Scorecard Weekly (Christmas Edition): 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'

Thank you for joining us today! We’re here to kick off day three of our Christmas event. We’re on a roll, we haven’t scored this much since our inception. It’s a wonderful thing, we are truly grateful for the opportunity to bring these scores to you all. As always, we hope that you’ve been enjoying what we’re bringing to the table.

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Welcome to Scorecard Weekly!

The place where you come to get honest, uncut, and uncensored reviews of the newest and oldest, TV series and movies. Before we begin today’s card, let’s recap on what we are grading shall we? Please turn your attention to the invisible, non-existent whiteboard codename JARVIS—

Using our state-of-the-art scorecard, we grade:

1. Setting/Characters
2. Obstacles/Conflict
3. Tone
4. Concept

The minimum score for a section and card is one. The maximum score is five. Finally, we decide if it’s a recommend or pass.

We shall keep the holiday spirits up today as with all days, so our special treat on this wonderful day is none of than National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, brought to us by John Hughes Entertainment, starring Chevy Chase.

1. Setting/Characters

As we continue following the trend for the beginning of our event, we find ourselves in the great year of 1989 (I hadn’t even been born yet), in a suburb of Chicago—I wonder if the Griswold’s and McCallister’s were neighbors? Being neighbors or friends with this family probably feels a lot like hitting the jackpot. This film handles their cast correctly and you will see from the beginning the various personalities present within the family. Time and time again, movies will throw all these one-dimensional characters at us which eventually takes away any chance of a real connection between audience and cast. That is not the case here! Granted, our main protagonist is a complete moron, however he is a moron we can all love.

A man who wants nothing more than to spend Christmas in HIS house, with HIS family, and they’re in it for the long haul. You can’t help but appreciate the man’s determination, who else do you know who is out there covering their house with 25,000 twinkle lights?

When you’re watching this film, you can’t help but think about your own family and the dysfunctional behavior that you’ve had to endure over the years We think about all the great times too. It’s a beautiful orchestra that remains consistent throughout the duration of the film and this is one family you don’t want to skip out on.

Score: 5

2. Obstacles/Conflict

It’s very clear that the obstacle needing overcome in this film is bickering family members. Dealing with in-laws and uninvited guests can take a toll on a man, especially one desperately waiting for a Christmas bonus that has yet to arrive at his doorstep. The only real conflict here are varying personalities causing rifts between the bloodline. We’ve got one goal here—To have a fun old-fashioned family Christmas and by golly that’s what we’ll get! Minus the overcooked turkey, a squirrel in the tree, and the sewage glow. What do ya’ think Sparky?

These are semi-real problems that anyone can face. These are real family issues that many of us have seen firsthand. If you watch this film, you’ll get a sense of fellowship from time to time. At least we hope so.

Score: 3.5

3. Tone

Destructive. Chaotic. If you step into the house of this family, you’re liable to lose your damn mind but you’ll be happy that you did. Among the chaos, you’ll probably laugh harder than you ever have, shake your head, talk shit about certain members of said family but overall, you’ll enjoy their company and so will your family. Above all else, this is a family movie and it’s not too over the top, it’s just about a man who wants shit to go right for once. We’ve all been there. We’ve all been Clark. (You know, I really should take up motivational speaking.)

Score: 4

4. Concept

Fun fact: This film originated from a short story created by John Hughes titled “Christmas ’59,” which was published in the December 1980 issue of National Lampoon magazine. I for one, did not know that and if you didn’t, welcome to the club. Regarding the idea of this film, it’s your typical comedy, this time it’s just focused around Christmas time. This film gives you many key ingredients you would expect to find in a family Christmas film, once you add in the incredible cast, you’ve got yourself what we like to call, "a classic." You’re in for a real treat when you decide to sit down and watch this film, it isn’t the greatest comedy in the world (Not by a long shot) but we aren’t setting the expectations that high to begin with.

Score: 3.5

Overall Score: 4/5

Final Verdict: Recommend

Final Thoughts

The Griswold’s are a whimsical bunch that your family might not have much in common with, but you’ll enjoy them, nonetheless. If you’re looking for a film that gives you a play by play on what not to do during Christmas time, you should probably watch this. If you’re conflicted about what to watch tonight with those people most important in your life—or by yourself, you should probably watch this. Hell, why not spend the day having a National Lampoon’s binge session? It’s just a thought.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for stopping by! Until next time, see you later!