Jelly of the Month Club? (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (DVD))

Member Name: pie_master

Product:	National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (DVD)
Date:	27/07/09 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A Good Christmas Comedy with Plenty of Laughs

Disadvantages: Not For Everyone - Potentially For Chevy Chase Fans Only!

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

The Facts: Certificate - PG, Running Time - 93 Minutes, Genre - Comedy

The Plot: Ever had the family round for Christmas? For many people, the best part of the festive holidays is when everyone leaves and you can finally wander round in your pants, have full access to the remote control and not have to queue for your own bathroom! Clarke Griswold (Chevy Chase) plays the typical white-collar American guy in this film, which tells the story of a Christmas gone horribly wrong when his home is invaded by in-laws!

From the moment the various relatives arrive at Casa Griswold, Clarke becomes a ball of stress. Everything starts going awry, from the dog wrecking the tree to the festive lights failing to work!

However, his troubles have only just begun, as Clarke has put down a deposit on a swimming pool using a Christmas bonus, but the bonus still hasn't arrived!

My Review: Chevy Chase is a real Marmite man - you seem to either really love him, or loathe him with a passion (much like Steve Martin, Mel Brookes, Jack Black, Will Ferrell etc.). I'm firmly in the adoration section with Mr Chase though, so this film was a winner from the start!

The comedy is in a chaotic, frustrated hair-pulling style and is delivered expertly by Chevy Chase. A well scripted plot is bolstered with supporting roles from Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid maintaining a steady flow of laughs throughout.

Big Bang Theory fans may also want to watch out for a young 'Leonard'!

This is really a Christmas film, and due to the vast array of characters there is a readily identifiable cast member in there for almost everyone! What really makes this film special though is the originality. I can't think of many other festive offerings which have stood the test of time so well!

It's a good basic comedy which doesn't purport to be anything other than a good wholesome giggle. However, in a refreshing contrast to modern comedies of the same genre, it doesn't rely heavily on shock humour, crude visual gags or cringe-worthy situations to get it's audience chuckling.

Summary: A Great Way to Start & End your Christmas Break!