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Prime Video's hit Reacher is in the middle of its third season. As with the previous seasons, the new outing brings a host of new main characters. One of these is rug importer Zachary Beck, who offers Reacher a job after he saves Beck's son Richard. Beck is played by Anthony Michael Hall, who's enjoyed a nearly 40-year career in the industry.

That's right, Gen-x readers, the 1980s were four decades ago. Take a minute to process that if you need to. Hall was one of that decade's biggest teen stars, with appearances in Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Weird Science. He was a frequent collaborator with John Hughes, the king of '80s coming-of-age teen comedies. That partnership set Hall up for lifelong success, which is still an impressive feat in today's industry. Of those early parts, Sixteen Candles really gave Hall his breakout role. He followed that...

We all love Julia Louis-Dreyfus — sometimes so much that we can’t help but annoy her when she’s trying to pee or give birth. After all, she played iconic characters like Elaine Benes on Seinfeld, Selina Meyers on Veep and Neighbor Who Didn’t Deserve Any of Clark Griswold’s Crap in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

But one of Louis-Dreyfus’ most delightful roles is Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Whenever she shows up on a talk show, Louis-Dreyfus is always charming and funny. And there’s perhaps no better evidence of this than her many appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Letterman’s official YouTube account recently posted a “Best of Julia Louis-Dreyfus” compilation that, it should be noted, was in no way a harbinger of any tragic news. In addition to her conversations with Letterman, one memorable segment from 2000 found Louis-Dreyfus singing with Jerry Seinfeld. That’s right,...

The Academy Awards have honored legendary actors like Meryl Streep, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sidney Poitier, Al Pacino and Katharine Hepburn. They also once nominated the Bass-o-Matic guy.

It’s easy to forget that Dan Aykroyd was nominated for an Oscar back in 1990, thanks to his work in a certain 1989 film — no, not Ghostbusters II. Although, if there was a “Best Performance By An Actor Pretending to Drive a Slime-Covered Statue of Liberty With a Nintendo Controller” category, he would have been a shoo-in.

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Aykroyd was nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for playing Jessica Tandy’s son in Driving Miss Daisy. Today the movie is generally considered to be one of the worst Best Picture winners in Oscars history, a tone-deaf exploration of racism whose primary focus was to alleviate white guilt. Making its shortcomings all the more glaring was the fact that Spike Lee’s more challenging, nuanced take on contemporary race relations,...

Anthony Michael Hall, the actor known for his iconic roles in '80s films like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, is returning to the spotlight with a role in the Prime Video action hit Reacher. In the recently released Season 3, Hall plays Zachary Beck, a ruthless millionaire in the importing business who will stand against the titular hero, Jack Reacher. Hall's career is long enough, and he may have drawn some inspiration from his movies and TV shows, but for Reacher, he found a personal event that was significant enough to make his character "rich."

"Suddenly, I had a wealth of things to draw on," the actor explained in a new interview with Variety. Elsewhere, Hall spoke about the multilayered character that poses as a rug importer and turns out to be part of a crime ring. While the genre of Reacher usually focuses on action set pieces and intricate fight sequences,...

This article contains spoilers for "Reacher" Season 3.

One of the recurring aspects of "Reacher," apart from bad guys with short lifespans, is middlemen who get involved with the wrong people. In Season 3, this position is filled by Bizarre Bazaar CEO Zachary Beck, who has already seen his family suffer at the hands of his "business partner," Julius McCabe, formerly known as Xavier Quinn (Brian Tee). To make matters worse, all this corruption and illegal activity has caught the attention of DEA agent Susan Duffy (Sonya Cassidy), who, following a botched undercover operation, sends in our boy Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) to keep tabs on what's happening. After Reacher poses as potential muscle for the businessman, Beck's world soon gets turned upside down as traitorous activity begins to reveal itself, deals go south, and the bad guys closest to him end up very, very dead.

Understandably, it's a stressful situation to be in,...

Anthony Michael Hall has spent his career pursuing roles that allowed him to empathize with all kinds of characters. He’s always looking for that depth, that drive — that hook that inspires him to dig his teeth into a script, and defy expectations — and to prove he’s much more than the nerd from ’80s Brat Pack movies like “The Breakfast Club” and “Sixteen Candles.”

His newest role is playing an arms dealer on the third season of “Reacher,” the hit Amazon Prime Video show about an ex-military police drifter who travels the United States, busting up increasingly outsized criminal enterprises. For any actor, “Reacher” is a huge platform, but Hall was laser-focused on the complexity of his character, Zachary Beck, who poses as a humble rug importer.

“It’s a very rich character,” he says. “He has a cover for his life, and is operating within this framework of a criminal network.

