Ep. 23 - A Very Griswold Christmas!

This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] J.J.: Do you hear that? Do you hear that sound?

[0:11] Olaf: I do hear it. It is that wonderful sound of Johnny, our editor, playing those sleigh bells. I love this time of year. This is my favorite time of year. Speaking of that, you mentioned that you have not gotten your Christmas tree yet.

[0:24] J.J.: Correct. I am one of those people for the majority of my life, 99% of my life, I put my tree up the day after Thanksgiving. I know there are a lot of people out there that do that. There are some people that do it before. My wife is one of those people.

[0:39] Olaf: You are a traditionalist.

[0:40] J.J.: So here we go. Okay. It is a lot easier for you to say, oh, I put my tree up the day after Thanksgiving because you pull it out of a box. Gross. I actually go out and get a real tree. In fact, I don't do this right now. I haven't had the opportunity, but a guy that I work with does. Because of where we live, he just drives like two and a half hours up north, pays a permit fee, and he goes and chops down his own Christmas tree and brings it home. I can't wait for the opportunity to do that. But until then, I'm still going to a lot and I'm getting a tree. At what point do you normally go and get your tree?

[1:25] Olaf: A lot of times I end up maybe within the second week of December.

[1:30] J.J.: That is so sad to me. That wouldn't upset me. It would just feel like, what's going on?

[1:36] Olaf: Well, I'm not getting a tree before Thanksgiving because then it wouldn't be Thanksgiving.

[1:42] J.J.: I'm not saying not to do that. I know you're busy with the job that you have, but Thanksgiving was Thursday and we record these on Monday. That's like four days, five days where I know you're busy. Thanksgiving was Thursday. I worked that day. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I was working. Today is my time to shop.

[2:00] Olaf: What time do you go into work?

[2:09] J.J.: Well, that's irrelevant. What he meant to say was, what he didn't want to tell you, everybody, is that he goes to work at like two in the afternoon or three in the afternoon. He could have woken up in the morning, gone to get a tree, gotten a tree, and at least had it set up and then gone to work.

[2:24] Olaf: Okay. But see, I don't want to do that. I don't want to soil my tree buying experience. It's a special time. The tree picks you. It's like Harry Potter. The tree picks you. So I want to be able to have time and not look at my watch going, I got to go just chuck it in the back. And then I chuck it in the house, hope it has some water. Maybe I'll see it tonight. No, it's a special day that I put aside time to go peruse the smells of the pine and everything and pick out the tree.

[2:58] J.J.: I think it's wonderful. I think that's wonderful. And I have had years where I've had a real tree and it is a very cool experience. You brought up something though that I thought was really cool and I guess I would do that drive if it meant I had an opportunity to cut down my own tree. I've always wanted to do that. It's an interesting thing because you mentioned that specific act of driving out to get to your own tree. Tree picks you sort of thing. And to perfectly segue into our conversation, we are going to be talking about trekking out and chopping down your own tree and the tree choosing you. And before we do that, how about we jump back into the movie theater?

[3:43] Olaf: That's right. Cue those sleigh bells.

[3:59] J.J.: So, here we are back in the movie theater to talk about. I parked my sled outside.

[4:09] Olaf: Without a tree.

[4:10] J.J.: Well, I'm getting the tree later. I'm getting it today. Mr. I pulled it out of a box, shook off the dust. We are here to talk about what I consider to be probably a lot of people's top three, top five Christmas movies of all time. I don't want to, I'm not a big generalization guy, but I'd like to think if we were to ask people on the street where they would rank this movie, I think it would be in people's at least top five Christmas movies of all time. It is absolutely a Christmas staple. I would be shocked to meet somebody who isn't familiar with this movie.

[4:49] Olaf: Right. And the movie we are talking about, of course, is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Number three in the vacation series, but arguably, I mean, neck and neck with the first one in terms of.

[5:03] J.J.: In my opinion, this is the best vacation movie.

[5:09] Olaf: Yeah, it has, I think, just about everything you could want really in a Christmas movie. Do you have a moment in your life, like what do you remember? How did you experience this movie the first time? Or do you even have a vivid recollection?

