National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Budget of $25 million – 1 hour and 37 minutes

Click on a vendor to purchase: Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, Target, Vudu, and Walmart (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)

Click on a vendor to purchase: Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, Target, Vudu, and Walmart (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)

Clark Griswold wants nothing more than to give his family a perfect Christmas with the perfect gift.  However, his Christmas’s plans fall under Murphy’s law.  First, they almost die getting the Christmas tree.  Second, his wife Ellen’s parents decide to visit and stay the night.  Clark and Ellen’s parents do not get along.  Then, Clark’s cousin Eddie brings his family, their dog, and their RV without any warning or invite.  As thing around Clark are crowded and falling apart.  He is worried about his bonus check.  He decided to get his family a pool for Christmas and put a $7,500 deposit on it.  But if he doesn’t get his bonus, the deposit check will bounce.  The Griswold family hopes Clark can keep it together and not go overboard but with all the mishaps, he may just crack under the pressure.

This is a true holiday classic that pays homage to It’s a Wonderful Life (banister and movie playing in the background) and A Christmas Story (“swearing” scene) (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  It follows all the fun of National Lampoons franchise past films.   There are relatable laughs because everyone has had, been a part of, or seen a Christmas plan that went wrong.  However, it’s in that wrongness that you find the true meaning of the holiday and bring your family closer together.  This all-star cast who understand that comedy isn’t just about the jokes, it’s about the timing.  During this holiday season, be sure to set your DVR to this classic Christmas film.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

You got a lot of nerve talking to me like that Griswald – Todd

This is what Christmas is all about – Clark

Think you might be overdoing it dad – Rusty

Would it be indecent to ask the grandparents to go to the hotel – Audrey

I don’t know what to say but it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery – Ellen

If they know your dad, they won’t think anything of it – Art

Talk about pissing your money away – Frances

I love it here. You don’t have to put on a coat to go to the bathroom and your house is always in the same place – Ruby Sue

Oh dear, did I break wind – Bethany

It’s lime – Eddie

Click on a vendor to purchase: Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, Target, Vudu, and Walmart (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)