National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

As in its funnier predecessors, National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) and European Vacation (1985), the plot here revolves around the Griswold family, led by Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo.

This time, having already destroyed an American theme park and most of Europe in the previous movies, the family stays at home, and, of course, is beset by a series of disasters during the Christmas holiday.

It’s silly in the extreme, and the only relief comes from Randy Quaid’s performance as an obnoxious relative.

One suspects that actress Juliette Lewis leaves this one off her CV, as might director Jeremiah Chechik, who went on to make the infinitely more enjoyable Benny and Joon (1993).

Clark W Griswold Jr
Chevy Chase
Ellen Griswold
Beverly D’Angelo
Cousin Eddie
Randy Quaid
Catherine (Eddie’s wife)
Miriam Flynn
Rusty Griswold
Johnny Galecki
Audrey Griswold
Juliette Lewis
Clark W Griswold Sr
John Randolph
Nora Griswold
Diane Ladd
Art (Ellen’s father)
E G Marshall
Frances (Ellen’s mother)
Doris Roberts
Aunty Bethany
Mae Questel
Uncle Lewis
William Hickey

Director
Jeremiah Chechik