[5:21] J.J.: Oh, that's tough. I can't really recall when I discovered this movie. When I think back to the holidays and stuff, it's just kind of always been there. What I love most about this movie is it really, even though it's making fun of it, it really captures so much of the feel of what the holidays were like growing up.

[5:41] Olaf: No, that's a good one. The crazy relatives and the shenanigans and the lights and the sledding and just the dynamic between everybody. I watched this and I'm like, ah, I just get it. I've been there. I felt that. It's great.

[6:01] J.J.: I saw this movie in the theater when it came out and I just remember I was excited about it because it was a Christmas movie going to the theater. I think it was like 11 years old when it came out. Right out of the gate, they get you with the animated credit sequence. Not only is it animated, but they plug in this amazing Christmas classic, what has become, in my opinion, a Christmas classic song. It is so great. It's that time.

[6:31] Olaf: By the great Mavis Staples. It's like right up there with Holiday Road by Lindsey Buckingham.

[6:39] J.J.: It's so great. I don't know what it is about the animated credit sequence that makes it so good. It's just Santa Claus and the reindeer going from house to house and getting to the Griswold house, but for whatever reason, it's timeless, it works, it's perfect. It is so fun and entertaining. It's like, I want to see a movie just of this cartoon. It would be cool if it was a silent movie because that's exactly what it is. There's no dialogue.

[7:14] Olaf: There's no dialogue.

[7:15] J.J.: It's Santa and even the reindeer, the expressions they have on the reindeer when they have to go pick him up. It's so great. Right there, you're already into this spirit of Christmas and what this movie will hopefully be as it starts going into it. Then immediately we're thrown into the car with them driving, however long they're driving, because we don't know. They already live in the suburbs of Chicago, but they're clearly driving even further away to go get their Christmas tree. I believe that whole scene was shot in Colorado.

[7:44] Olaf: Yeah, I think so too. They shot it in Breckenridge, I think.

[7:46] J.J.: The Griswold Family Christmas Tree. They're singing, and I always do this too, whenever I sing Deck the Halls. They're singing and they're like, fa la la la la la la la, look at Russ. Fa la la la la la, like Russ doesn't do anything and he just sits there.

[8:07] Olaf: Now let me ask you this. If you're a fan of the vacation movies, did you know that the Russ and Audrey characters are played by different actors in every movie? Where would you rank Johnny Galecki and Juliette Lewis in your Russ and Audrey Griswold list?

[8:24] J.J.: Number one. This movie is the best of the vacation movies, and it's not just because of the writing and the story, it's because of everyone in it. It's such an ensemble movie, and everybody knows their assignment and nails it, and it includes the kids.

[8:43] Olaf: They did a great job. I think it would have been interesting to see Anthony Michael Hall against Juliette Lewis. Now, of course, he would have been six years older, so it wouldn't have worked. Maybe the dynamic probably wouldn't have worked, but it would have been an interesting dynamic to see them.

[9:00] J.J.: I love Johnny Galecki in this movie. You're right. I completely agree with you. Everybody does great. He's the best Russ. Anthony Michael Hall, he was fun in the first movie, but he would have had more of an edge to him. In this movie, Russ is way more down to earth, feels real, feels like a kid of that age who also knows his dad is a bit over the top.

[9:21] Olaf: They get to the tree. First of all, before they even get there, they have this interaction with the truckers and all this other stuff, but they end up underneath an 18-wheeler and then crash into the tree lot, very reminiscent of the first movie, I think. They just took that first movie where he falls asleep at the wheel, and they took it up another degree. Chevy Chase goes, oh, we made great time. Their car comes flying in.

[9:50] J.J.: What I love is it, Russ ends up in the front seat, like legs are sticking up in the air and the whole thing.

