The Great Outdoors

Watch The Great Outdoors

"The wildlife is wild, but his brother-in-law in unbearable."
  • PG
  • 1988
  • 1 hr 31 min
  • 6.6  (52,563)
  • 24

The Great Outdoors is a 1988 comedy film which stars the legendary comedic duo of Dan Aykroyd and John Candy. The film is directed by Howard Deutch, and written by John Hughes - the famous filmmaker behind such classics as Home Alone, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and The Breakfast Club. The story of The Great Outdoors revolves around a family vacation gone awry. Chet Ripley (John Candy) is an affable and easy-going father who wants nothing more than to take his family on a much-needed vacation in the great outdoors. But when his pushy, obnoxious brother-in-law Roman (Dan Aykroyd) shows up uninvited, the family's peaceful getaway is thrown into disarray.

Despite Chet's best efforts to show Roman a good time, his brother-in-law's overbearing personality and reckless behavior cause one disaster after another. From a botched boat ride to an encounter with a grisly bear, Roman's antics make it impossible for anyone to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Along the way, the family meets a diverse cast of characters, including a flirtatious waitress, a wise-cracking park ranger, and a group of rowdy jet skiers. But in the end, it's Chet's determination and good-natured approach to life that wins out, as he tries to salvage what's left of their vacation.

The performances in The Great Outdoors are top-notch, particularly those of Aykroyd and Candy. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they both bring a lot of heart and humor to their roles. Candy, in particular, shines as the lovable but exasperated Chet, whose devotion to his family never wavers, even in the face of disaster.

The film's script also has its fair share of laughs, thanks to John Hughes' excellent writing. The jokes are a mix of slapstick and satire, poking fun at everything from yuppie culture to the great outdoors itself. There's a lot of physical comedy in the movie, particularly during the more action-packed scenes, which are both hilarious and suspenseful.

Overall, The Great Outdoors is a classic '80s comedy that remains just as funny and entertaining today as it was when it was first released. With its great cast, clever writing, and picturesque setting, the film is the perfect choice for anyone looking to escape into the wild - without actually leaving the comfort of their own home.

The Great Outdoors is a 1988 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 24.

The Great Outdoors
Description
Where to Watch The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent The Great Outdoors for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1988
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 31 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (52,563)
  • Metascore
    24