As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark's employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.
Score: 3.5
"Solid family fare with plenty of yocks."
Variety
"Chase's befuddled Dad remains a genuinely amusing creation, and the sight gags are impeccably timed."
Entertainment Weekly
"If it doesn't make you at least giggle, then you clearly don't understand the true meaning of the festive season."
Empire Magazine
"In National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Chevy Chase's family Christmas tree is a little full with a lot of sap, much like this movie. But it's a big-hearted fullness and it's a smoothly stirred sap."
Hollywood Reporter
