Everyone knows of the sappy made-for-TV Christmas movies that come on the air this time of year; they just come with the proverbial territory.
There are, of course, films which stand out and help define American pop culture surrounding the holiday.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo did four “Vacation” movies. This is probably the most easily-identifiable of them all.
Chase, playing Clark Griswold, is hosting the extended family at his house for Christmas, a holiday which, for him, includes tens of thousands of exterior lights, a real Christmas tree, a driving under trucks on the highway. Of course, Cousin Eddie comes by uninvited and creates a scene which is resolved at the end.
It’s a very quotable film from start to finish, and is something to which many people can relate, complete with the dad who goes crazy decorating, the condescending in-laws, and the crazy aunt (Bethany). Speaking of, many feel that Aunt Bethany stole the show.
