The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award
Best third installment; replaced-children theory; Chase’s best dramatic performance
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:56:25Read transcript
- Among the late 1980s sequel boom, Christmas Vacation may have the longest cultural life and be a best third installment. Return of the King, Return of the Jedi, Lethal Weapon 3, Godfather III, an unidentified title in the transcript and Avengers: Infinity War compete; whether Avengers counts is disputed. Back to the Future III is rejected.
- A dark Speak No Evil theory imagines the Griswolds continually replacing and renaming their children.
- This may be Chase’s best dramatic performance: the bonus disappointment and inability to afford helping Eddie’s children expose a touching family-provider crisis.