There aren’t many filmmakers who have reshaped the comedy genre as significantly as Harold Ramis, who is responsible for many of the funniest films ever made. Although Ramis epitomized the peak of the post-Saturday Night Live era of the 1980s with classics like Caddyshack, Stripes, and Vacation, he would continue to experiment throughout his career with the science fiction caper Multiplicity and the crime satire Analyze This. While there have been some comedic icons whose relevance faded over time because of their inability (or unwillingness) to evolve their sense of humor, Ramis was able to continuously make bold choices that indicated how ahead of his time he was. Ramis directed the hilariously grim neo-noir comedy The Ice Harvest, which may be one of the darkest Christmas films ever made.

“Reacher” is back.

Based on the book series by Lee Child, the Prime Video series once again finds our titular hero (Alan Ritchson) getting off the bus and getting into trouble. This time he is in Maine, recruited by local DEA agents looking to bust a bad guy – and get back an informant who has gone missing. And wouldn’t you know it, this seemingly random encounter ties back to a case from Reacher’s past?

If you want to know more about this season, we will happily delve deep into the colorful cast of Season 3 characters.

Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher in “Reacher” Season 3 (Credit: Amazon Studios) Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher

Jack Reacher, or, as he insists everyone calls him, just Reacher, is a former military police major. These days, though, he’s what you would call a drifter – all he carries is his Atm card, the clothes...

As the sequel to Prime Video's Bosch, Bosch: Legacystars Titus Welliver as Harry Bosch. Mimi Rogers and Madison Lintz reprise their roles from the original series as Honey "Money" Chander and Madeline "Maddie" Bosch, respectively. The first two seasons of Bosch: Legacy focus on Bosch's work with Money as his daughter made her mark as an up-and-coming patrol officer in the LAPD. Among the additional cast members during season two, however, was a familiar face — and one fans will see again soon in Season 3 of Reacher — veteran actor Anthony Michael Hall.

Hall plays Zachary Beck in Reacher's third season. He's the father of Richard Beck, a college student who is almost kidnapped until Reacher intervenes. The titular drifter is then enlisted to work for the elder Beck and soon discovers his boss's business dealings aren't what they appear to be.

In short, Beck is the bad guy,...

"We lost our grandma! Who loses their grandma?!" Disney+ has revealed the official trailer for a comedy movie called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip, a sort of spin-off / remake movie inspired by the original Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day movie. The iconic book that this is based on (written by Judith Viorst) was also turned into a cheesy Disney movie in 2014 that got pretty bad / mixed reviews. This next one follows a Mexican American family who have recently lost their connection to each other and their roots, as they embark on an epic road trip that immediately goes hilariously wrong. The new comedy, which stars Eva Longoria, Jesse Garcia, Paulina Chávez, Rose Portillo, Cristo Fernández, Harvey Guillén, Mabel Cadena, Michelle Buteau, and introducing Thom Nemer, with Cheech Marin (hell yes), is directed by Marvin Lemus and written by Matt Lopez.

John Hughes was the patron saint of adolescents who found great success with a series of hit comedies, most of them centering around the plight of teenagers. Yet how many of those titles remain classics? Let’s take a look back at 12 of his greatest films as both a writer and director, ranked worst to best.

Born in 1950, Hughes first came to the attention of Hollywood as a writer after penning “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983) and “Mr. Mom” (1983). That financially successful one-two punch landed him his first directing gig: “Sixteen Candles” (1984). A tender coming-of-age story about a teenage girl (Molly Ringwald) suffering one indignity after another on her sweet sixteen firmly established him as the premiere helmer of adolescent comedies, leading to “The Breakfast Club” (1985), “Weird Science” (1985), and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986).

Yet Hughes also excelled at entertainments outside the classroom, including the road trip farce “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” (1987), starring...

Exclusive: Chevy Chase (Community), Bruce Dern (Palm Royale) and Joey Lauren Adams (Greedy People) are set to topline CATnip, a thriller with comedic elements from writer-director Nyle Cavazos Garcia (Clean). Anna Clols, an executive producer on the project, will also star.

Set to begin shooting in Los Angeles in February, the indie watches as a struggling family’s fresh start in a run-down apartment building turns into a fight for survival as a horde of feral cats unleashes terror, revealing the dark and deadly horrors lurking within its walls.

Other in the cast include Jake Busey, Geoffrey Arend, Keli Price, Lorelei Linklater, Charlotte Kirk, Brooke Bundy, Kylee Levien, and River Jose. Price is producing under his Price Productions banner, along with Garcia under his Small Town Pictures banner, with Javier C. Ortiz and Amado DeHoyos executive producing. Price also negotiated deals on behalf of the production.