[9:57] Olaf: Juliette Lewis is just the best Audrey. She's older. She's got a maturity and a jadedness that just is perfect. There's a bit of an angsty jadedness that's not whiny. The two Audreys before were a little on the whinier side where if Juliette Lewis is being whiny, it isn't out of an immaturity. It's more of just like I'm annoyed at the situations around me. I'm smarter than a lot of you here, but I'm also a kid, so I have no real say. I've got no authority and I can't leave, but I need you to know that I am smarter than everybody around me, but not smart enough to bundle up when they go to the tree because by the time they get to this tree, which is magnificent standing alone in the snow-covered forest, she has not enough clothing on to keep her eyelids from freezing over.

[10:43] J.J.: As they're trekking out to this place, you just hear her going, I can't feel my legs. I can't feel my hips. Clark, Audrey's frozen from the waist down. She'll answer you later, honey. Her eyelids are frozen shut. I know it's a comedy and I get it, but how do you not bring an ax? How do you not go all the way out there and then not have something to cut the tree down? Are you telling me you have not done something similar?

[11:24] Olaf: I'm just saying. You can't connect with that kind of mistake where you're like, where's, oh no. Guys, we have to go back. How do you think they get this tree out? Because they get it out from the roots.

[11:36] J.J.: I think they use their hands.

[11:44] Olaf: What I love is the tree-

[11:48] J.J.: Because they clearly were there for a while. The wide shot of the tree is amazing.

[11:49] J.J.: Welcome back to the Movie Theater! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the Theater!

[12:19] Olaf: Yes, it is! We’re untangling lights, putting out the eggnog, and, uh, emptying the RV septic tank into the storm drain.

[12:34] J.J.: Classic Griswold family activities, right?

[12:49] Olaf: Absolutely! This week, we’re diving into National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

[13:09] J.J.: A holiday favorite for so many. I mean, who doesn’t love the chaos of the Griswold family Christmas?

[13:29] Olaf: Right? It’s like a perfect blend of humor and holiday spirit.

[13:49] J.J.: And let’s not forget the iconic moments that make this movie a must-watch every year.

[14:09] Olaf: For sure! From the lights to the tree, and of course, the infamous squirrel!

[14:29] J.J.: Oh man, the squirrel! That scene is just hilarious.

[14:49] Olaf: And let’s talk about the family dynamics. Clark, Ellen, and the kids are just so relatable.

[15:09] J.J.: They really capture that chaotic family vibe. You can’t help but laugh at their misadventures.

[15:24] Olaf: Exactly! And the way Clark just wants everything to be perfect, but it all goes wrong.

[15:44] J.J.: It’s a classic case of expectations versus reality during the holidays.

[16:04] Olaf: And who can forget the memorable quotes? “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas!”

[16:24] J.J.: That’s one of my favorites! It’s so quotable.

[16:44] Olaf: Definitely! And the whole scene with the lights is just iconic.

[17:04] J.J.: Speaking of lights, how many did Clark actually put up?

[17:24] Olaf: I think it was like 25,000 or something ridiculous!

[17:44] J.J.: And they all light up at once! It’s a sight to behold.

[18:04] Olaf: It really is! And then there’s the moment when the power goes out.

[18:24] J.J.: Classic! You can just feel his frustration.

[18:44] Olaf: And let’s not forget about Cousin Eddie. He adds a whole new level of chaos.

[19:04] J.J.: Oh, Cousin Eddie is a character for sure! He’s both hilarious and a bit cringe-worthy.

[19:24] Olaf: Exactly! He’s the perfect foil to Clark’s character.

[19:44] J.J.: And the way he shows up in that RV? Just classic Eddie.

[20:04] Olaf: It’s like he brings his own brand of holiday cheer, whether you want it or not!

[20:24] J.J.: Right? And the whole family dynamic is just so relatable.

[20:44] Olaf: It really captures the essence of family gatherings during the holidays.

[21:04] J.J.: So, what’s your favorite scene from the movie?

[21:24] Olaf: I think it has to be the moment when they finally get the lights to work. It’s just so satisfying!

[21:44] J.J.: That’s a great one! It’s like all the chaos finally pays off.

[22:04] Olaf: Exactly! And it’s such a feel-good moment.

[22:24] J.J.: Well, I think we’ve covered a lot of ground here.

[22:44] Olaf: For sure! It’s always fun to relive these holiday classics.

