Common Sense Media Review
Christmas comedy has slapstick violence, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 38 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is a hilarious but inappropriate choice for young children due to its strong language, sexual innuendos, and troublesome behaviors portrayed throughout. While many viewers cherish it as a holiday classic suitable for older teens and adults, others caution against its maturity level, suggesting it's best enjoyed with a more mature audience who can comprehend its jokes and themes.
- humor appeal
- inappropriate content
- suitable for teens
- parental caution
- holiday classic
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 108 kid reviews
Kids say this holiday film is a hilarious classic, often a family favorite showcasing slapstick comedy, but warns about its significant use of profanity and mature themes, which some parents believe are inappropriate for younger viewers. Viewers suggest it's best suited for teens and mature pre-teens who can appreciate the humor, while many believe the adult content may go over younger children's heads.
- hilarious classic
- adult humor
- significant profanity
- suitable for teens
- family favorite
- mature pre-teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is determined to show his family a fun-filled, old-fashioned Christmas in NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION. But as his extended family takes over his home and his grand-scale plans start going awry, Clark's perfect vision is thrown into chaos. With disaster looming around every corner, can he turn things around and remember what's really important about the festive season?
Is It Any Good?
For those who enjoyed the original Vacation, this holiday edition offers virtually the same story and characters, with more predictability and less help from the supporting cast. Those who found the original utterly tasteless will find National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation to be slightly (but not much) cleaner. Chase has some good moments, and those who enjoy his double-talk and pratfalls will find redeeming value in this lukewarm movie. Clark's frustration at putting up 25,000 Christmas lights and a SWAT team descending on the family home to the tune of "Here Comes Santa Claus" are among the movie's best moments.
The producers attracted some decent talent to act as Clark's foils, but neither the stuck-up neighbor (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), the uncouth second cousin (Randy Quaid), or the boss who stiffs Clark on his Christmas bonus (Brian Doyle-Murray) generate much in the way of laughs. The Griswold kids might as well be cardboard cutouts with their eyes permanently rolled. One inherent problem parents may have with this movie is how it juxtaposes juvenile humor with sexually suggestive scenes and strings of profanity—it wants to appeal to younger viewers, yet it includes adult content.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sequels. Why is a sequel rarely as good as the original? Do you think National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a good sequel? Do you think it stands alone?
The film lacks diversity and leans into stereotypes. What stereotypes did you notice? Would you expect any characters or situations to be different in a modern movie with more of an awareness of reinforcing damaging portrayals?
Many holiday films have a message. What do you think the message might be here? How does it compare to other holiday movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 1, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : November 18, 1997
- Cast : Beverly D'Angelo , Chevy Chase , Randy Quaid
- Director : Jeremiah S. Chechik
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Holidays
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : profanity and sexual situations
- Last updated : December 29, 2025
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