Family Guy
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
arrived in theaters December 1, 1989 — and marks the last time we can reliably say Chevy Chase was ever funny. Following that last high-water mark, Chase appeared in a string of flaccid, unfunny movies and hosted perhaps the most wincingly awkward (and mercifully short-lived) late-night talk show in television history. But in the third outing of the Vacation franchise, Chase elevated Clark Griswold from mere sequel fodder to cherished holiday icon, a latter-day George Bailey, crass and disaster-prone but singularly devoted to giving his family — Cousin Eddie included — the merriest and brightest yuletide ever. Tonight and Saturday at 9, Screenland at the Crossroads (1656 Washington) offers two opportunities to remember fondly a time when he was Chevy Chase and you weren’t. Tickets cost $6. Call 816-421-9700 for more information or see screenland.com.
Fri., Dec. 12, 9 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 13, 9 p.m., 2008
