The holiday season is a time of joy and cheer, with Christmas being the most celebrated festival around the world. Families come together to share gifts, meals, and create memories that will last a lifetime. One of the most beloved traditions during this time is watching Christmas movies.
However, there is one movie that stands out from the rest due to its rating – ‘Christmas Vacation’ is rated R. This may come as a surprise to many considering it’s a holiday movie. But why is ‘Christmas Vacation’ rated R? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Plot
‘Christmas Vacation’ is a comedy movie released in 1989, directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes. The movie follows the Griswold family as they prepare for Christmas.
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have the perfect family Christmas and goes all out with decorations and festivities. However, things start to go wrong when his in-laws arrive unannounced, his boss cancels his bonus, and his house gets invaded by squirrels.
Language
One of the primary reasons for ‘Christmas Vacation’ being rated R is because of its language. The movie features strong language throughout its runtime, including multiple uses of the F-word and other profanities that are not suitable for children or young viewers.
Sexual Content
Another reason for its rating is sexual content. There are scenes in ‘Christmas Vacation’ that depict sexual references and innuendos that are not appropriate for younger audiences. For instance, there’s a scene where Clark fantasizes about a woman who appears in nothing but lingerie.
Violence
The movie also features some violent scenes that are not suitable for children under 17 years old. One such scene involves Clark accidentally setting off an explosion while trying to light up his house. Additionally, there are scenes where characters get hurt or injured, like when Clark’s cousin gets electrocuted while working on the Christmas lights.
Drug Use
Lastly, ‘Christmas Vacation’ features some drug use that’s not suitable for younger viewers. There’s a scene where Clark’s cousin empties his RV toilet into the sewer system, and the fumes cause Clark to have a hallucination where he sees his deceased aunt singing and dancing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘Christmas Vacation’ is rated R due to its use of strong language, sexual content, violence, and drug use. While it may seem like an odd choice for a holiday movie rating-wise, it’s important to remember that ratings are designed to help parents make informed decisions about what their children watch. It’s always best to check the rating before watching any movie with your kids.