Granny saying the Pledge of Allegiance as Christmas dinner grace has to be one of the funniest moments in movies ever. Well, at least it was the first time — once the surprise is past, it’s not quite so hilarious anymore.
The general level of just barely contained family animosity and bad will is what makes this a classic, especially combined with poor Chevy Chase’s determination to make Christmas fun fun fun! at the same time. It’s a bitter takedown of the forced merriment of the holiday season.
(I reviewed the film here. It’s an early effort — be kind.)
