Episode 18: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Potentially the most popular of all of Chevy Chase's films, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has become a perennial family favorite despite the Griswolds not actually going on vacation but their extended family visiting them in the suburbs of Chicago during a year where Clark counts too heavily on his Christmas bonus.With a stand-out performance from Randy Quaid returning as Cousin Eddie, the film layers slapstick chaos with sharp holiday satire. Beverly D’Angelo anchors the madness as Ellen Griswold and new kids Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki provide memorable turns.Written by John Hughes and directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, the movie captures both the warmth and the frustration of family gatherings, becoming a December staple for generations who can’t help but sympathize with Clark’s doomed quest for the “perfect” Christmas.
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1:13:39
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1:13:39
Episode 17: Fletch Lives (1989)
Chevy Chase dons the Lakers jersey once more as Mike White (The Projection Booth), Mark Begley (Wake Up Heavy), and Chris Stachiw (The Kulturecast) dig into Fletch Lives (1989). The long-delayed sequel to Fletch swaps the quick-witted investigative journalist’s L.A. backdrop for Southern Gothic eccentricity, televangelists, and KKK satire—sometimes with mixed results. The trio debate whether Gregory Mcdonald’s sharp creation survived the Hollywood comedy blender, why the sequel feels both broader and thinner, and whether Chase’s disguises still land. Along the way, they examine the film’s troubled production, its place in Chase’s career arc, and the curious legacy of this oddball follow-up.
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1:36:36
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Episode 16: Caddyshack II (1988)
We finally brave the cinematic sand trap that is Caddyshack II (1988), a baffling sequel that ditches the scrappy charm of the original for a mess of slapstick, snooty social satire, and one-liners that land with all the grace of a thrown brick. Mark, Mike, and Chris dig into what went wrong—from Rodney Dangerfield bailing and Jackie Mason stepping in, to Chevy Chase coasting through with a smirk and a nine iron. Why does this sequel feel like a corporate golf outing where everyone's just waiting for lunch? We break down the chaotic production, Harold Ramis’s reluctant involvement, and the comedy vacuum at its core. It’s less a follow-up than a farce—but is there anything worth salvaging from the rough?
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1:18:16
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Episode 15: Funny Money (2006)
This may be it. We may have reached the nadir of Chevy Chase's filmography with the 2006 film from director Leslie Greif, Funny Money. Based on a play by Ray Cooney, the film feels incredibly stage-bound and like a pale imitation of better screwball comedies. Hold on to your sides, they're about to be split!In Funny Money, Chase plays a fake fruit engineer whose boss (Robert Loggia) comes to visit his home on the same night that Chase finds a briefcase filled with five million dollars. It's just one wacky cliche after another and a complete waste of all talent involved in the film. Mark, Chris, and Mike experienced this cinematic car crash so you don't have to.
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1:14:26
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Episode 14: Funny Farm (1988)
Mike, Mark, and Chris take a closer look at Funny Farm (1988), Chevy Chase’s turn as a New York sportswriter who relocates to small-town Vermont in search of a simpler life—only to find frustration, isolation, and a town that seems determined to break him. Directed by George Roy Hill, the film mixes dry satire with broad physical comedy, offering a darker, more cynical take on the rural escape fantasy. The trio discuss how Funny Farm fits within Chevy’s late-’80s filmography, the tonal balance between charm and bitterness, and whether the film deserves its reputation as a solid entry in his career or a footnote.
Join us on an exciting journey through the illustrious career of this comedy icon as we explore his groundbreaking roles, behind-the-scenes stories, and timeless contributions to the world of entertainment. Mark Begley (Wake Up Heavy), Chris Stachiw (The Kulturecast), and Mike White (The Projection Booth) bring you a monthly look at the heyday of Chase's career from his earliest feature roles to just before he became more of a walk-on actor.
Ireland