If you’re a fan of classic holiday movies, you’ve likely heard of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This 1989 comedy film follows the Griswold family as they prepare for Christmas, with hilarious and chaotic results.
But if you’re a parent wondering whether this movie is appropriate for your kids to watch, you might be unsure. So let’s take a closer look at whether National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is kid-friendly.
The Plot
Before we dive into whether the movie is appropriate for kids, let’s briefly summarize the plot. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation follows Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, as he tries to create the perfect Christmas for his family.
Along the way, he faces a variety of obstacles and mishaps, from untangling Christmas lights to dealing with unexpected guests. The movie is known for its offbeat humor and over-the-top gags.
The Rating
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is rated PG-13. According to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), this rating means that some material may not be suitable for children under 13 years old. The MPAA cites “crude and sexual humor” as well as “some language” in their description of why the movie received this rating.
Language and Humor
As noted by the MPAA rating, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation does contain some language and crude humor. There are multiple instances of mild profanity throughout the movie, including uses of “hell,” “damn,” and “ass.” Additionally, there are several sexual references that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In terms of humor, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation relies heavily on slapstick comedy and physical gags. While these types of jokes can be amusing for kids, some parents may find them too crude or violent for their taste.
Violence
Speaking of violence, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation does feature some scenes of physical comedy that may be too intense for younger viewers. For example, there is a scene where Clark accidentally sets his neighbor’s house on fire, leading to a chaotic and dangerous sequence of events. Additionally, there are scenes where characters get hurt or injured in comical ways.
Mature Themes
Finally, it’s worth noting that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation does touch on some mature themes that may not be appropriate for all kids. For example, there are several instances of drinking and alcohol consumption throughout the movie. There are also scenes where characters argue and fight with each other.
Conclusion
So, is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation kid-friendly? Ultimately, the answer depends on your child and your family’s values.
While the movie does contain some language, crude humor, and violent gags, it may still be enjoyable for older kids and teens who appreciate offbeat comedies. However, parents of younger children may want to exercise caution when deciding whether or not to let their kids watch this movie.
If you do decide to let your kids watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, it might be a good idea to watch it with them and discuss any questions or concerns they have along the way. With its mix of humor and heartwarming moments, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation can be a fun holiday movie for families – as long as everyone is comfortable with its content.