National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Still criminally overlooked by the critics but surely a festive classic.

There are two words that will decide whether you're going to enjoy this movie or not...

Chevy Chase

Some people can't stand his comedy act, his gurning face and his relentless mugging. But with the character of Clarke Griswold, Chase perfected the hard-done-by everyman and his way with a one-liner lifts National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation into the realms of comedy classic

This film is comedy gold.

Your typical family feelgood festive movie with a little more in the way of zany humour. Following on from the original Vacation and the lacklustre follow up European Vacation, here the Griswolds have to entertain some irritating relatives and Clarke has to sweat it out waiting for a Christmas bonus cheque to show up.

Although the National Lampoon's series has had some seriously rocky patched, it is Chase who has always managed to keep it watchable. A hugley underrated comic actor, Chase's cuddly family image coupled with a nice line in sardonic put-downs make sure that this entry in the Lampoon canon is always entertaining.

Some of the classic moments include the flying squirrel bursting out of the Griswold family Christmas tree, the "sledge" ride, the dried out Christmas turkey, Juliette Lewis' frozen eyebrows and of course Chase's characteristic bordering-on-insanity smile when all around him descends into chaos.

Festive movies have a habit of being derided on release and then being wheeled out by the TV companies every Christmas. This, in turn, gives the movies themselves a loyal following of viewers for whom, in this case, Christmas means "where's the Tylenol?". National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a movie whose reputation grows year on year.

OK, so Randy Quaid is as annoying as ever, his kidnapping the boss storyline seems a distraction from the main event. He does however lead us to the conclusion of the family being held at gunpoint and a sight-gag that is symbolic of whether you like this type of humour or not. All I'll say is look for where Beverley D'Angelo's hand is placed when the family has to freeze.

At least as good as the original "Vacation" and a thousand times better than the second in the series "European Vacation". Spare a thought for poor old Mr Chase who probably still rewatches this every Christmas hoping that Santa will bring him a new movie deal. Possibly the last time that Chevy will make us laugh (sob).