(66 points, 11 out of 20 lists, highest rating #1 by Coolhandluke, Dirty Hun, n00b)

“Where do you think you’re going? Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We’re all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We’re gonna press on, and we’re gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he’s gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse”

Ah yes, back in the days where “National Lampoons” being attached to a movie was enough to know that it was going to be a great comedy.  This is the third film in the “Vacation” series, focusing on the Griswold family, with Chevy Chase spearheading the family tree.  Another Christmas classic written by John Hughes, it follows their attempts to have an old-fashioned Christmas.

“Is your house on fire, Clark?”
“No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights.”

All Clark Griswold wants is that nice, traditional family christmas.  Grandmas, grandpas, in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles are all on their way to celebrate Christmas at the Griswolds home.  Clark goes all out to make this a great christmas, including attempting to cover every square inch of his house with Christmas lights, driving out to the country to get a humongous tree.  Yet it’s not all christmas related gags – one of the funniest parts is when Clark ends up locked in his attic for a few hours, and decides to wear womens clothing to stay warm, then of course falls through the trap door.  Or his conversation with the department store saleswoman, “It is a bit nipply out.  I mean nippy.  What am I saying, nipple?”

This is a very well done comedy, with both great slapstick and written material.  However every comedy needs that extra “something” to make it special – and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation has that, in cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid, who pretty much shows up and steals the whole movie.  And what better way to end a nice, traditional Christmas movie than a raid by a S.W.A.T. team on the home?

“Merry Christmas. Shitter was full. “