An original Saturday Night Live...

On Thursday January 16 2025, MTV broadcasts Jersey Shore Family Vacation!

Season 7 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” promises an exciting adventure as the gang heads to Las Vegas. Known for its vibrant nightlife and endless entertainment, Sin City sets the stage for unforgettable moments. The friends are ready to embrace the wild atmosphere, and viewers can expect plenty of fun as they explore the city together.

After their Las Vegas escapades, the group makes their way back to the East Coast. Atlantic City awaits them, where they will celebrate important milestones. This part of the trip is sure to be filled with laughter and heartfelt moments as the cast reflects on their journeys and achievements.

Finally, the gang settles in for an extended summer stay at the Shore. This familiar setting has always been a beloved backdrop for their adventures, and it is likely to bring a mix of nostalgia and excitement.

Quick Links John Hughes Left a Profound Impact On American Comedy Films Drillbit Taylor Was One of the Funniest Yet Most Overlooked Comedies of the 2000s Why Wasn't John Hughes' Name Attached To Drillbit Taylor?

Best known for writing and even directing such classics as Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, and The Breakfast Club, John Hughes established an impressive legacy as one of the most influential screenwriters and filmmakers of his era. His final film, however, was one that not many knew that he was involved in. While he's credited under a pseudonym, given the plot and setting of the film, it certainly sounds like something he would have come up with. Starring Owen Wilson, 2008's Drillbit Taylor carries the sort of quirky plot and characters that would normally be found in one of Hughes' works, but comes across more like a product of Judd Apatow. It may not...

On Thursday January 9 2025, MTV broadcasts Jersey Shore Family Vacation!

Goodbye Miami Season 7 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” is titled “Goodbye Miami,” and it promises to bring some emotional moments and surprising twists. In this episode, Sammi takes a step forward by opening up to the other girls. This is a significant moment for her, as she shares her feelings and experiences, giving viewers a deeper look into her journey.

Meanwhile, Angelina is still on her quest for answers. She has been dealing with her own challenges and is determined to find clarity in her situation. This search for truth adds a layer of tension to the episode, keeping fans engaged as they wonder what revelations might come to light.

Additionally, Snooki receives some shocking news that could change everything. This unexpected development will likely have a big impact on her and the group as a whole.

Jersey Shore star Angelina Pivarnick continues to be the center of drama in the storylines on the Family Vacation spin-off.

After seeing several episodes focused on her and her fiance, Vinny Tortorella’s ongoing relationship struggles, fans recently called out her issues.

The couple argued during the cast’s trip to the Versace Mansion in Miami, Florida, which caused Angelina to vent to her castmates, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Jenni “JWoww” Farley.

Meanwhile, Tortorella, also known as Vinny 2.0, opened up to castmate Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino.

Ultimately, Angelina wondered why she remained with her fiance if she always felt so alone and they weren’t progressing toward relationship goals, including marriage and having kids.

A scene from Family Vacation featured Angelina and Vinny 2.0 receiving advice from castmates, including Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola, about what they should consider.

Sammi gave relationship advice to Angelina and her fiance about the ‘ick’

Sammi told...

Many movies aren't as wholesome and lighthearted as people assume they are, and watching them closely reveals they can be surprisingly dark. This is especially true when it comes to children's movies, as animation, comedy and music can gloss over some heavy themes. However, these elements can do the same in more mature movies in some circumstances, and people might forget about some darker moments.

Older movies like Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Breakfast Club can hide some darkness behind a glossy veneer of nostalgia. When people think of these classics, they often think about the fashion, the music or the actors. This ignores some distressing topics, like depression, trauma and isolation. Ultimately, it's best to dispell any assumptions about a movie before judging it fairly, but this isn't always easy.

The Breakfast Club (1985) The Teen Movie Is R-Rated For A Reason

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Jersey Shore Family Vacation fans won’t want to miss Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 8:00 Pm on MTV, as Season 7 kicks into high gear with the emotional episode titled “Goodbye Miami.” In this installment, the housemates face a range of personal struggles and big revelations that promise to keep viewers hooked.

Sammi has a big moment when she opens up to the girls about her feelings, giving fans a rare glimpse into her emotional world. This heart-to-heart will not only strengthen the bond between the housemates but also reveal some of the challenges Sammi has been working through. Meanwhile, Angelina is still on her quest for answers, as she searches for closure and resolution to some lingering issues that have been weighing on her.

The drama doesn’t stop there, though. Snooki gets some shocking news that could have major consequences for her future. The surprise will leave everyone in the house reeling,...

