For me Christmas isn't Christmas if it isn’t done right. Sure; their is a deeper meaning to the holiday than having fun on one day, opening the gifts and eating a lot of food, but even so Christmas is not Christmas unless my rituals are done.

These rituals include certain music I have to hear as the season comes and arrives and one certain film I have to watch at least once... National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

I have seen this movie every year since it came out in the late '80s and would never want to miss it each year. I am a huge fan of the series of movies that were made about this fictional family & consider this perhaps the best of them all.

Chevy Chase plays a somewhat foolish father (Clark Griswald) but don't let that fool you. The guy may seem like an idiot, but he loves his family and while he may bring chaos to the world, he also offers a lot of warm kindness.

The movie begins with a Cartoon opening of Santa going into the Griswalds home on Christmas Eve to deliver their presents. When I was a kid, I loved the opening and it still makes me laugh now.

However; the contents of the picture itself are in a much higher league of humor. This movie features one of the most classic comedy moment’s period. When Mr. Griswald’s brother in law (Eddie) turns up uninvited to the Griswald home with his wife and kids, he tells Griswald he will be spending the holidays with him & says "we wanted to surprise you". Griswald, who clearly is not wishing to spend his holiday in the company of Eddie, responds by saying "If I woke up in the morning with my head sown into the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now".

However, Clark does let Eddie stay for the holidays and it turns into a family disaster, but with a great and strong ending.

Without spoiling the plot, I don't feel I am giving anything away when I say this movie is very zany and slapstick. It is unrealistic, but that does not make it unbelievable.

If you have never seen it, check it out this year. I am sure once you see it; it will become annual viewing each Christmas; just like it is for me!

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: None of the Above
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older