Alright tapeheads, let's rewind to a time when the Christmas movie landscape wasn't just dominated by Kevin McCallister or Clark Griswold’s quest for the perfect holiday. Dig deep into that dusty cardboard box of rentals in your memory, past the familiar Hollywood titles. Remember occasionally stumbling upon something... different? Maybe something European, with cover art promising festive chaos in a way that felt both familiar and slightly exotic? That's the vibe hitting me as I think about Christmas Vacation '90 (or Vacanze di Natale '90), a film that likely caused a few double-takes at the video store counter back in the day.
No, folks, this isn't the Griswold family saga – put that thought aside. This is pure, unadulterated Italian Christmas comedy, a prime example of the cinepanettone phenomenon: those star-studded, often raunchy, ensemble comedies released in Italy every holiday season to massive domestic success. Forget sentimental lessons; these films were about escapism, laughs, beautiful locations, and tapping into a very specific Italian comedic sensibility. And Christmas Vacation '90, directed by Enrico Oldoini, is a quintessential slice of that cake.
### Alpine Antics and Italian Icons
The setup is classic cinepanettone: throw a bunch of disparate characters together in a luxurious holiday spot – in this case, the ritzy ski resort of St. Moritz, Switzerland – and let the tangled webs of infidelity, misunderstandings, and social awkwardness weave themselves into comedic gold (or, depending on your taste, comedic chaos). The plot, as such, is less a single narrative and more a series of interconnected vignettes featuring some of Italy's biggest comedic stars of the era.
Leading the charge are the legendary duo Christian De Sica and Massimo Boldi. If you frequented the international section of your video store, or perhaps caught dubbed versions on late-night TV, you might recognise these faces. For years, they were the undisputed kings of Italian Christmas comedy. De Sica (yes, son of the neorealist master Vittorio De Sica, a fascinating contrast!) often played the slightly sleazy, nouveau-riche Roman trying to keep up appearances, while Boldi typically embodied the bumbling, disaster-prone Milanese. Their chemistry is undeniable, built on years of collaboration, delivering rapid-fire banter and physical comedy with practiced ease. Retro Fun Fact: This De Sica/Boldi partnership was box office dynamite in Italy, with their cinepanettone films regularly topping the charts throughout the 90s and early 2000s, becoming a national holiday tradition much like watching It's a Wonderful Life in the US.
Joining them is another giant of Italian comedy, Diego Abatantuono, bringing his own distinct, often more deadpan or exaggeratedly 'common man' persona to the mix. The film cleverly plays these established comedic types against each other, creating sparks as their storylines inevitably collide on the slopes and in the swanky hotel lounges.
### That 90s Euro-Comedy Energy
Forget nuanced character studies. The humor here is broad, unapologetically so. Think misunderstandings escalating wildly, farcical situations involving mistaken identities, plenty of flirting (often bordering on the politically incorrect by today's standards), and a healthy dose of slapstick. It’s fast-paced, relying on the performers' charisma and the sheer absurdity of the scenarios. Enrico Oldoini, who also co-wrote the script, keeps things moving at a brisk pace, juggling the multiple storylines effectively enough that you don't get too bogged down in any one subplot.
What felt energetic then might seem a bit frantic now, but there's a certain charm to its relentless pursuit of the next gag. It captures that specific early 90s European gloss – the fashion, the aspirational wealth on display, the slightly less inhibited approach to comedy compared to mainstream Hollywood at the time. Retro Fun Fact: Filming in luxurious, snowy locations like St. Moritz was a key part of the cinepanettone formula, offering audiences a visual escape alongside the laughs. These weren't low-budget affairs; they were designed to look expensive and aspirational.
Did it feel 'real' like the practical effects in an action movie? No, but the commitment of the performers to the physical comedy and the sheer pace often felt surprisingly intense in its own way. You didn't need CGI when you had Boldi tumbling down a ski slope or De Sica pulling increasingly exasperated faces.
### Renting Italian Laughs on VHS
I distinctly remember seeing tapes like this on the rental shelves, often with slightly generic "Christmas Comedy!" labels slapped on them. Renting one felt like a gamble – would the humour translate? Would it be too 'European'? Christmas Vacation '90 is definitely a product of its time and place. The jokes about class, relationships, and social climbing are very specific to Italian culture of that era. Some gags land, others might feel dated or even a bit uncomfortable now.
But watching it again evokes that feeling of discovery, of finding something outside the usual Hollywood bubble. It's a reminder that popular entertainment takes many forms around the world. Was it critically acclaimed? Probably not outside of Italy, where its commercial success was the main story. But for Italian audiences, this was Christmas blockbuster entertainment. Retro Fun Fact: These films often featured popular Italian pop songs of the moment, embedding them further into the cultural zeitgeist of the year they were released, making them potent time capsules now.
### The Verdict
Christmas Vacation '90 isn't aiming for subtlety or timelessness. It's a loud, brash, and very Italian slice of festive farce, powered by iconic comedic performers doing what they did best. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a different kind of holiday movie tradition. If you're nostalgic for the days of browsing quirky international comedies on VHS, or curious about the cinepanettone phenomenon, it's worth seeking out. Just be prepared for humour that’s as bold and potentially dated as the early 90s ski wear on display.
Rating: 6/10 - The score reflects its undeniable energy and importance within its specific cultural context (a solid 8/10 as a cinepanettone example), balanced by humour that hasn't all aged gracefully and its niche appeal outside of Italy. It’s entertaining for what it is, especially with the key comedic pairings, but mileage will vary significantly based on your tolerance for broad, sometimes crude, European farce.
Final Take: Forget the eggnog and heartwarming messages; this is the Prosecco-fueled, slightly chaotic Italian Christmas party you stumbled into via your VCR – a brash, glossy, and uniquely 90s Euro-comedy artifact.