Two years ago, Universal Pictures teamed with producers David Leitch and Kelly McCormick of 87North Productions and director Tommy Wirkola to bring us the highly entertaining, R-rated holiday thriller Violent Night (read our 8/10 review at This Link)… and now, Violent Night 2 appears to be heading toward production. Star David Harbour was spotted with the script in his hand earlier this month, and during an interview with Collider, screenwriters Patrick Casey and Josh Miller assured that they know what fans are hoping to see in the sequel.

While Casey and Miller have stayed busy in recent years by writing each film in the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy, they have taken the occasional break from scripting Sonic action to write about Santa Claus taking on bad guys. Violent Night showed what happens when a team of elite mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage.

Over the years, there have been many stories about allegedly being difficult to work with actor Chevy Chase. A few days ago, filmmaker Chris Columbus was the latest person to add to the stories.

Columbus revealed that he gave up National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, even though he needed the work because he didn't get along with the actor. Although he gave generic information at the time, he called the actor "a complete jerk." In a new interview with Vanity Fair, the Home Alone director fully detailed why for the first time.

Related 'There Were a Bunch of Things': Doctor Who Christmas Special Writer Reveals Some Easter Eggs Fans Missed

Steven Moffat details some of the Easter eggs you might have missed in the new Doctor Who Christmas special.

Columbus, who is now a producer on the recently released horror Nosferatu, has always had a flair for Christmas-set films. Following his...

Almost 35 years after the film first premiered, Home Alone director Chris Columbus is offering answers for some of the most frequently asked questions around the characters in the movie — including how the McCallister family could afford their beautiful home in Chicago.

On a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Columbus explained that the mannequins briefly shown in the basement of the house were a hint that family matriarch Kate McCallister (Catherine O’Hara) was a high-profile fashion designer.

“The father could have, based on [writer] John Hughes’ own experience, worked in advertising, but I don’t remember what the father did,” the director continued. “Not organized crime — even though there was, at the time, a lot of organized crime in Chicago.”

Elsewhere in the episode, Columbus discussed seeing over 300 young actors for the role of Kevin before landing on McCaulay Culkin. He also spoke to the roundabout way...

Watched annually every Christmas season by millions across the world, Home Alone has long been one of cinema history's most celebrated films. Its cast has garnered great praise for their work on the film, though legendary funnyman Chris Farley missed out on being a part of it.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Home Alone director Chris Columbus confirmed the rumor that Farley had auditioned for a role in the classic Christmas movie. When the movie was in the casting process, Farley had not yet found great fame as a part of the cast of Saturday Night Live in the 90s, so he was still a young actor on the rise when he read for the role of the movie's Santa Claus impersonator. Columbus recalls Farley's audition being a bit rough after a night on the town in Chicago, and while that led to rejecting the funnyman for the film,...

The biggest mystery of Home Alone has been solved, according to the director of the beloved film. Despite what some fans have theorized, it does not involve a connection to organized crime.

Ever since the release of Home Alone in 1990, there have been questions about how the McCallisters are able to afford such an extravagant home. It's not directly specified in the movie how the family earns their income, but they must clearly be wealthy. Last year, The New York Times estimated that the family would need around $305,000 in annual costs to comfortably afford the house, and the actual residence that was used for filming is now valued at around $2.34 million. While admitting that it's still unclear what the family's patriarch did for work, as Columbus revealed to THR that a bulk of the income comes from Kevin's (Macaulay Culkin) mother.

Related 'He's Not Gonna Bite You': Home Alone Star...

Chris Columbus is the director of some of the most beloved movies of all time and he was originally set to direct National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, but quit due to Chevy Chase‘s alleged behavior on set.

Columbus is best known for movies like Adventures in Babysitting, Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, Stepmom, and the first two Harry Potter films.

In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Chris opened up about why he quit Christmas Vacation and what actually happened between him and Chevy.

Keep reading to find out more…

“I was signed on… and then I met Chevy Chase. Even given my situation at the time, where I desperately needed to make a film, I realized I couldn’t work with the guy,” Chris said.

He added, “I was one of the many who couldn’t work with him. And I called John [Hughes] and I said, ‘This is really hard for me,...

Home Alone star Daniel Stern has revealed his scary encounter with a real spider on the film’s set. Stern memorably played one-half of the Wet Bandits with Joe Pesci in Home Alone.

The 1990 holiday classic’s climactic scenes memorably involves 8-year-old Kevin McCallister using home-made booby traps to foil the Wet Bandits breaking into his home. At one point, Stern’s character Marv shrieks in horror when a tarantula walks across his face while he’s recovering from being burned by a clothing iron. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Stern revealed that he was completely taken by surprise when it came time to film the spider encounter. “I was kind of in a groove at that point of doing crazy things, so when I showed up on the set to do the spider thing, I thought … 'Let's see what happens. I'm sure they're gonna have a great prop spider.'...