[23:04] J.J.: Alright, folks, make sure to tune in next week for more movie fun!

[23:24] Olaf: And don’t forget to follow us on social media!

[23:39] J.J.: Welcome back to the show! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the Theater!

[24:09] Olaf: That's right! We’re untangling lights, putting out the eggnog, and, uh, emptying the RV septic tank into the storm drain.

[24:39] J.J.: Yeah, you know, just your typical holiday preparations.

[25:09] Olaf: This week, we’re diving into the classic holiday film, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation!

[25:39] J.J.: A true holiday staple! I mean, who doesn't love the Griswold family antics?

[26:09] Olaf: Exactly! And we’re going to get into the Christmas spirit and figure out why the floors are wet.

[26:39] J.J.: Spoiler alert: it might have something to do with Cousin Eddie!

[26:41] Olaf: Oh, Cousin Eddie! He’s such a memorable character.

[26:43] J.J.: He really is! And I think he brings a lot of the humor to the movie.

[26:45] Olaf: Absolutely! I mean, who can forget his iconic lines?

[26:47] J.J.: Right? And the way he shows up in that RV is just classic.

[26:49] Olaf: It’s like, you know, you can always count on Cousin Eddie to make an entrance!

[26:51] J.J.: And the whole family dynamic is just so relatable, especially during the holidays.

[26:53] Olaf: For sure! It really captures the chaos of family gatherings.

[26:55] J.J.: And the expectations versus reality theme is so prevalent in this film.

[26:57] Olaf: Definitely! It’s like you want everything to be perfect, but it never really is.

[26:59] J.J.: Exactly! And that’s what makes it so funny and endearing.

[27:01] Olaf: So, what’s your favorite scene from the movie?

[27:03] J.J.: Oh man, it’s hard to choose! But I think the scene where they’re trying to get the lights to work is a classic.

[27:05] Olaf: Yes! And the moment when the whole house lights up is just magical.

[27:07] J.J.: It really is! And the look on Clark's face is priceless.

[27:09] Olaf: You can feel his excitement and frustration all at once.

[27:11] J.J.: And let’s not forget about the infamous squirrel scene!

[27:13] Olaf: Oh, that one always gets me! The chaos that ensues is just hilarious.

[27:15] J.J.: Right? It’s like you can’t help but laugh at the madness.

[27:17] Olaf: And it’s such a great representation of how unpredictable family gatherings can be.

[27:19] J.J.: Exactly! It’s all about embracing the chaos.

[27:21] Cousin Eddie: Hey, Clark! You got a minute?

[27:23] Cousin Eddie: I just wanted to say, you know, I’m really glad to be here for the holidays.

[27:25] Cousin Eddie: I brought my family, and we’re all excited to celebrate with you!

[27:27] Cousin Eddie: Just wanted to make sure you’re ready for a little bit of fun.

[27:29] Cousin Eddie: You know how it is, right?

[27:31] Cousin Eddie: Family is everything during the holidays!

[27:33] Cousin Eddie: And I’m just here to spread some cheer.

[27:35] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say we get this party started?

[27:37] Cousin Eddie: I brought some special surprises for everyone!

[27:39] Cousin Eddie: Just don’t tell anyone where I parked the RV.

[27:41] Cousin Eddie: It’s a little... unconventional.

[27:43] Cousin Eddie: But hey, it’s the holidays, right?

[27:45] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make some memories!

[27:47] Cousin Eddie: And maybe a little bit of mischief along the way.

[27:49] Cousin Eddie: That’s what it’s all about!

[27:51] Cousin Eddie: So, what’s the plan, Clark?

[27:53] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[27:55] Cousin Eddie: Just let me know how I can help.

[27:57] Cousin Eddie: I’m all in for the holiday spirit!

[27:59] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[28:01] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, no more RV mishaps this year.

[28:03] Cousin Eddie: Just good times and laughter!

[28:05] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[28:07] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some fun?

