Watch Vacation
- PG-13
- 2011
- 44 min
Vacation is a comedy film that was released in 2015, directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. It is a sequel to the National Lampoon's Vacation series with Chevy Chase, but it is not a reboot or a direct continuation of the previous movies. Instead, it follows a new family on a road trip to the famous Walley World amusement park, which is featured in the original film.
The story revolves around the Griswold family, led by Rusty (Ed Helms), who wants to recreate a memorable childhood trip with his own wife Debbie (Christina Applegate) and their two sons James and Kevin. Rusty is a pilot for a low-cost airline, and his family is not particularly happy with their mundane lives. Debbie works in real estate and is dissatisfied with her job and her marriage. James is a horny teenager who is constantly on his phone, while Kevin is a sensitive middle child who is bullied at school.
The Griswolds set off on a 2,400-mile journey from Chicago to California in a rented Tartan Prancer, an Albanian-made car that is described as "the Honda of Albania". The car is full of quirky features and technical glitches, such as a self-tanning system, a urine-recycling mechanism, and a GPS voiced by the car's creator, Chef (Keegan-Michael Key). The family encounters various mishaps and misadventures on the way, including a near-death experience at a hot springs, a white-water rafting trip gone awry, a visit to Rusty's sister Audrey (Leslie Mann) and her wealthy husband Stone (Chris Hemsworth), and a detour to a farm where Rusty tries to prove his manliness.
Throughout the trip, Rusty and Debbie struggle to reconnect as a couple and to bond with their sons. They face various obstacles and setbacks, but they also have some bonding moments, such as singing along to a nostalgic cassette tape, playing games, and having heart-to-heart conversations. Rusty also tries to open up to his family about his own insecurities and fears, such as his fear of flying and his doubts about his career and his self-worth.
The main plot of the movie revolves around the Griswolds' goal to reach Walley World, which is presented as a Holy Grail of Americana and a symbol of family unity and adventure. However, the park turns out to be a disappointment, as it is closed for maintenance and renovation. The Griswolds refuse to accept defeat and decide to break into the park, which leads to a series of absurd and hilarious situations involving security guards, roller coasters, and a cameo by Chevy Chase.
Vacation is a raunchy and irreverent comedy that relies on slapstick humor, gross-out gags, and pop culture references. It does not shy away from crude and offensive jokes, such as a scene involving a female truck driver and a glory hole. However, it also has some heart and soul, as it deals with themes of family, nostalgia, and self-discovery. It also features some impressive performances by its ensemble cast, with Ed Helms and Christina Applegate carrying most of the emotional weight, and Chris Hemsworth stealing the show with his buffoonish portrayal of Stone.
Overall, Vacation is a fun and entertaining movie that pays homage to the original National Lampoon's Vacation while also adding some new twists and turns. It may not be a timeless classic, but it is a worthy addition to the Vacation franchise and a good choice for a mindless summer comedy.