Vegas Vacation

Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Ethan Embry, Marisol Nichols, Wayne Newton, Christie Brinkley, Jeffrey Donovan (uncredited)
Directed by: Stephen Kessler
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
1997

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: The Griswolds decide to take another family vacation- this time, to Las Vegas. What could go wrong?

Review:

Tim: The fourth Vacation movie certainly doesn't even get close to the heights of National Lampoon's Vacation or National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, however, it's at least slightly better than National Lampoon's European Vacation. While this film is disappointing overall, there's at least a few things to enjoy.

Honestly, the biggest strength of the film is just the pleasure of once again spending some time with the Griswolds. Over the previous three films, we've really gotten to know their dysfunctional family and it was great seeing them again. Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo are the stalwarts of the franchise and it was enjoyable to see them together once again. I also love the continuing ploy of having Rusty and Audrey played by different people in every film. I like Ethan Embry and appreciated his appearance here. Randy Quaid is always a fun addition. The cast as a whole was one of the better parts of the movie.

Unfortunately, the movie itself was fairly forgettable. The Vacation franchise is worth seeing because of the instantly classic moments that occur throughout the films. My personal favorites are Chase's meltdown about the fun park in National Lampoon's Vacation and his equally funny meltdown in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The repetition of the song in the original, Christie Brinkley in the car- there's all these classic, hilarious moments. Vegas Vacation doesn't really have any of those. The "I'm your Dam Guide" is kind of funny. It's somewhat humorous how Rusty keeps winning things as he gambles. However, there's no sequence that elevates the rest of the material. It's all just mildly amusing. That translates into a film that is fairly disappointing because it doesn't offer a whole lot that's truly funny. I maybe laughed a few times throughout the movie. That's just not good enough.

It's no surprise that Vegas Vacation is a disappointment. This is the fourth film in a comedy franchise (not a ton of those) and it comes after a long wait- eight years after the third installment. It didn't make much of an impression on anyone, and it's been 17 years and counting with no additional films. Sure, they are discussing a reboot, but this is the film that finally did the franchise in for a decade plus. That's not very good.

While this movie is a disappointment, I have to admit that it was genuinely fun spending more time with the Griswolds. That's what saves this film from a much worse fate. Sure, it's only mildly entertaining and not nearly humorous enough. Those are legitimate flaws. However, we get to check in on Clark, Ellen, Rusty, Audrey, and even Cousin Eddie- after a long time away. That makes this film tolerable. If you're a fan of the earlier films, you need to see how the franchise ended. Just make sure you temper your expectations before sitting down to watch it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
National Lampoon's Vacation, National Lampoon's European Vacation, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation