Clark Griswold, Jr. (Chevy Chase), his wife Helen (Beverly D'Angelo) and their kids, Rusty (Johnny Galecki) and Andrey (Juliette Lewis) are spending Christmas at their home in the suburban Chicago. Clark invited his family (Diane Ladd and John Randolph) and his wife's family (E.G. Marshall and Doris Roberts) for Christmas. Clark is hoping to get his big Christmas bonus, so, he can buy an swimming pool for his family. As Christmas comes near, Helen's cousin Catherine (Miriam Flynn) and her husband Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) unexpected comes to their home with their two kids (Ellen Hamilton Latzen and Cody Burger) and their dog. Clark's Christmas holiday is suddenly getting bigger and also turning into a mess. Nothing is sane for Clark during his vacation and especially the holidays.
Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik (The Avengers, Benny & Joon, Diabolique "2006") made an amusing Christmas movie that is occasionally dark but over two decades, the movie has become an modern holiday classic. Chase is certainly fun to watch in this picture, who does his best to give his family the best Christmas ever but always turns opposite instead. Quaid is great as Cousin Eddie, who steals the show, when he is on-screen.
DVD has an good anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer and an good Dolby 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD's only real extra is the decent commentary track by the director, the executive producer:Matty Simmons and cast members:D'Angelo, Quaid, Flynn and Galecki. DVD also includes the original theatrical trailer. "Christmas Vacation" does have some clever gags, some real laughs with some cheap jokes but the movie manage to be good-hearted and it is always fun to watch the holidays. Don't miss it. Written by the late John Hughes (The Breakfest Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Uncle Buck). (****/*****).
Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik (The Avengers, Benny & Joon, Diabolique "2006") made an amusing Christmas movie that is occasionally dark but over two decades, the movie has become an modern holiday classic. Chase is certainly fun to watch in this picture, who does his best to give his family the best Christmas ever but always turns opposite instead. Quaid is great as Cousin Eddie, who steals the show, when he is on-screen.
DVD has an good anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer and an good Dolby 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD's only real extra is the decent commentary track by the director, the executive producer:Matty Simmons and cast members:D'Angelo, Quaid, Flynn and Galecki. DVD also includes the original theatrical trailer. "Christmas Vacation" does have some clever gags, some real laughs with some cheap jokes but the movie manage to be good-hearted and it is always fun to watch the holidays. Don't miss it. Written by the late John Hughes (The Breakfest Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Uncle Buck). (****/*****).