When one thinks of Christmas movies, “wholesome,” “endearing,” and “family-friendly” are usually the descriptors that come to mind. Hilarious, zany holiday romps aren’t exactly in abundance, especially when it comes to the more raunchy, adult-oriented brand of comedy. There are a few classics that come to mind, such as the teen and young adult-favorite Elf and the iconic A Christmas Story.
But there are two holiday movies that really stand out in terms of their unique style and their wacky sense of humor. In one corner, there’s Christmas Vacation, often regarded as the peak of the National Lampoon franchise and one of the best holiday movies. Lesser-known, but no less interesting, is the Michael Dougherty laugher-thriller Krampus, which uses spooks and flashy effects to bring a distinct comedic angle. While vastly different, each of these films succeeds in bringing belly laughs with their off-kilter humor, especially for older audiences. But which is more effective in its unique style of comedy? Let’s explore five ways in which each movie makes its case as one of the funniest holiday comedies.
Krampus: Uniquely Funny Performances
It can really be the little things that spur the most laughter – and for all its bombast, it’s the amusing character portrayals in Krampus that provides much of the comedy. Despite the craziness of the events unfolding, most manage to be believable in their reactions – which waver between terrified, dumbstruck, and sarcastic. Their downplaying of events and joke-cracking strengthen the film’s funny bone – and somehow seems appropriate.
One example is Tom’s (Adam Scott’s) sarcastic, agitated “ohh great!” when watching Krampus’ minions break in. You’ve got Howard’s (David Koechner) campy action hero demeanor as he fires on attacking Christmas cookies, as well as Dorothy’s (Conchata Ferrell) zingers and “who cares?” attitude as she sips peppermint Schnapps. It’s like something out of a sitcom – just plopped into a twisted thriller setting.
Christmas Vacation: Witty And Goofy Dialogue
Krampus may have depth on a visual level, but elsewhere it tends to favor surface-level campiness over wit. This isn’t so with Christmas Vacation, which has many cleverly funny gags and quotes; some of which are subtle and easy to miss.
At the same time, there are still plenty of over-the-top moments and silly dialogue to balance the scales, much of which comes courtesy of the zany cousin Eddie. Who can forget humorous lines like Clark’s rant about his boss, or uncle Lewis’ jab at his wife regarding her lack of hearing? This fusion of clever adult humor and wackiness makes Christmas Vacation particularly funny and appealing to a wide audience.
Krampus: An Insane Premise Coupled with Twists And Turns
An off-the-wall setting or premise can help set the stage for a true laugh-out-loud romp. It’s certainly tougher to get much crazier than a demonic version of good ol’ St. Nick, deadly toys, and devious Christmas cookies. This sets the stage for some spooks and thrills, but it also invokes laughter with the surreal events transpiring on-screen. It’s hard not to chuckle as Dougherty turns a seemingly wholesome holiday comedy into a warped nightmare.
The unpredictable nature of the movie keeps viewers off-balance, and it’s all the funnier because of this.
Christmas Vacation: Classicly Silly Slapstick
Adult humor aside, Christmas Vacation takes a much different approach than Krampus in coaxing yuks, starting with a setting and events that are more grounded in reality – at least at first. Still, the film isn’t shy about tossing in ample slapstick to bring a more juvenile sense of humor. And being as accident-prone as he is, Clark brings plenty of this; from his road scuffle to his mach-speed sledding and his run-in with a clingy squirrel.
Unfortunately for his neighbors Todd and Margo, they also end up bearing the brunt of Clark’s hijinks in cartoon slapstick fashion.
Krampus: Over-The-Top Action Scenes And Special Effects
Krampus contains a level of crazy action and detailed special effects likely to make animators and special effects artists envious. This sets things up for amped-up slapstick and action that resembles a Warner Brothers cartoon as much as a creepy thriller. Just take the scenes of a shotgun-wielding aunt Dorothy, who blasts a killer bird doll into oblivion, or a Michael Bay-style explosion triggered by Howard as he fends off flaming gingerbread men.
This film has a knack for providing shock laughs in abundance, heightened by some flashy effects.
Christmas Vacation: Relatability
Comedy often thrives with premises and concepts that are at least semi-relatable. And while Christmas Vacation tends to dial up the absurdities by the third act, it remains somewhat grounded and relatable throughout. Most can identify with hosting or attending holiday get-togethers with their quirky families and bracing for the inevitable chaos and drama that awaits. This connection tends to add some comedic weight.
There are some fairly identifiable scenes throughout – like Clark’s frustrating outdoor labor, or Ellen’s headaches with their parents as she prepares for the festivities. As amusing as it is, Krampus‘ unrealistic premise of an evil Santa and toy minions doesn’t exactly hit home.
Krampus: Aunt Dorothy And Uncle Howard
Sure, Christmas Vacation may have the fan-favorite Eddie, but Krampus shines with essentially two “Eddie-like” characters. You’ve got the stern, gun-toting Howard, along with the snarky, booze-loving aunt Dorothy.
Each of them colors their respective scenes with a unique brand of witty, zany humor to lighten the mood and remind viewers that this thriller is in fact a comedy. And despite their eccentric ways, both seem pretty authentic in their portrayal of one’s own quirky aunt or uncle.
Christmas Vacation: Clark’s Clumsiness
The comedy charm of the Vacation films often stems from Clark’s subtly clumsy nature and tough luck, along with a humble sort of “everyman” persona. He rides that line between a relatable dad and a funny caricature.
His motives are understandable and even admirable – he just wants to give his family the best, most classic get-together possible. This yields an obsession and recklessness that causes him to get burned far more often than not; though it also makes for some pretty hilarious moments. He may have the occasional success – his Christmas lights and bonus check, for instance – but he sure has to take his lumps to get there.
Krampus: Crazy Designs Of Krampus’ Creatures
Michael Dougherty’s film stands out for various reasons – but the detailed and generally twisted creature designs have to be at the top of the list. While these minions of Krampus are actually pretty spooky, there’s also a certain wacky nature to many of them. This weird clash in tones throughout makes for instant comedy.
It’s uniquely funny and absurd, to say the least. How many films involve a person getting gobbled up by a puppet monster, or getting ferociously pecked by a winged angel doll of death? Who can forget the showdown between Howard and nail gun-wielding gingerbread men; a scene that resembles a sadistic version of Shrek? These are the sorts of insane visuals that one can’t help but laugh at.
Christmas Vacation: Constant Laughs From Cousin Eddie
There’s no shortage of funny characters in Christmas Vacation, but there’s something authentically hilarious about Cousin Eddie that’s rarely matched. Clark’s RV-driving, drink-guzzling brother-in-law is almost like a cartoon character with his prominent goofiness and dumb antics. He carries much of the comedy load throughout the film, even when things seem to hit a more serious, subdued note.
He plays off the more straight and sarcastic Clark quite well, setting the stage for some great banter and passive-aggressive jabs from the film’s lead. He also provides some of the movie’s funniest quotes. Eddie really embodies the off-the-wall zaniness of the National Lampoon brand.