[28:09] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[28:11] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[28:13] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[28:15] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[28:17] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[28:19] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[28:21] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[28:23] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[28:25] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[28:27] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[28:29] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[28:31] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[28:33] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[28:35] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[28:37] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[28:39] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[28:41] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[28:43] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[28:45] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[28:47] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[28:49] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[28:51] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[28:53] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[28:55] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[28:57] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[28:59] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[29:01] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[29:03] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[29:05] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[29:07] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[29:09] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[29:11] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[29:13] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[29:15] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[29:17] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[29:19] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[29:21] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[29:23] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[29:27] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[29:29] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[29:31] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[29:37] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[29:39] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[29:41] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[29:43] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[29:45] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[29:47] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[29:49] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[29:53] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[29:55] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[29:57] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[29:59] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[30:01] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[30:03] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[30:05] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[30:07] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[30:09] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[30:11] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[30:13] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[30:15] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[30:17] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[30:19] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[30:21] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[30:23] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[30:25] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[30:27] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[30:29] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[30:31] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[30:33] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[30:37] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[30:39] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[30:41] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[30:43] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[30:45] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[30:47] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[30:49] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[30:51] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[30:53] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[30:55] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[30:57] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[30:59] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[31:01] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[31:03] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[31:05] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[31:07] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[31:09] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[31:11] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[31:13] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[31:15] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[31:17] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[31:19] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[31:21] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[31:23] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[31:25] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[31:27] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[31:29] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[31:31] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[31:33] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[31:35] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[31:37] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[31:39] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[31:41] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[31:43] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[31:45] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[31:47] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[31:49] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[31:51] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[31:53] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[31:55] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[31:57] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[31:59] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[32:01] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[32:03] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[32:05] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[32:07] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[32:09] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[32:11] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[32:13] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[32:15] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[32:17] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[32:19] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[32:21] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[32:23] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[32:25] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[32:27] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[32:29] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[32:31] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[32:33] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[32:35] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[32:37] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[32:39] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[32:41] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[32:43] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[32:45] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[32:47] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[32:49] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[32:51] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[32:53] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[32:55] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[32:57] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[32:59] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[33:01] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[33:03] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[33:05] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[33:07] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[33:09] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[33:11] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[33:13] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[33:15] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[33:17] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[33:19] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[33:21] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[33:23] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[33:25] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[33:27] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[33:29] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[33:31] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[33:33] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[33:35] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[33:37] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[33:39] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[33:41] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[33:43] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[33:45] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[33:47] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[33:49] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[33:51] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[33:53] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[33:55] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[33:57] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[33:59] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[34:01] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[34:03] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[34:05] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[34:07] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[34:09] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[34:11] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[34:13] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[34:15] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[34:17] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[34:19] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[34:21] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[34:23] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[34:25] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[34:27] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[34:29] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[34:31] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[34:33] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[34:35] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[34:37] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[34:39] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[34:41] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[34:43] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[34:45] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[34:47] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[34:49] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[34:51] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[34:53] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[34:55] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[34:57] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[34:59] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[35:01] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[35:03] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[35:05] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[35:07] Cousin Eddie: Because I sure am!

[35:09] Cousin Eddie: Let’s get this party started!

[35:11] Cousin Eddie: And make some unforgettable memories!

[35:13] Cousin Eddie: That’s what the holidays are all about!

[35:15] Cousin Eddie: So, let’s do this!

[35:17] Cousin Eddie: I’m ready for anything!

[35:19] Cousin Eddie: Just point me in the right direction!

[35:21] Cousin Eddie: And I’ll take care of the rest!

[35:23] Cousin Eddie: Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

[35:25] Cousin Eddie: And I promise, it’ll be a blast!

[35:27] Cousin Eddie: So, what do you say, Clark?

[35:29] Cousin Eddie: Are you ready for some holiday fun?

[35:29] J.J.: Wrapped up her cat and put the cat in a box and brought the cat over for Christmas. She wrapped up her cat. And the amount of havoc they bring. There's two old people that come in and the cat that they've wrapped up is now loose and starts chewing on the lights and ends up, all that's left is a burnt outline and some fur under the chair. Well, if that cat had nine lives, he used all of them. And then you've got Uncle Louis burning up the Christmas tree, right, setting the tree on fire with a cigar. But yeah, you get the dinner, you get Aunt Bethany standing up for her, the Pledge of Allegiance instead of the prayer. They want you to say grace. Grace, she died 30 years ago. The blessing. I pledge allegiance to the flag.

