Monday, December 10, 2012

The Best Characters


It has begun, that most wonderful, magical time. The Christmas tree is up, favorite holiday movies out, and classic carols prepped on the Bluetooth from now until the long-awaited holiday. 
Of course, with all the Christmas cheer often comes the good, bad and the crazy of trying to put together the perfect holiday. Which is why, while watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation last night, the writer in me couldn’t help analysing the character of Clark W. Griswold. 

Some of the best characters, I think, are ones that a lot of us can identify with. And never has there been a more authentic or genuine portrayal of your stereotypical American over the holidays. With a high regard for all that is tradition and family, Clark holds an idealistic and morally sound vision of what the holidays should be, and does his best to make that vision a reality. 

However, when things don’t go his way, we catch unfiltered glimpses into his many facets; 

His deep distain for injustice.

Unwavering determination to finish what he started. 


Impulsive no-holds-barred language

And an inability to think straight when presented with a fine specimen of the opposite sex.


I like to think there's a little Clark W. Griswold in us all. In any case, Christmas Vacation definitely reminds me of my family Christmases growing up in the 80's.

Tell me, what are your favorite Christmas characters of all time? Are you more of a Grinch/Scrooge fan?  A Ralphie?  A Charlie Brown? ;)

20 comments:

Vikki said...

Mine has to be Buddy the Elf. I feel just like him during the holidays sometimes because I'm a bit surrounded by Scrooges in my family. So I'm always the excited one, jumping up and down when we're at the mall and we see Santa. But I think we could all use a little Buddy the Elf in our hearts! :)

S.A. Larsenッ said...

I have to go with the Little Drummer Boy. Seriously, I just love him and want to hug him. Always have. I also love the toys on the Island of Misfit Toys.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I love this movie and Chevy Chase in general.

We just watched It's a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart with our daughter. It's one of my favorites.

Old Kitty said...

I'm a Scrooge fan but I do like the Lampoon films cos Mr Griswald is always always finding the positives in any situation! Yay!! Take care
x

mshatch said...

I love Christmas movies, even the silly ones like ELF. My faves are Rudolph, The Grinch (the original), and It's a Wonderful Life.

Louise said...

I think I'm definitely a Gonzo-as-Charles-Dickens from the Muppet Christmas Carol!

Rizzo: I fell down the chimney and landed on a flaming hot goose!

Gonzo: You have all the fun!

B.E. Sanderson said...

I'm not a huge fan of the other Vacation movies, but I love this one. =o)

Other favorite Christmas characters: Buddy the Elf, Max the Dog and Cindy-Lou Who in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, definitely Gonzo and Rizzo in The Muppet Christmas Carol ("Light the lamp, not the rat!")... there are so many greats I can't remember them all. =o)

Nicole L Rivera said...

My favorite Christmas movie of all time is actual Christmas Vacation. It also reminds me of Christmas growing up in the 80's and 90's. My family would watch this movie every year. We all love it. I'm trying to get the hubby on with the tradition. He grew up in a tradition-less family. When I tried to find out what aspects of their traditions I could incorporate into our Christmas all he said is, "Our Christmases were weird. We have no tradition." Some years they put a tree up, some years they just have scrambled eggs for dinner, it's all over the place.
Anywho, I also like The Grinch, the one with Jim Carey.
Hope you have a very Merry, Creepy Christmas :)

Stina said...

I'm going to have to borrow this one to show the kids. Our neighbor has tried to outdo Clark with the Christmas lights. I swear the movie must have been the his inspiration. :)

Nicole L Rivera said...

Oh, and the 1934, Laurel & Hardy, Babes in Toyland. Love that movie! Use to watch it over and over, all year long with my grandfather.

J.L. Campbell said...

This movie is one of my Christmas favourites. No matter how many times I've seen it, I can still laugh at the ridiculousness of it. Good character analysis. Happy Holidays!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ralphie! And the Grinch of course.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

I'm most like the Victorian Blackadder from Blackadder's Christmas, before his character arc wraps up - LOL!

Tony Van Helsing said...

Billy Bob Thorntons character in Bad Santa, utterly unlovable but you still like him at the end, and it isn't sentimental.

Kimberlee Turley said...

Surprised someone else posted this one before me... Babes in Toyland!

I also like the toys from the Island of Misfit Toys (stop-motion rudolph special) who just want to be played with.

Laura S. said...

I saw this movie for the first time last weekend! It wasn't one we grew up watching but my husband did.

My favorite Christmas characters are Ralphie, the Grinch (the cartoon! Boris Karloff voice!), Gonzo/Charles Dickens, and of course Phil, Judy, Betty, and Bob!!

prerna pickett said...

just watched this with the kids this past weekend and laughed so hard. There's definitely a clark griswold in me.

Mel Chesley said...

Oooh my gosh. lol! Absolutely no doubt in my mind that we all have a little Clark in us.
I am more of a Ralphie kind of person, though.
Good post!

Carolyn Abiad said...

Burgermeister Meisterburger from Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. (hehe- ridiculous villains rule!) And the Grinch. I look out for them every year.

I love Chevy Chase movies too, but I never think to watch them unless they're on TV.

D.G. Hudson said...

I'm more of a Ralphie, minus the glasses. And, I would totally hide that leg lamp.

Hope you're enjoying the season and taking care of yourself.

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