Ah, "Vacation." This word brings to mind family road trips, odd motels, and humor that makes you question your sanity. But should you watch it? That’s the question. Let’s explore the Griswold chaos and determine if this film deserves your viewing time.
Is "Vacation" Worth the Trip? A Hilarious, Crass, and Slightly Traumatic Examination
Wondering whether to spend your time on "Vacation"? Here’s the deal: it depends on your taste. If you hate humor that’s crude and awkward situations, this film isn’t for you. If you find cringe-worthy moments funny, "Vacation" might be your kind of film. It’s a wild ride. The humor showcases family dysfunction and travel mishaps in a darkly hilarious way.
So, if you laugh at life's uncomfortable moments, you may enjoy "Vacation." It's like laughing through therapy. Your therapist? The screen. The therapy? Watching a family fall apart dramatically.
Navigating the Inappropriate Content Terrain
inappropriate content. Crass jokes? Check. Sexual remarks? Double-check. Strong language is everywhere, like salt on fries. It’s not a Disney movie; it rebels against wholesome values with comedic chaos.
The original 1983 "Vacation" got its "R" for "crude and sexual content and language throughout, and brief graphic nudity." Fast forward to the 2015 reboot. Surprise! The "R" rating stays, now for "sexual content, language, and brief nudity." You see a trend? The Griswold motto seems to be: “Go big or go home...offending people along the way."
Let’s explore specifics. The 2015 "Vacation" features scenes of a couple considering "bedroom Olympics." Romantic, right? Then the husband makes a suggestive remark while playfully slapping his wife. And a nude man shouts nearby while they try to get romantic at the monument. Definitely a vibe killer.
Prepare for serious cursing. We’re talking about strong profanity that would make sailors blush. And yes, expect brief graphic nudity because, why not? The filmmakers clearly decided to push boundaries hard. The outcome? A uniquely chaotic "Vacation." It’s not boring.
Meet the Griswolds and Their Entourage of Chaos
Now, let’s meet the dysfunctional Griswold family at the film's heart and their extended group of comedic characters.
James Griswold: Awkward Encounters and Teenage Tribulations
First is James Griswold, the son in "Vacation" (2015). Poor James is just trying to figure out teenage love against a chaotic family backdrop. His crush is Adena. Their "romance"? Pure teenage awkwardness.
Imagine this: Rusty and Debbie, his parents, are engaged in Four Corners romance while James and Adena stay at the teepee hotel. Romantic? In a Griswold way. As they prepare to kiss, James makes the unexpected move of asking Adena for a rim job. Smooth, James.
Their moment gets interrupted by Kevin, a local bully with an apparent grudge against teenage love. Kevin bullies James because, apparently, romantic highs need public humiliation. James’s interaction with Adena captures the entire experience of "Vacation": awkward, cringy, yet hilariously relatable when dealing with teenage angst.
Clark Griswold: The Patriarch of Pandemonium
Next comes Clark Griswold, the inept father played by Chevy Chase. He drives these disastrous vacations, believing every trip can be a bonding experience despite clear evidence against it. He is like a ship’s captain who confidently goes into iceberg territory never learning from the past.
A quick trivia note: In "Christmas Vacation," that classic movie featuring exploding turkeys, Clark is 42 years old. He still puts up Christmas lights like a drunken sloth even in middle age. So nice to know his comic mishaps never age.
Speaking of Chevy Chase, at age 40, he first played Clark in the original "Vacation." He perfectly captured Clark's mix of cluelessness and earnestness to make him both endearing and frustrating.
On a different note, Chevy Chase is also politically liberal. He campaigned for Bill Clinton in the 1990s and John Kerry in 2004. He shows even inept characters can have serious sides. There’s more to him than pratfalls.
Now for Hollywood history: Chevy Chase had interesting interactions with comedy legends John Belushi and Bill Murray. Belushi had rivalry concerns regarding Chase since their time on "The National Lampoon Radio Hour." It’s like comedic soap opera stuff behind scenes all over again.
Rusty Griswold: From Kid to (Sort Of) Adult Chaos Coordinator
Here’s Rusty Griswold, who evolves throughout the films. A constant joke in the "Vacation" series is the changing actors for Rusty. Why keep changing actors? Blame Anthony Michael Hall's fame.
Hall shot to fame after the original film and chose "Weird Science," so he could not reprise his role as Rusty. Who can argue with teenage robots instead of another Griswold sequel? This caused Rusty’s recasting for later films.
Dana Barron, the first Audrey Griswold actor, shared that when a sequel came up, Hall chose "Weird Science." Thus, the changing face of Rusty began. It's a cinematic butterfly effect where one actor’s decision switched up everything!
Career choice changed the casting of a franchise.
Audrey Griswold: The Daughter Who Endures (Recastings and All)
There’s Audrey Griswold, the daughter. Like her brother Rusty, she faced recasting. In each main film of the series, different actors play the Griswold children. It shows the franchise's commitment to change or a comedic quirk part of its identity.
