Part of Holiday Classics
Chevy Chase, star of NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION and its sequel, is back as the paterfamilias of the Griswold family (including Beverly D’Angelo as his missus) to skewer the Yuletide season. Chevy mugs, trips, falls, mashes his fingers, and stubs his toes as he prepares to invite numerous dysfunctional relatives to his household to celebrate Christmas. Amidst the more outrageous sight gags (including the electrocution of a cat as the Christmas tree is lit), the film betrays a sentimental streak, with old wounds healing and long-estranged relatives reuniting in the Griswold living room. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION was still capable of attracting an audience five years after its release — it was one of the top seasonal TV specials of 1994.
“Unfairly, this has been judged a lesser entry in the National Lampoon stable… If it doesn't make you at least giggle, then you clearly don't understand the true meaning of the festive season.” —William Thomas, Empire
“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.” —Andy Patrizio, IGN