Chris Columbus, the Hollywood director of films like Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, and the first two Harry Potter films, recently spilled some hot Christmas tea, revealing more details about when he signed up to direct the holiday classic, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It didn't work out for the young director in 1989 because he had to deal with someone who is often considered the most difficult and soul-crushing actor to work with — National Lampoon franchise star Chevy Chase. Columbus said he called it quits before things escalated.

Columbus recalled the event when speaking to Vanity Fair about his participation in Robert Eggers' Nosferatu (he's a producer on the film). In the late '80s, Columbus had already worked as a writer on Steven Spielberg productions like Gremlins, The Goonies and Young Sherlock Holmes. Naturally, he would eventually jump into the director's chair, and genre mastermind John Hughes saw Columbus' potential for his next script.

Director Chris Columbus recently spoke to Vanity Fair about the strange events that led to his departure from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. His decision was partly based on awkward interactions with Chevy Chase, the film’s star.

Columbus was just starting as a director at the time. With his film Heartbreak Hotel, he had just gone through what he called a “complete disaster.” Well-known director John Hughes, Columbus’s agent, offered him the story for Christmas Vacation. It looked like a great chance.

Things went well at the start of filming, with Columbus already getting a second unit video in Chicago during the holidays. But after meeting Chase twice, things changed.

Columbus described his plans for the film during their initial meeting. Chase didn’t say a word for thirty minutes. After that, he asked Columbus, “Wait a second.” “Are you the director?” When Columbus said yes, Chase said,...

A “bizarre” encounter with actor Chevy Chase led then-unknown filmmaker Chris Columbus to walk off National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The Nosferatu producer recalled the experience publicly for the first time, detailing that Chase’s disrespectful interactions toward him led him to quit at a time when he desperately needed a next project.

In a new sit-down with Vanity Fair, Columbus recounted connecting with John Hughes, who was repped by the same agent at the time, following the release of a “complete disaster” of a film called Heartbreak Hotel. After the box-office and critical failure, The Breakfast Club director sent him the script for Christmas Vacation.

Columbus sprung into action, beginning to shoot second unit in Chicago around Christmastime.

“I was signed on … and then I met Chevy Chase. Even given my situation at the time, where I desperately needed to make a film, I realized I couldn’t work with the guy,...

“Home Alone” director Chris Columbus said during an interview with Vanity Fair that it was ultimately Chevy Chase who opened the door for him to helm the 1990 Christmas comedy classic. That’s because Columbus was originally working with screenwriter John Hughes on 1989’s “Christmas Vacation,” starring Chase. Columbus was hired to direct the comedy and was in the middle of second unit shooting when he met Chase for the first time.

“I was signed on…and then I met Chevy Chase. Even given my situation at the time, where I desperately needed to make a film, I realized I couldn’t work with the guy,” Columbus said. “I was one of the many who couldn’t work with him. And I called John and I said, ‘This is really hard for me, but I can’t do this movie with Chevy Chase.’ We were in the midst of shooting second unit.

It is very rare for comedy sequels to be successful, as it can be challenging to craft a follow up that avoids repeating the same jokes. While there are plenty of notorious disasters like Airplane II and Caddyshack II, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is one of the rare examples in which the sequel managed to surpass the original in terms of its cultural impact. The first Vacation film from 1983 was certainly a hilarious dark comedy, but National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation became a film that is rewatched every year in celebration of the Christmas season. Ironically, the connective tissue between the films is relatively thin, as Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo are the only two actors who appeared in all five installments within the franchise. Despite giving terrific performances, Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki didn’t return after National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation due to the gap between sequels.

We all know that Chris Columbus directed one of the greatest Christmas movies ever in Home Alone, but did you know it may never have happened if he didn’t clash with the star of another holiday essential? Let’s check out how Columbus was not only drawn to Nero’s Pizza but why he filled in the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation pool with cement.

Chris Columbus was actually set to direct National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, with none other than John Hughes recruiting him for the job. As Columbus remembered, “John Hughes sent me the script for Christmas Vacation. I love Christmas, so to do a Christmas comedy had been a dream.” So what kept Columbus from the gig? “I went out to dinner with Chevy Chase [the movie’s star]. To be completely honest, Chevy treated me like dirt. But I stuck it out and even went as far as to shoot...