So good. And then later she's singing the national anthem outside when the Santa goes up into the sky. She ends it with play ball. So good. Yeah, memorable characters that, including the in-laws, like I said, that even though we didn't spend a lot of time with them, they're all very specific in what they're doing. Like when the squirrel comes into the house and, where's Eddie? Doesn't he usually eat these things? Not anymore. Not since he found out they were high in cholesterol. Uncle Louis is sleeping on the chair, completely oblivious. I think Aunt Bethany is knitting a sweater on the chair. I love the scene with the squirrel because, A, of how absurd it is. Because I don't know if people would necessarily react quite to the level that they are in fear and terror.

It's just a squirrel. They're acting like it's a bear. Yeah, exactly. It's like you said, it's sort of the ridiculousness of the comedy that you don't seem to mind. Because you've already been with these people for, most of them for two and a half movies. And because you're right. Chases the squirrel and just wreaks havoc. Just destroys. And again, it goes to the comedy of it. If you're Eddie, you're gonna get in your RV and you're gonna somehow magically find Mr. Shirley's house in this neighborhood. He has no idea where he's going. But Clark is very specific as to where he lives. And somehow Eddie sniffs him out like a wild dog. Up there on whatever road with all the rich people. With all the rich people.

And he finds the house and brings him back. But the reason why he does that is because, throughout the movie, Clark's been waiting for this bonus. Christmas bonus is coming. He's put the down payment on the pool. And then you get the kid who shows up with the envelope. Clark opens it up and it's a year subscription to Jelly of the Month Club. Well, that's the gift that keeps on giving, Clark. That it is, Edward. That it is indeed. And then he goes on this profanity-laced rant, which is perfection. Because I almost feel like he does it in one take. And I can't remember if the people off camera had it written down. I remember this. He did improvise some of his rant, but each of the cast members that was facing him all had a word.

That's what it was. Like an adjective or something? Yeah. So he was using those cards as well. He was pulling. Okay. That's what it was. I knew it was one of those things where he had a little bit of help, but for the most part, it was him just going after it, which is awesome. Because it is the breaking point. And then you get this really small, small touching scene with his dad in the kitchen, which isn't that long, but it's so specific because it really painted a picture of maybe that generation and how they handled things. Well, it really gives you a picture of the father-son dynamic. Like his dad's coming in to say, you've lost your mind. You got to get it together. Everybody's counting on you.

Right. And Clark's only memory is, well, dad, how did you do it? Because it always seems so put together. And his dad was like, well, I had help from Jack Daniels. He would drink to get through it. And you never see Clark do that. You never see Clark go to the bottle to grab a drink. His vice is to lose it. I mean, he does have some eggnog, whether it's alcoholic or not, don't know. No, but you see, but you know, like Ellen clearly would smoke. That would be her vice. Clark loses his mind in meaning he does get angry. Takes a chainsaw, cuts down a tree. Yeah. And then the Noel, yeah. And so are these healthy forms of aggression? Maybe not. But the next scene, you see Clark reading, you know, it was the night before Christmas to everybody and everything seems to have calmed down.

And then Eddie shows up with Mr. Shirley with a bow like he managed to find this economy size bow. This is a very like movie moment because he's like, I'm calling the cops. And they're all like, well, wait, before you do that, we're going to tell you why we're mad. Yeah. And he's like, oh, wow. I never thought of it. Actually seeing the faces of the people, my decisions affects. Yeah. I see the error of my ways. I gave you last year. Do you double it? Yeah. 20% or whatever it is. Yeah, I know. And you're right. Classic movie moment. We're going to solve everything with one conversation. My cousin is an idiot. He didn't mean to do this. Please don't press charges. And by the way, also, if you could bring back the bonuses, that would be great.