This recasting usually follows Anthony Michael Hall's departure. He chose to pursue "Weird Science." Director Amy Heckerling asked for both children to be recast for "European Vacation." So, both Rusty and Audrey were replaced, creating a trend for future films. The Griswold kids feel like interchangeable parts in a comedic machine.
Ellen Griswold: The Long-Suffering Matriarch
Ellen Griswold is the glue that (barely) holds the family together. Beverly D'Angelo plays her. Ellen represents reason in chaos. She is the eye of the hurricane in the family storm. She tries to keep normalcy, even as Clark's vacation schemes spiral. Ellen is the relatable everymom trying to survive a family vacation.
Cousin Eddie Johnson: The Uninvited Chaos Magnet
Now, let’s discuss Cousin Eddie Johnson, played by Randy Quaid. He is less character and more force of nature, a walking example of comedic chaos. Cousin Eddie has given Clark more headaches than any other character in the "Vacation" franchise. Fun fact: despite his name, he's not related by blood to Clark or Ellen. Surprise! He’s a cousin by marriage.
There is more to Eddie's family tree. He’s married to Ellen's cousin, Catherine, played by Miriam Flynn. Thus, Eddie is Clark's "cousin-in-law-by-marriage-twice-removed." Family trees in "Vacation" are messy, much like Christmas lights after a Griswold holiday.
Eddie and Catherine have children of their own. In "Christmas Vacation," Catherine and Eddie arrive unannounced with Rocky and Ruby Sue, along with their pet Rottweiler Snots. What’s a gathering without uninvited relatives and a dog named Snots? Cousin Eddie and his family constantly give headaches to Clark.
Catherine: The Long-Suffering Wife of Eddie
Catherine, portrayed by Miriam Flynn, balances Eddie’s chaos. She is the relatively normal person amidst Eddie's antics. Catherine is Ellen's cousin, which connects the Griswold-Johnson family. She is part of the extended family chaos that adds dysfunctional comedy to the mix.
Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki: A New Generation of Griswold Kids
Let’s discuss the "Christmas Vacation" versions of Audrey and Russ Griswold, played by Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki, respectively. Juliette Lewis noted she was just 15 when she took over Audrey's role. She replaced Dana Barron from the original "Vacation" and Dana Hill from "European Vacation." Fifteen and managing the Griswold family Christmas? Quite the trial.
Speaking of Juliette Lewis, let’s take a brief look into 90s Hollywood romance. Pitt and Juliette Lewis dated from late 1989 to 1993. Yes, Brad Pitt was linked to Audrey Griswold. They even starred together in "Kalifornia" and "Too Young to Die." Years after their split, Pitt told Vanity Fair he still loved her, calling her a genius. Young Hollywood love had its angst with uncertain happy endings.
"The Big Bang Theory's" Johnny Galecki was 14 during filming of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," which matched his character's age. Like Juliette Lewis, he replaced the actor who played Russ in earlier films. Johnny Galecki as Russ Griswold? A pre-"Big Bang Theory" look at Leonard Hofstadter's comedic talent.
Plotting the "Vacation" Story: Chaos by Design
So, what is the plot of "Vacation?" It’s simple: the Griswold family goes on a road trip from Chicago to Walley World. This fictional amusement park is in California for their summer vacation. Sounds great, right? No. This is the Griswolds. They face escalating comedic disasters, from car troubles to family fights with odd characters. It’s like Murphy's Law on wheels.
But wait, there’s more. The new movie "Vacation" is based on a true story. Technically, it continues movies that began with a 1983 feature from a short story based on real events. Yes, the Griswold family's misadventures have reality roots, albeit exaggerated for comedy. Think of it as life but funnier and with exploding wagons.
"Vacation" Filming Locations: From Walley World to Griswold Homes
Ever wonder where "Vacation" came to life? Let us tour its filming sites, shall we?
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983): A Tri-State Tour
The original 1983 "National Lampoon's Vacation" was filmed across California, Arizona, and Colorado. A cinematic road trip similar to the Griswolds’ journey.
California Dreamin' (of Walley World)
California starred in the Walley World scenes. Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia acted as the fictional Walley World. If you’ve ridden a coaster at Magic Mountain, you’ve "visited" Walley World, or its cinematic stand-in.
Clark's skinny dipping scene took place at the Saddleback Inn in Norwalk, California. A motel now forever linked to cinematic history through Clark's midnight swim.
The Griswold house exterior shots were filmed at 2310 North Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz. If you visit Los Feliz, you could pilgrimage to the Griswold home... from outside.
Arizona Adventures (and Aunt Edna's Demise)
Arizona's landscapes appeared prominently. Monument Valley , known for its rock formations, provided stunning backdrops. Filming occurred in Monument Valley, looking north from Elephant Butte's base.
The darkly comedic death scene of Aunt Edna was captured in Sedona. The specific filming took place at Schnebly Hill Road Overlook. Beautiful views hid a tragic (and funny) ending.
The Grand Canyon National Park got involved in "Vacation." A scene was filmed there, showcasing natural grandeur that the Griswolds surely disrupted somehow.