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation remains one of the most beloved holiday comedies ever made, though stories have since emerged about the alleged difficulties of working with star Chevy Chase. For his part, director Chris Columbus, who was originally set to direct the classic film, can still remember his own experience he had with Chase, which led to the filmmaker exiting the project.

In an interview with Empire Magazine (per Screen Rant), Columbus shared how Christmas Vacation seemed like a promising project for him at the start. He'd even started shooting some of the establishing shots to be used for the film. However, after he met Chase, Columbus' interest in working on the project dwindled dramatically, and he chose to walk away. However, as Columbus explained, it worked out for the best, as an offer for a certain other holiday classic came his way very quickly thereafter.

Related Arnold Schwarzenegger's...

If you were a kid (or an adult) in the 1990s, then you know how huge the Christmas comedy Home Alone was back then. Everywhere you went, people talked about Macaulay Culkin and how he became Hollywood’s biggest child star overnight. To this day, Home Alone remains a movie that you have to watch during the holidays.

But unlike Kevin McCallister, who makes a Christmas wish and suddenly all things are solved, Home Alone is not exactly a product of magic. It is the result of a bitter clash between its director and a Hollywood star. Many don’t know it, but Home Alone director Chris Columbus only made the film because writer John Hughes was kind enough to make him an offer after Columbus refused to direct National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Why did he refuse? Well, Chevy Chase, of course.

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There might be a bucket full of comedies and Christmas movies out there that have become a holiday staple for audiences. But over the years, nothing could compete with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Born on the night of December 1, 1989, the movie saw its national debut and quickly became a new holiday favorite for fans.

A still from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) | image: Warner Bros.

But now, it has been 35 years since its release. And a lot can change within that span of time—careers grow and fall, people retire and some even tragically pass away. So let’s check out where the cast of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is now.

1. Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold

The 1989 movie Christmas Vacation was the third installment in a series of 1980s vacation films starring Chevy Chase in the role of family patriarch Clark Griswold.

He had previously appeared as the father figure in...

“Superman” is heading to screens faster than a speeding bullet and it appears that there will be a lot of famous characters dropping in.

Kicking off DC’s revamped slate and directed by James Gunn, the film is set to hit screens in Summer 2025, and finally has a first look trailer. It follows Superman (David Corenswet) as he tries to balance his alien Kryptonian background with his human upbringing. Along with directing, Gunn also wrote the script, using characters originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

You can check out everyone who’s been confirmed to star in the new “Superman” below. We’ll keep this space updated as more stars sign on.

Warner Bros./YouTube

Clark Kent/Superman (David Corenswet) — David Corenswet is taking up the mantle of Superman following Henry Cavill. He most recently starred in films “Pearl” and “Look Both Ways,” and on the small screen,...

On Thursday December 19 2024, MTV broadcasts Jersey Shore Family Vacation!

Behind Closed Doors Season 7 Episode 31 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Jersey Shore Family Vacation,” titled “Behind Closed Doors,” promises to bring excitement and drama to the screen. Set to air on MTV, this episode features Mike, also known as “The Situation,” surprising the squad with designer clothes. The group is ready for a day filled with luxury and fun, showcasing their stylish new looks as they embark on an extravagant adventure.

As the crew enjoys their fashionable gifts, viewers can expect plenty of laughter and memorable moments. The episode highlights the strong bond among the cast members as they embrace the lavish experience together. Mike’s thoughtful gesture sets the stage for a day that is sure to be filled with joy and camaraderie.

Meanwhile, Angelina’s relationship takes an unexpected twist. This development adds a layer of intrigue to the episode,...

After a slew of fatal fake news last year, comedians escaped death hoaxes in 2024. Mostly anyway. We already debunked the rumor that Chevy Chase was making another Christmas Vacation movie, but plenty of other comedy-adjacent con jobs tried to fool us this year.

Here are five more comedian hoaxes from 2024 that fact-checking site Snopes quickly put the kibosh on…

1 Steve Harvey Is Dead — Again

Poor Steve Harvey. After four different death hoaxes in 2023, he continued to pass away in 2024 — at least according to sketchy social media posts, YouTube videos and even paid ads.

Snopes determined those paid links were from Chinese companies promoting Google Play downloads for sketchy news apps. Safe to say that downloading “Local News: Breaking & Latest” is probably a dumb idea.

Thankfully for Family Feud fans, Snopes determined Harvey was still with us by turning on the radio and hearing a live broadcast of The Steve Harvey Morning Show.

The original director of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation addresses leaving the movie over a fight with Chevy Chase, calling him "a complete jerk." Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, with a script written by John Hughes, the classic 1989 comedy and the third Vacation movie follows Clark Griswold's attempt to have a good-old-fashioned family Christmas, though his plans spiral hilariously out of control. Chevy Chase led Christmas Vacation's cast as Clark Griswold alongside Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, Randy Quaid, and many more.

