National Lampoon's Vacation

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
Chevy Chase was, at one time, funny in movies; even in movies with "National Lampoon's Vacation" in the title. But by the time the third installment creaked onto the screen, his every move was canned, every joke recycled, every improvisation... more stale. Normally, this would be just another lame comedy on cable. But throw in the element of Christmas, and suddenly the filmmakers are allowed to add rank sentimentality to the poo jokes and sophomoric innuendo. After staring down a salesgirl's cleavage and 'rasslin' with the string of lights on top of the house, Chase's Clark Griswold weeps while looking at holiday snapshots and suddenly it's a winter wonderland. The poo jokes are more honest. (Everett Collection)