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Movies / On DVD / National Lampoon's Vacation
National Lampoon's Vacation

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National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

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Reviews Counted:3

Fresh:3

Rotten:0

Average Rating:N/A

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

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Aug 22, 1997

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Reviews for National Lampoon's Vacation

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National Lampoon's Vacation is an enjoyable trip through familiar comedy landscapes.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
05/07/08
Variety Staff
Variety Staff
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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.

Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment 1 Comment
05/07/08
Dave Kehr
Dave Kehr
Chicago Reader
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The result is a confident humor and throwaway style that helps sustain the laughs -- of which there are quite a few.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
08/30/04
Janet Maslin
Janet Maslin
New York Times
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Latest News for National Lampoon's Vacation

October 07, 2009: New Line Planning Another Vacation for the Griswolds Opens in new window
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...

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