During a recent interview with Empire Magazine, the original National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation director Chris Columbus addressed leaving the movie over a fight with Chevy Chase. The original director shot second-unit establishing shots for the movie, but after meeting with Chase, who "was a complete jerk," Columbus decided to leave the movie, even though he desperately needed the job. Soon after, John Hughes sent him the script for Home Alone,...

Two years ago, Universal Pictures teamed with producers David Leitch and Kelly McCormick of 87North Productions and director Tommy Wirkola to bring us the highly entertaining, R-rated holiday thriller Violent Night (read our 8/10 review at This Link)… and now, star David Harbour is celebrating the holidays with the script for Violent Night 2 in hand!

Harbour, who played Santa Claus in Violent Night, shared a picture on social media that showed him hanging out with Santa… and, yes, holding the Violent Night 2 script.

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A post shared by David Harbour (@dkharbour)

Scripted by Patrick Casey and Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog), Violent Night showed what happens when a team of elite mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage. But the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he’s about...

When it comes to the most beloved holiday classics, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is at the top of everyone's watchlist each December. It's one of the funniest films of its era and still extremely relatable with its pitch-perfect display of festive family chaos. However, one of the comedy’s best moments involved a reference to the definitive horror franchise of the 80s, Friday the 13th. Now Fright-Rags has honored that all-time moment with a killer Christmas Vacation and Friday the 13th mashup t-shirt.

With the yuletide season in full swing, one movie that will be played repeatedly throughout many households during the holidays is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The third entry in the Vacation movie franchise turns 35 years old this December and still holds up as one of the most amusing and rewatchable Christmas comedies of all time.

Instead of traveling cross-country to Wally World, overseas to Europe, or Las Vegas to experience Sin City, what sets Christmas Vacation apart is witnessing the Griswolds at home in their Chicago element while hosting several family members for the holidays. As such, there's no better gift than catching up with the Griswolds and finding out what those still alive are up to in 2024 and beyond.

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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation ComedyHoliday

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*Availability in US Release Date  December 1, 1989Runtime  97 minutesCast  Chevy Chase,...

The ‘Friday the 13th’ franchise is a popular series of horror films that started in 1980. It focuses on the character Jason Voorhees, a killer who wears a hockey mask and terrorizes anyone who comes to his camp, Crystal Lake.

The series has spawned multiple movies, TV shows, and even video games, becoming a major part of horror culture. This is why it also spawned a lot of merchandise, and a new batch dropped recently, just in time for Friday the 13th.

Ten companies and artists have released new Friday the 13th-themed clothing, prints, and collectibles to celebrate Jason’s special day. So let’s check them out.

Friday the 13th Shirt from Spencer’s

Bloody Disgusting has an official Friday the 13th tee with a glow-in-the-dark, two-sided design, available exclusively at Spencer’s for $23.99, down from $29.99. Get it here.

Friday the 13th Stickers from Magic Marker Art

Garbage Pail Kids...

It’s 1985, and a lanky 17-year-old is nervously pacing backstage at NBC’s Studio 8H in New York City. In just a few minutes, he’ll make history as the youngest cast member ever to grace the stage of Saturday Night Live. This isn’t just any teenager – it’s Anthony Michael Hall, already a bonafide movie star thanks to his work with writer and director John Hughes, about to take on one of the most prestigious (and pressure-filled) gigs in comedy. As the familiar strains of the SNL theme song begin to play, Hall takes a deep breath, knowing that his life is about to change yet again. But did it change for the better? Did this skinny, awkward dork continue to bless us for decades with great cinema and comedy? Or did he take a darker, more difficult path of self-destruction and/or self-discovery? Did he spend the...

It’s no secret that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become something of a merchandising bonanza in recent years. There are Griswold family-themed advent calendars, board games, ornaments and even a Christmas Vacation model train set, despite the fact that there’s not a single train in the entire movie.

Plus, as we’ve mentioned before, Chevy Chase himself has been selling Christmas Vacation paraphernalia in $300 boxes (thankfully none of them contained his pet cat).

But perhaps the most bizarre product to spawn from this glut of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation crap is the Clark Griswold stuffed bear from Build-a-Bear. Yes, this is an actual teddy bear designed to emulate Chevy Chase. Hopefully, Toy Story was wrong about playthings secretly being alive, because there’s no way that Teddy Chase (Chevy Bear?) wouldn’t immediately verbally abuse your other toys and make their lives a living hell.