OK, then his wife shows up with a SWAT. Oh, yeah. Well, because that one little scene where she's like, my husband's been abducted by this man in a leisure suit, this big, bulging man, bulging man in a leisure suit. And then they knew exactly where to go. Like, how did they know where to go? How did the cops? Well, have you seen his house? Yeah, but it's not see it from space, but it did. I mean, unless Eddie unless Eddie came into their house and she was also there and he said, I'm taking your I'm taking your husband. Well, I'm Clark. You also have to remember his RV is very recognizable, but it's it's not like they live in a small town with like 500 people. I mean, it is the suburbs. It seems like they live in a small town with one set of neighbors and a street over is the rich people.

Right. Just over the hill is the rich people neighborhood. Yeah. No. And I love that the cops come in. They basically destroy the house again. Some more. And then everything's sewn up together in a nice little bow. Yeah. Even the police and Brian Doyle Murray's wife are mad at him for cutting out bonuses of all the of all the lousy things to save a buck. He's like, I know. I'm sorry. Like, it's kind of a dumb resolution, but it doesn't matter because, again, like like the squirrel, it's just part of the absurdity that you are OK with because everything else is so spot on. And I think if you were to single out certain things that this movie does, that other movies do, that it for whatever reason doesn't work in those movies, but works in this movie.

And it's because of everything else, because of the characters, because of the writing, because you care about everybody, even the people you don't like. You sort of care about them in some little way. Yeah. This movie is just a fantastic holiday film that everybody loves because I think it connects with everyone on different levels. There's there's something there for everybody. There's something there for everyone to sympathize with or reminisce with. And it makes sense that it was it's a John Hughes movie. Yes. You see his name roll up in the credits at the beginning and you're like, oh, OK. And then you start watching it and you go, oh, yeah, absolutely. I get it. Like this is completely this completely makes sense. Yeah. And it's all wrapped up in a beautiful bow at the end. And Clark's outside the house staring up at all the stars and not sitting there in front of him, staring right back at him.

[44:05] Olaf: Yeah. You got that. But right before that, though, is, you know, yeah, the cops are leaving and then the kids run out at Santa Claus and he's like, no, that's the Northern Star. And Uncle Lewis, that's not the Northern Star Grizz. That's the light from the sewage plant. And then here we go. He lights the cigar, throws the match and boom, launches them several feet in the air. And then Santa and the deer end up in the sky going over the moon like E.T. And yeah, you get Bethany singing the national anthem and play ball and play ball. Everybody's like hand over their heart. Even the cops have their hats off and Randy Quaid saluting. Yeah. And and then, yeah, you get that last scene where he's standing out there. And I love the last he goes, I did it like he did exactly what he wanted to do, which was to have this great Christmas vacation with his family and his and all of his family.

[45:11] J.J.: No, it's perfect. It's a perfect holiday movie. It is. And it doesn't feel dated. I mean, the only thing again, we always seem to say this is like, oh, if they had cell phones, that would be that would be it. Right. That would be the one thing that they they would have that. Yeah, I guess. But it's not there's no scene in there that requires it really. Yeah. And maybe that's the difference, too, is a reason why it feels so timeless and so classic is something as simple as a cell phone doesn't interfere with the connection of any of these characters. Because what the thing that is timeless is the family dynamic. Yeah, that's what's timeless about it. I agree. And I love it. I've already seen it this holiday season. And yeah, I'm off to watch Die Hard next.

[46:00] Olaf: There you go. Merry Christmas. Well, guys, that is a wonderful little holiday episode that we've brought to you. And we hope that you have enjoyed listening to us reminisce about our love for a classic Christmas movie, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Like I said, it's one of my favorites. Let us know if it's one of yours. You know, you can always follow us at back to the movie theater on Instagram. Comment. Let us know what your favorite scene was in this movie. If this is one of your top, you know, five, top 10, your number one Christmas movie. We look forward to hearing from you guys and talking to you later. And from J.J. and Olaf, we wish you a Merry Christmas and to be continued.

[47:04] J.J.: Die Hard. It's Christmas time, time, time, time.