I suspect that to fully appreciate the Griswold family’s first romp across the big screen, early exposure to the film and real-life, relatable experiences are key. I had never seen Vacation until this summer – and I never really did the big, messy family road trip, either. Lacking any nostalgia factor, I was left cold by Chevy Chase and Co.
What can I say? Old ladies dying in back seats and then being left in the rain, or dogs being dragged behind cars on the interstate, or even suitcases falling off a roof rack every ten minutes, aren’t my comedy cup of tea. I did enjoy some of the moments that weren’t quite so over the top: the family sing-along, Chevy Chase channeling the Awkward Dad while the kids roll their eyes in the back seat, the suggestion that the whole gang go visit the world’s second largest ball of twine.
But those few laughs aren’t enough to have me running out to catch Vegas Vacation, Christmas Vacation or European Vacation any time soon.
by Eva Holland | Source: Warner Home Video (DVD)
23 Sep 2008 5:56 PM | Comments (2)
Eva,
It was made in 1983, this is one of those comedies where you sort of had to have seen in in that era to fully appreciate it.
I recommend you don’t watch Animal House…
Hidden gem: the low-rent casino sequence in Vegas Vacation. “I’m thinking of a number between one and ten‚Ķ”
Otherwise, don’t bother.
Anthony
23 September 2008
4:29 PM