The movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is undoubtedly a cult classic, a film that debuted way back in 1989 but continues to be one that many people watch at least once or twice each holiday season. We’ve seen our fair share of tributes to that same movie – including once from The Blue Oval itself, which recreated one of its most famous scenes four years ago with the then-new Ford Mustang Mach-E, and plenty of fans have tried to replicate the famous “Family Truckster” that starred in it, too. Now, one of those tributes – based on a Ford Taurus – is starring in a new commercial.
This commercial comes to us from Dick’s Sporting Goods, but doesn’t star Chevy Chase or Beverly D’Angelo, but rather, retired NFL player J.J. Watt alongside his brothers, Derek and T.J. (who have also played and are still playing in the NFL), plus their parents, Connie and John. In the new ad, dubbed “A Watt Holiday Classic,” J.J. gets left behind in a Dick’s Sporting Goods while his family finishes their shopping and drives off in a Ford Taurus wagon wearing faux wood paneling, after which that member of the family embarks on some Home Alone-style shenanigans, plus Easter eggs from other holiday classics like Elf and A Christmas Story.
“Any chance I get to spend some extra time at Dick’S Sporting Goods, I take it. And our family definitely made the most of this one,” said Watt. “Getting to re-enact our favorite holiday movies and start my gift shopping a little early was a blast, and with the massive selection of products, I could’ve spent all night in there!”
“J.J. has been a great partner this year. After the fun we had filming J.J.’s House, and during a time that is all about family and friends, we knew we had to bring him back in-store and find a way to incorporate Derek, T.J., Connie and John,” said Mark Rooks, VP Creative and Entertainment at Dick’S Sporting Goods. “All five of them really brought their A-game and filled the set with energy and humor. While we are happy J.J. feels so at home in a Dick’S Sporting Goods, we will have to gently remind him of our closing time.”
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