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With: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, Diane Ladd, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Randy Quaid, Miriam Flynn, Cody Burger, Ellen Hamilton Latzen, William Hickey, Mae Questel, Sam McMurray
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Written by: John Hughes
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Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik
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MPAA Rating: PG-13
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Running Time: 97
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Date: 11/29/1989
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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
'Tis the Season To Be Merry
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
John Hughes wrote the screenplay for this silly, warm little guilty pleasure that nails most of the trials and tribulations of spending the holidays with family. Chevy Chase stars for the third time as Clark W. Griswold with Beverly D'Angelo as his wife Ellen. Juliette Lewis makes an early appearance as daughter Audrey, and, as usual Randy Quaid provides most of the laughs as country bumpkin cousin Eddie.
The opening tree-cutting sequence cleverly establishes the rules of this movie: there are no rules. (Audrey freezes solid and survives, and the family car fits perfectly under an 18 wheeler on the freeway.) The movie also makes excellent use of Bing Crosby's Christmas song "Mele Kalikimaka," as Clark fantasizes about the family swimming pool he hopes to buy with his Christmas bonus.
The Special Edition DVD doesn't have much to write home about; the new commentary track includes director Jermemiah Chechik, actors Randy Quaid, Beverly D'Angelo, Johnny Galecki, Miriam Flynn and producer Matty Simmons, but not Hughes, Chase, or Lewis. The disc also includes the trailer, a cast list and a cardboard Christmas ornament.
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