I remember a long time ago in the 80’s, catching my Dad watching National Lampoon’s European Vacation on a small portable black and white tv in our kitchen. I joined him and got introduced to the Griswold’s. Eric Idol getting hit on his bike being the memorable scene.
I love the National Lampoons films featuring Chevy Chase and like many, I particularly enjoy watching Christmas Vacation. It is most likely the one film that I have watched the most and I have to watch it every Christmas.
I haven’t watched it yet this year and it won’t be long. From the great opening scene with the truck through to selecting the perfect Christmas tree. A classic John Hughes film that remains popular to this day with the Griswold’s welcoming all their relatives home for Christmas. And of course, Clark (Sparky) Griswold expecting his Christmas bonus.
You can’t help but feel for Clark when struggling to get his Christmas lights to work. And the classic scene with the staple gun and ladder while putting up the lights.
In my eyes, the perfect Christmas film which of course features Randy Quaid as Eddie and Beverley D’Angelo as Clarks wife Ellen. This film also features their long suffering neighbours.
The film was released in 1989 and was the third of the films. Coming in at around 97 minutes, it is the perfect length. I can’t wait to hear the Christmas Vacation music and see the animated opening and closing again.
Maybe it’s time to watch the four main films again, not counting the remake and spin offs.
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