While it...

On Thursday December 12 2024, MTV broadcasts Jersey Shore Family Vacation!

Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Season 4 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation,” titled “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation,” promises to bring more laughs and chaos to the screen. In this episode, Snooki finds herself in a challenging situation as she has to clean up the mess left behind by Dren. Fans of the show know that Dren is the wild alter ego of Nicole, and this usually leads to some unforgettable moments. Snooki’s struggle to manage the aftermath could lead to some funny and relatable scenes.

Meanwhile, Mike is planning a second gender reveal party, even though everyone already knows he is having a boy. This decision may raise eyebrows among the group, as they have already celebrated this news once. Viewers can expect the usual mix of excitement and playful teasing that the cast is known for.

Actor Chevy chase recently got fans worried when a recent photo of him surfaced online. As seen, the SNL alum appeared to be suffering a face injury. Since then, however, Chase’s rep has recently spoken out about the issue.

Chevy Chase Shared A Photo Of His Granddaughter On Instagram

As an actor, Chase’s breakout role was being one of the first cast members on the first season of Saturday Night Live. His recurring “Weekend Update” sketch would end up becoming a staple of the show, as well as one of its most famous segments.

Since then, Chase established himself as a leading man in comedy films. Notably, he played Clark W. Griswold in the various National Lampoon’s Vacation films.

Chevy Chase – Instagram

Some other notable films for Chase done include Caddyshack, ¡Three Amigos!, and Fletch. Starting in 2009, he became known to a new era of fans as Pierce...

Some of the best moments in Christmas movies are the ones where classic Christmas carols are included to make a moment stand out. This happens in some of the best Christmas movies of all time, making them even more memorable. Christmas carols are an integral part of the Christmas season, so a Christmas film without them always feels like it's missing something.

These songs, while appearing in plenty of media that aren't just Christmas movies, are instantly recognizable for their connection to the Christmas season and widespread appeal. They even appear in movies that are perfect for the holiday season, despite not being Christmas movies.

The Twelve Days Of Christmas Eloise At Christmastime (2003)

An often overlooked Disney Christmas classic, Eloise at Christmastime features a young girl and her quest to unite a hotel heiress with her true love. The film is goofy and good fun for all ages, detailing Eloise's...

Chevy Chase's 35-year-old Christmas comedy cements its status as an iconic holiday movie with its latest streaming success. After becoming the breakout star of the first season of Saturday Night Live during the 1970s, Chase left the sketch show in its second season and went on to become a comedic lead, starring in some of the most successful comedies of the 1980s. These include Caddyshack, Caddyshack II, Fletch, Fletch Lives, Oh! Heavenly Dog, Modern Problems, Spies Like Us, and Three Amigos.

One of Chase's most successful comedy ventures of the 1980s was the National Lampoon's Vacation movies, starting with the 1983 film. Inspired by John Hughes' short story Vacation '58 originally published in National Lampoon magazine, the films follow the chaotic misadventures of the Griswold family and their well-meaning yet hapless patriarch, Clark Griswold, whose attempts to create the perfect vacations for his family spiral into disastrous and hilariously awkward situations.

The tragic story of a middle-aged patriarch with undiagnosed brain injuries that cause him to act erratically, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become a seasonal staple for many. It’s just not the holidays until Cousin Eddie empties his septic tank, that cat gets electrocuted and Clark fantasizes about cheating on his amazing wife for the umpteenth time.

Aside from his raging, not terribly realistic libido, Clark’s other big problem is his tendency to go way overboard, often at the expense of good taste and his own personal safety. Perhaps the best example of this is his excessive Christmas lighting display, which involves covering nearly every single inch of his house in bulbs, using up as much energy as some small countries.

Despite the fact that Christmas Vacation could be read as a cautionary tale, one real life family man north of the border has followed in the...

Ever notice how the young thespians portraying Audrey and Rusty Griswold in the Vacation movies kept getting yoinked and replaced? It wasn’t because they were terrible actors. The problem was the movies’ infrequent release schedule, meaning the actors always aged out of the parts before they had a chance to film another one. Here’s the definitive ranking of the five pairs of Audreys and Rustys rolling around the comedy multiverse.

5 Vegas Vacation

Ethan Embry and Marisol Nichols are older, more jaded versions of Rusty and Audrey — which makes sense, given the film’s location. With the help of a fake ID, Rusty somehow wins five cars playing slot machines. And Audrey gets sexualized for the first time in the series, landing a job as a go-go dancer after visiting a strip club with her pole-dancing cousin. Yuck.

@novaluxurious 4 National Lampoon’s European Vacation

Dana Hill (not to be...