<em>'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'</em>, unlike predecessor <em>'National Lampoon’s European Vacation'</em>, is more akin to the original. A good watch it is, if still off from the first flick. The festive vibes are there, it's perhaps a bit too mean-spirited at times but overall works. The cast are the cast, I don't think anyone stands out as being a great performer but they are all satisfactory. Chevy Chase is the obvious lead, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't rank his performance as anything overly higher than his co-stars. Interesting to see Julia Louis-Dreyfus appear, by the way. All in all, there's enough there to entertain. The ending is suitably watchable, which is something I did feel was missing from the previous film.
It's Christmastime, and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration. But things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen, and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going, knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.
Quick Stats
7.2
TMDB Rating
2,791
Votes
1h 37m
Runtime
$27.0M
Budget
$74.5M
Box Office
276%
Return
Key Crew
DirectorJeremiah S. Chechik
WriterJohn Hughes
CinematographyThomas E. Ackerman
ComposerAngelo Badalamenti
EditorGerald B. Greenberg
Production DesignNeil David Pontecorvo
Produced by
Hughes EntertainmentWarner Bros. Pictures
Where to Watch
Rent
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YouTube
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PlexBuy
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
2 featuredMy cousin can do an impeccable impression of Uncle Lewis saying "the ***blessing***" > (5/5, originally reviewed 12/21/24)
Cast
Chevy Chase
Clark Griswold
Beverly D'Angelo
Ellen Griswold
Juliette Lewis
Audrey Griswold
Johnny Galecki
Rusty Griswold
John Randolph
Clark Griswold Sr.
Diane Ladd
Nora
E.G. Marshall
Art
Doris Roberts
Francis
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Margo Chester
Randy Quaid
Cousin Eddie
Miriam Flynn
Cousin Catherine
Mae Questel
Aunt Bethany
Nicholas Guest
Todd Chester
C
Cody Burger
Rocky
Ellen Hamilton Latzen
Ruby Sue
