If you’re a fan of classic holiday movies, then you’ve probably watched “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at least once. This comedy film has become a beloved staple of the holiday season, with fans quoting lines and rewatching the movie year after year.
But have you ever wondered why it’s called “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”? Let’s take a closer look.
The Origins of National Lampoon
To understand why the movie is named after National Lampoon, we need to go back to the 1970s. National Lampoon was originally a satirical magazine that was known for pushing boundaries and taking aim at American culture and politics. The magazine gained a cult following and became a launching pad for many comedians who would later go on to achieve fame in movies and television.
National Lampoon’s Influence on Movies
In the 1980s, National Lampoon began branching out into film production. They produced a string of successful comedies that were known for their irreverent humor and offbeat characters. Some of their most famous movies include “Animal House,” “Caddyshack,” and “Vacation.”
The Vacation Series
“Vacation” was released in 1983 and starred Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a bumbling family man who takes his wife and kids on a disastrous road trip across America. The movie was a hit with audiences and spawned several sequels, including “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
Why It’s Called National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
So why did the filmmakers choose to include “National Lampoon” in the title of this particular movie? One reason may be that it helped to establish brand recognition with audiences who were already familiar with the previous “Vacation” films. By including “National Lampoon” in the title, they were signaling to fans that this movie was part of the same series and would feature the same type of humor and characters.
Another reason may be that National Lampoon was still a well-known brand in the 1980s, even though the magazine had ceased publication in 1975. By attaching their name to the movie, National Lampoon may have been hoping to capitalize on their continued cultural relevance and appeal to a younger generation of viewers.
The Legacy of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Regardless of why it’s called “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” there’s no denying that this movie has become a beloved holiday classic. Its mix of slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and memorable characters have made it a perennial favorite with audiences of all ages. And even though National Lampoon is no longer producing movies or magazines, their influence can still be felt in the world of comedy today.
- Fun Fact: The screenplay for “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was written by John Hughes, who also wrote “Home Alone” and “The Breakfast Club.”
- Fun Fact: The Griswold family house from the movie is located in Burbank, California and has become a popular tourist attraction during the holiday season.
In Conclusion
So there you have it – why it’s called “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Whether you’re watching it for the first time or rewatching it for the umpteenth time, this movie is sure to bring a smile to your face and get you into the holiday spirit. And now that you know a little bit more about its history and origins, you can appreciate it even more.