National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man wants a pool but gets jelly, so his cousin kidnaps his boss; Christmas ensues.

🍿 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Griswold Family Christmas Planning

Clark Griswold is determined to have a ‘fun, old-fashioned family Christmas’ at home, inviting his parents and in-laws to celebrate with his wife Ellen and their kids, Audrey and Rusty. Clark envisions a perfect holiday, complete with a massive Christmas tree and thousands of twinkling lights.

Comedic Mishaps and Family Arrivals

Chaos ensues as Clark’s plans repeatedly backfire. The family’s tree-hunting expedition results in a massive tree that barely fits in their living room. Stringing up 25,000 Christmas lights causes a neighborhood power outage. The unannounced arrival of Cousin Eddie and his family adds to the mayhem.

Christmas Eve Disaster and Bonus Anticipation

The family’s Christmas Eve dinner is a disaster, highlighted by an overcooked turkey and Aunt Bethany’s senility. Clark eagerly awaits his Christmas bonus, planning to use it to install a swimming pool. His anticipation builds as he imagines the perfect family Christmas.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase): An optimistic but disaster-prone father determined to create the perfect family Christmas.
• Ellen Griswold (Beverly D’Angelo): Clark’s loving and patient wife who tries to keep the family grounded amidst the chaos.
• Audrey Griswold (Juliette Lewis): The sarcastic teenage daughter who is often embarrassed by her father’s antics.
• Rusty Griswold (Johnny Galecki): The cynical teenage son who observes the family’s misadventures with a detached amusement.
• Cousin Eddie Johnson (Randy Quaid): The freeloading and eccentric cousin who unexpectedly arrives with his family, adding to the Griswolds’ holiday stress.
• Margo Chester (Julia Louis-Dreyfus): One of the Griswolds’ yuppie neighbors, who becomes increasingly frustrated by Clark’s holiday mishaps.
• Frank Shirley (Brian Doyle-Murray): Clark’s stingy boss whose decision regarding Christmas bonuses triggers Clark’s ultimate frustration.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Clark: “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny f***ing Kaye.” – Clark enthusiastically declares his Christmas plans, though the line was often censored.
• Clark: “Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?” – Clark offers overly polite hospitality to Cousin Eddie while secretly harboring dark thoughts.
• Eddie: “Merry Christmas. Shitter was full!” – Eddie casually informs Clark about the state of the RV’s septic tank, creating an iconic and disgusting moment.
• Clark: “I want him brought from his happy holiday slumber over there on Melody Lane with all the other rich people, and I want him brought right here! With a big ribbon on his head!” – Clark unleashes a tirade about his boss, Frank Shirley, after receiving a ‘Jelly of the Month’ membership instead of a bonus.
• Bethany: “I pledge allegiance to the flag…” – Aunt Bethany begins to recite the Pledge of Allegiance instead of saying Grace.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $28,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $74,515,899
• Worldwide Gross: $74,542,088

💥 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so, I watch this movie every Christmas Eve, and it’s like visiting with old friends. Clark’s lighting obsession is totally my dad, and the crazy relatives? We’ve all been there, right? I think the squirrel scene is the funniest thing EVER. It feels comforting, like a warm blanket, even if my own family isn’t quite as wild (thankfully!). But the jelly-of-the-month club scene always makes me feel bad for Clark. The whole movie just screams ‘Christmas chaos’ in the best way. Even if you don’t like the movie, you have to give it some credit for its iconic status.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Chevy Chase and National Lampoon comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick humor and family-centric stories”
  • “Those looking for a classic Christmas movie with relatable holiday mishaps”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Crude language”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Brief animal death (cat)”
  • “Mild slapstick violence”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Chevy Chase shines as the relentlessly optimistic Clark Griswold in this holiday laugh-fest. While some gags are predictable, the film’s heart and relatable family chaos make it a perennial favorite. The supporting cast, especially Randy Quaid, adds to the comedic brilliance, creating a truly memorable Christmas movie experience.
• The New York Times: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation delivers slapstick humor and broad stereotypes, offering a mixed bag for viewers. While some scenes elicit genuine laughter, others fall flat due to their predictability and reliance on tired tropes. Despite its flaws, the film’s enduring popularity speaks to its relatable themes of family dysfunction during the holidays.
• Los Angeles Times: “Christmas Vacation captures the spirit of holiday madness with Chevy Chase’s signature comedic timing. The film’s over-the-top gags and chaotic family dynamics resonate with audiences who have experienced similar holiday woes. Randy Quaid’s Cousin Eddie steals every scene he’s in, making this a must-watch for fans of holiday comedies.

