The third installment in National Lampoon's Vacation film series, 'Christmas Vacation' is A Laugh Riot! A slap-stick, over-the-top comedy, that delivers laughter in abundance.

'Christmas Vacation' Synopsis: The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

'Christmas Vacation' is gleefully funny & lively. John Hughes's Screenplay is notorious, wacky & extremely funny. Even the dialogue are so clever at times. Jeremiah S. Chechik's Direction is efficient. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, deserve a special mention.

Performance-Wise: Chevy Chase is fantastic, as always. He pulls off every joke with effortless ease. Beverly D'Angelo supports very well. Juliette Lewis is adorable, while Randy Quaid is in form. Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, Diane Ladd, William Hickey & Mae Questel are perfect. Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Nicholas Guest are splendid in cameos.

On the whole, 'Christmas Vacation' works big time.

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a film that is clearly beloved of many folks and they enjoy watching it each and every holiday season. I honestly am happy they enjoy it, though I myself cannot see the charm in watching it. I first saw the movie shortly after it debuted and watched it again tonight and felt disappointed.

The story is about the Griswold family NOT traveling but welcoming their parents to spend the holidays with them. Then, unexpectedly Clark' scummy Cousin Eddie and his brood show up. In the midst of this, which Clark hates tremendously, he keeps his hopes up for a Christmas bonus from a nasty boss.

As I watched, again and again, I just kept thinking that this isn't funny. Or, if something was funny, it could have been done funnier. In addition, I think making Clark a rather unlikable guy hurt my viewing experience, as he seemed more interested in adultery than his loving and VERY patient wife.

It mayn't be one of my favourite Christmas movies, but it is one of the funnier ones for me. I agree some of it is silly, and when I say silly I mean silly, and the story is really quite predictable. But it at least looks good with some nice cinematography and scenery, and the music is fine too. The script has many funny moments and the sight gags while silly are respectable. The direction is competent and the performances from Chevy Chase and Beverley D'Angelo are likable while Randy Quaid gives some great relief as a decidedly obnoxious relative. So in conclusion, no masterpiece but it is entertaining, that's what matters to me. 8/10 Bethany Cox