective. Together, Mast and Pugh would also create the 501 (C)(3) nonprofit, Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU) in 2017. FMASU’s mission is to encourage, inspire and educate filmmaking talent and to preserve film history. Adam currently resides in southern Utah with his amazing wife, Tonja, and their four wonderful children.