Audience Reactions

Randy Quaid’s Cousin Eddie steals the show with his hilarious antics and unforgettable one-liners.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s laugh-out-loud humor and relatable depiction of holiday family gatherings.

The over-the-top Christmas light display is a visually stunning and humorous highlight that showcases Clark’s dedication.: Many appreciate the film’s ability to balance chaotic comedy with heartwarming moments of family bonding.

Overall Consensus: A beloved holiday comedy known for its slapstick humor, memorable characters, and relatable portrayal of family Christmas gatherings, though some find it predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mae Questel, who played Aunt Bethany, was the original voice of Betty Boop. This was her final film role.”
• “The opening scene features a dangerous car chase where Clark Griswold’s car flies over a snowbank. This stunt was achieved with practical effects and careful planning to ensure the safety of the actors.”
• “The film’s writer, John Hughes, is known for his ability to capture family dynamics and humor. His experience growing up in a large family influenced the movie’s portrayal of holiday gatherings.”

🖥️ How to Watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video (rental/purchase), Apple TV (rental/purchase), Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules during the holiday season. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) are also available from retailers like Amazon and major stores. It’s a holiday staple, so finding it shouldn’t be difficult!

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you might like these similar films:

• Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987): Shares the theme of holiday travel gone wrong and the comedic clash of personalities.
• Christmas with the Kranks (2004): Explores the chaos and pressure of keeping up with Christmas traditions, similar to Clark’s struggles.
• Home Alone (1990): Another John Hughes-penned holiday comedy about a family dealing with unexpected chaos during Christmas.
• The Santa Clause (1994): A comedic take on Christmas traditions with a man accidentally becoming Santa Claus and facing unexpected challenges.

🛒 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Related Products

• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: 4K Ultra HD: Own the classic Christmas comedy in stunning 4K resolution for the ultimate viewing experience. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Cousin Eddie’s RV Ornament: A detailed replica of Cousin Eddie’s infamous RV, perfect for adding a touch of Griswold-style humor to your Christmas tree. Made of durable resin with intricate detailing.
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Clark Griswold Moose Mug: Officially licensed Moose Mug as seen in the film. Made from high-quality glass. Perfect for drinking eggnog (or any other holiday beverage).
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: ‘Shitter’s Full’ T-Shirt: A comfy, high-quality cotton t-shirt featuring Cousin Eddie’s unforgettable quote. Available in various sizes and colors.

🎧 Soundtrack

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Christmas Vacation” – performed by Mavis Staples
• “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” – performed by Gene Autry
• “That Spirit of Christmas” – performed by Ray Charles

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: 30th Anniversary: Casting

Curious about how your favorite Christmas movie was made? This behind-the-scenes video gives you a glimpse into the casting process and the chemistry between the cast members. It’s a must-watch for any fan of the film.

Chevy Chase read from cue cards in Christmas Vacation

Have you ever wondered how actors remember all their lines? This video gives us a glimpse behind the scenes as Chevy Chase struggles to keep up with the script. It’s a funny and relatable moment that shows us even the biggest stars can make mistakes.

What You Never Knew about Christmas Vacation

Did you know that ‘Christmas Vacation’ was originally supposed to be a sequel to another movie? This video is packed with fun facts and trivia that will make you appreciate the film even more. It’s the perfect watch for any fan of the movie.

ALL of the Laws Broken in CHRISTMAS VACATION

Ever wondered if your favorite holiday movie is full of illegal activities? This video breaks down all the laws that are broken in ‘Christmas Vacation’ in a funny and informative way. It’s a must-watch for fans of the film and anyone who loves a good laugh.

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