Colorado Chaos (and Wal-Mart Runs)
Colorado’s snowy landscapes provided another backdrop. Frisco, Colorado, hosted the scene where Clark and Eddie shop at Wal-Mart. Ah, Wal-Mart, a retail source of comedy potential.
The sledding scene took place in Breckenridge. The sledding was filmed at Breckenridge Ski Area on Peak 8. Snowy slopes created comedic sledding mishaps – a perfect comedic match.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Holiday Home Bases
"Christmas Vacation" expanded filming to include Colorado, California, and Illinois. A true multi-state holiday film.
Colorado Christmas (Trees and Sleds)
Back to Colorado! Breckenridge returned as a key location. Scenes included: the Christmas tree scene at Breckenridge Golf Course and another at Breckenridge Ski Area's Peak 8. Breckenridge appears to be the go-to for successful and disastrous Griswold winter sports.
The return of Frisco occurred for another Wal-Mart scene. Because apparently, Frisco's Wal-Mart is just perfect for Griswold escapades.
inherently funny.
Tiger Road in Colorado hosted the memorable scene where the family's car flies into a Christmas tree lot. Tiger Road is etched in cinematic history for automotive-Christmas tree collisions.
California Christmas (Studio Magic)
California's role in "Christmas Vacation" was studio-based, filmed in Burbank, at Columbia/Warner Bros. Ranch. Hollywood crafted a winter wonderland on a studio lot.
Illinois Holiday (Chicago Cityscapes)
Chicago, Illinois, added urban holiday cheer. Filming happened at Marshall Field & Co., John Hancock Center, Chicago Water Tower, and 806 North Michigan Avenue. Chicago landmarks experienced the Griswold treatment – a festive sight.
Walley World and Poolside Paradise: Specific Scene Locations
Let's look closely at some specific movie locations.
Walley World Wonders
Six Flags Magic Mountain portrayed Walley World. The scenes inside Walley World were filmed there. Next time at Magic Mountain, remember its significance as Walley World.
The parking lot scene for Walley World was shot at Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California. This combination of racetracks and amusement parks proved versatile for cinematic use.
Poolside Encounters
Recall the hotel pool scene where Clark meets the girl in the Ferrari? That scene happened at the Saddleback Inn, 12500 Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, California, USA. The Saddleback Inn became linked with poolside flirtations and Ferrari dreams.
Vacation Psychology: More Than Just a Getaway
Vacations bring real-world benefits, both mental and physical. Taking a Griswold-style vacation (minus disasters) could prove beneficial.
Mental Vacation: De-stress and Mindfulness Boost
Taking a vacation has mental effects similar to meditation. Surprising, right? Both can help reduce stress and enhance mindfulness. Watching "Vacation" offers vicarious meditation... or not.
Meditation reduces stress and enhances mindfulness. Vacations do this too. Even if family squabbles occur, taking a break from daily routines works wonders.
Physical Health Perks: Stress Reduction and Heart Health
Vacations ease stress, benefiting physical health. Less stress equals a healthier body. It seems simple.
The medical community agrees that vacations lower heart disease risk. For your heart's sake, consider booking that vacation. Just avoid a Griswold-style adventure.
Brain on Vacation: Dopamine Delight
Anticipating a vacation boosts positive feelings. When you book a holiday, your brain shifts. Dopamine activates the pleasure center, providing enjoyment. Even if disasters happen, planning grants a dopamine boost. Silver linings exist.
"Vacation" Trivia and Tidbits: Wagon Queens and Lampoon Origins
Now for some "Vacation" trivia and fun facts.
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster: A Star Car is Born
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster starred in the original "Vacation." The station wagon in "National Lampoon's Vacation" was a modified 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire. It earned the nickname Wagon Queen Family Truckster. An iconic name for an iconic car.
What made the Truckster special? Its features include: Metallic pea paint, faux wood paneling, eight headlights, lowered bumper, removed back windows and side trim, and a fiberglass front end. They transformed an ordinary station wagon into something aesthetically offensive.
Adam Sandler's Vacation Movies: Paid Getaways?
Observe how many Adam Sandler films are set in exotic locations. There’s a theory around this. Adam Sandler enjoys vacations. His movies often reflect this. About half of his films showcase exotic tourist locations. This is clever; we pay for it. Sandler's movies fund his vacations.
National Lampoon Origins: From Harvard Humor to National Icon
Curious about "National Lampoon" in "National Lampoon's Vacation?" National Lampoon began in 1969 by Harvard graduates Douglas Kenney, Henry Beard, and Robert Hoffman. They first licensed the "Lampoon" name for a national publication. It started as a humor magazine before venturing into cinematic chaos.
Should you watch "Vacation"? If you're here, you likely lean towards "yes." It's crude, crass, cringeworthy, and undeniably funny in a dysfunctional family way. Prepare for comedic mayhem instead of relaxation. And maybe avoid recreating it on your own family vacation unless aiming for a "National Lampoon's Real Life Vacation" sequel.
Responses (0 )