National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that many people love to watch every year. However, some may be surprised to learn that the movie is rated R. This rating can be confusing, especially since the movie is often shown on TV during the holiday season when families are watching. In this article, we will explore why National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is rated R and what content caused it to receive this rating.
What is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a 1989 comedy film directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes. It stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a man who wants nothing more than to have a perfect family Christmas but faces one mishap after another as he tries to make it happen.
Why is it rated R?
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rates movies based on their content and assigns them a rating of G, PG, PG-13, R or NC-17. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was given an R rating due to its language and sexual content.
Language
The movie features strong language throughout, including the use of the F-word multiple times. Additionally, there are several other instances of profanity and crude language used by various characters in the film.
Sexual Content
There are several instances of sexual innuendo and suggestive dialogue throughout the movie. For example, there is a scene where Clark daydreams about his attractive neighbor while she’s swimming in her pool wearing a revealing swimsuit. Additionally, there are several references to sex and sexual activities made throughout the film.
Violence
Although there isn’t any graphic violence in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, there are some scenes where characters get injured or hurt. In one scene, Clark accidentally cuts his hand while trying to fix a broken decoration. In another scene, his son Russ accidentally hits him in the face with a hammer.
Why is it still popular?
Despite its R rating, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation remains a hugely popular movie and is considered by many to be a holiday classic. The movie’s humor and relatable characters have helped it stand the test of time and become a beloved part of many families’ holiday traditions.
The Humor
The movie’s humor is what has made it so enduringly popular. From Clark’s over-the-top attempts at decorating his house to Cousin Eddie’s antics, there are plenty of laughs to be had throughout the film.
The Characters
Another reason why National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is so beloved is because of its relatable characters. Many people can see themselves or their own family members in the Griswold family and their struggles to have a perfect holiday.
Conclusion
While National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation may be rated R due to its language and sexual content, it remains one of the most popular holiday movies of all time. Its humor and relatable characters have helped it stand the test of time and continue to entertain audiences year after year. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or for the hundredth time, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is sure to bring a smile to your face this holiday season.