Are There 2 Christmas Vacation Movies?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of holiday movies, you’ve likely heard of “Christmas Vacation,” the classic comedy film about the Griswold family’s chaotic holiday season. However, you may have also heard of another movie with a similar title – “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure.”

So, are there really two “Christmas Vacation” movies Let’s take a look.

The Original “Christmas Vacation”

The first “Christmas Vacation” movie was released in 1989 and stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a well-meaning but accident-prone father who is determined to have the perfect family Christmas. The movie is full of slapstick humor and memorable scenes – from the disastrous Christmas lights display to the unexpected arrival of eccentric relatives.

While “Christmas Vacation” received mixed reviews from critics upon its initial release, it has since become a beloved holiday classic. Many fans watch it every year as part of their holiday traditions, and it continues to inspire memes, merchandise, and even an annual fan convention.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure”

So what about that other movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure” was released straight-to-DVD in 2003. It stars Randy Quaid as Clark Griswold’s redneck cousin Eddie, who is on vacation with his family in the South Pacific.

Despite its title, “Christmas Vacation 2” has very little to do with the original movie. In fact, none of the original cast members appear in it (aside from brief cameos by Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo). The plot revolves around Eddie trying to save his boss’ resort from a corporate takeover, and features plenty of lowbrow humor and slapstick gags.

So, Which One Should You Watch

If you’re looking for a classic holiday movie that’s sure to make you laugh, “Christmas Vacation” is the way to go. It’s a timeless comedy that has stood the test of time and continues to delight audiences year after year.

On the other hand, “Christmas Vacation 2” is more of a curiosity than anything else. It’s certainly not as iconic or well-regarded as the original movie, but it might be worth checking out if you’re a die-hard fan of Randy Quaid’s character or if you’re just in the mood for some mindless humor.

In Conclusion

While there are technically two movies with “Christmas Vacation” in the title, only one of them truly deserves to be called a holiday classic. Stick with the original and enjoy all its zany antics this holiday season!