Film Review: Christmas Vacation [dir. Jeremiah S Chechik; 1989]

I wonder if, in twenty or so years’ time, part of the pleasure of watching a screwball comedy made in 2011 will come from seeing what will, by then, have become ‘period details’. That’s certainly the case with this particular instalment of the National Lampoon series, which tells the story of creepy-as-ever Chevy Chase trying to bring his wife, children and in-laws together for a traditional Christmas celebration. Yes, many of the gags are funny, but most of the laughs come from realising how the last two decades have seen countless changes in attitudes to women, elderly people… and hair. Amusing, but forgettable.