he result is not so much a comedy about American values as a 2,500 mile skid on a banana skin. The visual gags come thick and fast, and are about as subtly signposted as the exit markers on a freeway.
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:32
Fresh:30
Rotten:2
Average Rating:7.3/10
Runtime: 3 hrs 13 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: The Griswolds are determined to make it to Walley World, their favorite amusement park, in this riotous story of an average American family on a road trip. From the moment they pile into their... The Griswolds are determined to make it to Walley World, their favorite amusement park, in this riotous story of an average American family on a road trip. From the moment they pile into their beat-up car and set off on their cross-county adventure, everything that can go wrong does. Chevy Chase is sublimely funny as Clark Griswold, the desperate dad determined to have a good time. With his cynical kids (Anthony Michael Hall and Dana Barron) packed into the backseat and his willing wife (Beverly D'Angelo) by his side, he is ready for the trip of a lifetime. Clark has planned the trip down to the minute, including interesting side trips, like looking at the world's biggest ball of twine. As his plans deteriote and one disaster leads to another, the Griswolds run across an insane cast of characters on the highways and biways between Chicago and California, including a zany cousin played by Randy Quaid and an aunt (Imogene Coca) who never quite ends up where she expected. When they finally make it to Walley World, the Griswolds are determined to have a good time, at any cost. John Candy's cameo as a security guard is hysterical. Director Harold Ramis never lets up the pace as the Griswolds' family vacation spirals way out of control. [More]
Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid
Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid, John Candy, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, Christie Brinkley
Director: Harold Ramis
Director: Harold Ramis
Screenwriter: John Hughes
Producer: Matty Simmons
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Reviews for National Lampoon's Vacation
Oh, is this a guilty pleasure. It's also the first R rated movie featuring nudity that I was allowed to see at the theater, which may have something to do with my fond memories of the picture.
The first and the best, only rivaled by CHRISTMAS VACATION. Revel in the days when Chase was funny!
There are plenty of funny moments in this comedy that introduced the world to bumbling everyman Clark Griswold. The second best in the series after Christmas Vacation.
Despite plenty of gross-out gags and dumb slapstick bits, the careful viewer can occasionally detect some acrid and original satire in this 1983 film.
The result is a confident humor and throwaway style that helps sustain the laughs -- of which there are quite a few.
This boasts a great cast from start to finish, but the funniest moments in this film for me invariably come from Randy Quaid, who plays Chase's dumb country cousin.
Latest News for National Lampoon's Vacation
October 07, 2009:
New Line Planning Another Vacation for the Griswolds ![]()
Thanks to studio executive Sam Brown, who has watched "National Lampoon's Vacation" more than any other movie in his life, New Line is planning a "sequel of sorts" that will... More...
March 29, 2006:
Quaid Feels Played and Wants to Get Paid
Veteran character actor Randy Quaid feels like he was taken advantage of by the "Brokeback Mountain" boys. The actor claims he took the "Brokeback" gig under... More...
January 04, 2006:
Trailer Bulletin: RV
For those who can't get enough of the schtick doled out in movies like "National Lampoon's Vacation" and "Johnson Family Vacation," get ready for the Barry... More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
| 26% 26% | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard |
| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
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