Christmas Vacation

Plot

It is Christmas time, and Clark Griswald and his family are not quite eagerly awaiting the arrival of both Clark and Ellen’s parents. During a chaotic stay, they must deal with Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights, and an expected Christmas bonus that might never come.

Cast/Characters

Despite not being much of a Chevy Chase fan, I have always quite enjoyed his family man Clark Griswald who only has the best intentions. He plays this role well, and holds his own as a lead.

Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen is equally solid, but I felt that her screen presence was a little limited in this film in the series.

The extended family include such royalty names such as John Randalf, Doris Roberts, Diane Ladd and EG Marshal as the grandparents.

Future stars Juliette Lewis – who would go onto star in half a dozen 90s big name movies (Cape Fear, Natural Born Killers), and Johnny Galecki (from tv’s Big Bang Theory) play Audrey and Rusty.

Pre-trouble Randy Quaid is a hoot as Cousin Eddie, and a pre-Seinfeld Julia Louis Dreyfus plays Clark’s obnoxious neighbour.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The slapstick comedy begins with the brilliant animated opening credits, and doesn’t let up. There are some very comical moments throughout thanks to William Hickey’s Uncle Lewis and a very dry Christmas tree and Aunt Bethany’s (Mae Questal the voice of Betty Boop, Olive Oyl) cat.

I enjoyed the theme of family – which is Clark’s driving factor in his life.

Being a Christmas movie, there is a strong Christmas theme, with many popular songs, and a fun ‘countdown’ with the use of an advent calendar.

Overall

Despite my personal feelings on the lead actor, I still really enjoyed this – and it continues to be one of the better Christmas movies of its era. This gets a recommend from me, and I will review the rest of the franchise soon.

3.5/5