Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

​There are but a handful of Christmas comedy movies that are the stuff of legend. Which is likely due to the fact that, we don't really cherish the idea of making Christmas a funny or silly event. Because this is a day that holds a lot of meaning for people, be it good or bad, and the sacred nature of this day leaves us wanting to celebrate it on film in a respectful manner.
​
Granted, that hasn't stopped filmmakers from making comedies about the 25th of December, but truly, I can count on one hand how many of them I am happy to pop in, since so many manage to miss the mark. But there are some that are hilarious and relatable and downright magical in their own right, such as my personal favorite Christmas comedy, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  

The Griswolds are once again preparing for a family vacation. Except this time there will be no extravagant road trips to Walley World or adventures through Europe. No, this time around Clark has decided to bring the vacation home for Christmas by inviting all of his family to celebrate Yuletide joy under his family's roof. But as is always the case for Clark, he has bitten off way more than he can chew and it will take all of his might to make this vacation the best one of all.  

---

​There are pretty much two films I can guarantee will be playing in my house during the holiday season on a regular basis and this one gets the most air time for sure simply because, holy cow is this flick a slice of life for all of us. In fact, there are so many memorable characters, that it became a running gag when I was growing up for my siblings and I to call out which zany character was the doppelgänger for one of our own relatives, the movie is that spot on.  
Plus, it also captures the dynamics of the Christmas season perfectly. Since we too, rush around to get presents, and deal with conflicts at work and most importantly, it reminds us of the frustrations that come with the hectic week that we spend with our family.  Granted, we do love them so, but this is just a wild and stressful time of year and John Hughes' spot on script brings to life everything we love about the holiday and the many things that drive us to want to eat an entire fruitcake. But what makes Christmas Vacation so absolutely magical is that Hughes returns to being the only writer for the film and the sense of family and how wonderful it is to have them, regardless of how zany or flat out nuts they may be simply oozes off the screen. Which makes this movie, a celebration of what matters most on this fine holiday, family and being together and well... emptying the septic tank on your RV when it is full.  

Which is a scene that reminds us that this is also one of the funniest films you will ever see. Because it really is pure comedic gold and also another one that should be in your collection, since it truly is a Christmas classic and one that has become a traditional viewing in my family, since my mother loves to watch it with us if the opportunity arises, and I cannot emphasize enough how gorgeous a film this is. For there's heart, there's hilarity and Christmas Vacation is a movie that stays with you for long after the credits have ended because of how uplifting it truly is.  ​

---