National Lampoon’s Vacation Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Dad really, REALLY wants to go to Walley World, and everyone and everything is conspiring to stop him, including the deceased.

🍿 National Lampoon’s Vacation: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Griswolds Prepare for Walley World

Clark Griswold, determined to bond with his family, plans a cross-country road trip from Chicago to Walley World in California. Despite Ellen’s suggestion to fly, Clark insists on driving, envisioning a wholesome family adventure. The Griswolds pack their belongings, unaware of the numerous mishaps that await them on their journey.

Road Trip Misadventures Begin

The Griswolds’ journey quickly descends into chaos as they encounter various obstacles and mishaps. From getting lost in St. Louis and having their hubcaps stolen to accidentally killing Aunt Edna’s dog, everything that can go wrong does. Clark’s relentless optimism clashes with the family’s growing frustration as their dream vacation turns into a series of unfortunate events.

Aunt Edna and Desert Despair

The addition of Aunt Edna to the car adds another layer of complication. Her death forces the Griswolds to transport her body across state lines, leading to darkly comedic situations. Stranded in the desert after an accident, Clark’s determination wavers, but his commitment to reaching Walley World remains steadfast.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase): The well-intentioned but disaster-prone patriarch determined to give his family the perfect cross-country vacation.
• Ellen Griswold (Beverly D’Angelo): Clark’s supportive wife who tries to keep the family grounded amidst their chaotic journey.
• Rusty Griswold (Anthony Michael Hall): The teenage son experiencing the trials and tribulations of a disastrous family road trip.
• Audrey Griswold (Dana Barron): The teenage daughter dealing with the awkwardness and frustrations of the family’s vacation.
• Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid): Ellen’s eccentric and mooching cousin who adds to the Griswolds’ vacation woes.
• Aunt Edna (Imogene Coca): Ellen’s grumpy aunt who becomes an unwelcome passenger on the Griswolds’ ill-fated trip.
• Lasky – Guard at Walleyworld (John Candy): The security guard at Walley World held at BB gunpoint by Clark in the movie’s climax.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Clark: “We’re going to Walley World!” – Clark’s enthusiastic declaration of their destination, which becomes increasingly ironic as the trip unfolds.
• Clark: “I think you’re all fucked in the head. We’re ten hours from the fuckin’ fun park and you want to bail out!” – Clark’s explosion of frustration after numerous setbacks on their journey.
• Cousin Eddie: “I don’t know why they call this stuff hamburger helper. It does just fine by itself, heh heh.” – Cousin Eddie’s clueless remark, highlighting his simple, unsophisticated nature.
• Ellen: “Clark, I don’t want to spend the night in a roadside ditch!” – Ellen’s plea reflecting the family’s deteriorating vacation conditions.
• Clark: “Roll ’em up!” – Clark screams this as he shoots at the Marty Moose stand with his BB gun.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $61,418,063
• Worldwide Gross: $61,418,362

💥 National Lampoon’s Vacation Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and laughing until my sides hurt. Clark’s sheer determination to get to Walley World, no matter the cost, is just pure comedic gold. The scene with Aunt Edna? Still makes me cringe and laugh at the same time. It’s one of those movies that perfectly captures the chaos of family vacations.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Chevy Chase”
  • “Those who enjoy road trip comedies”
  • “Viewers who like 1980s comedies”
  • “Adults with a sense of humor about family vacations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual humor”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Some violent content”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “A raucous, relentlessly funny road trip comedy. Chase is at his best as the well-meaning but hopelessly clueless Clark Griswold, and the supporting cast is pitch-perfect. The film captures the absurdity of family vacations with hilarious accuracy. The humor is both broad and surprisingly sharp, making it a genuinely enjoyable experience.
• Variety: “Harold Ramis directs with an expert hand, balancing slapstick and satire to create a consistently entertaining film. The script is witty and full of memorable moments, and the performances are universally strong. A classic comedy that holds up remarkably well over the years.
• RogerEbert.com: “While some gags may seem dated, the core humor remains timeless. The film’s strength lies in its relatable portrayal of family dynamics and the universal desire for a perfect vacation gone hilariously wrong. Chevy Chase is excellent as Clark Griswold.

Audience Reactions

The over-the-top disasters that befall the Griswolds are incredibly funny and relatable.: Viewers consistently praise Chevy Chase’s performance and the film’s ability to evoke nostalgic memories of family road trips.

The family’s interactions and reactions to each other are hilarious and authentic.: Fans highlight the movie’s timeless humor and its ability to provide a lighthearted escape from reality.

Overall Consensus: A beloved comedy classic that continues to resonate with audiences thanks to its relatable characters, absurd situations, and Chevy Chase’s iconic performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Hughes based the script on his own childhood vacation experiences, writing a short story about it for National Lampoon magazine.”
• “The ‘Wagon Queen Family Truckster’ was custom-built for the film and was intentionally designed to be as unattractive and impractical as possible.”
• “Harold Ramis, known for his improvisational style, encouraged the actors to ad-lib during filming, leading to some of the movie’s most memorable lines and moments.”
• “The Walley World scenes were filmed at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.”

🖥️ How to Watch National Lampoon’s Vacation?

National Lampoon’s Vacation is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase the movie. Check your local listings for cable or satellite options. Digital retailers such as Google Play Movies and Vudu also offer purchase options. For physical media collectors, the film is available on DVD and Blu-ray through online retailers like Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed National Lampoon’s Vacation, you might like these similar films:

• Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987): Another classic road trip comedy centered around holiday travel and the mishaps that occur along the way.
• RV (2006): A modern family comedy where a disastrous RV trip brings a family closer together amidst humorous chaos.
• The Great Outdoors (1988): A family vacation at a lakeside resort turns chaotic with the arrival of unwanted relatives, mirroring the family dynamic in ‘Vacation’.
• Are We There Yet? (2005): Features a man driving a woman’s children across country, facing numerous comedic obstacles and bonding through adversity.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): A quirky family road trip to a beauty pageant filled with unconventional characters and heartwarming moments.

🛒 National Lampoon’s Vacation Related Products

• National Lampoon’s Vacation: 4-Film Collection: Get all the Griswold family vacation mishaps in one collection! From their ill-fated cross-country road trip to their European and Vegas adventures, experience the full comedic journey of this iconic family.
• Wagon Queen Family Truckster Diecast Model: Own a replica of the iconic ‘Family Truckster’! This detailed diecast model is a must-have for any National Lampoon’s Vacation fan.
• National Lampoon’s Vacation T-Shirt ‘Griswold Family Vacation’: Show off your love for this classic comedy with a National Lampoon’s Vacation T-shirt. The perfect gift for any die-hard fan of the Griswolds and their disastrous road trip.
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Though not the original Vacation movie, Christmas Vacation captures the spirit of family madness, making it a must own for the serious fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

National Lampoon’s Vacation features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Holiday Road” – performed by Lindsey Buckingham
• “I’m So Excited” – performed by The Pointer Sisters
• “Little Boy Sweet” – performed by June Pointer
• “Summer Hearts” – performed by Nicolette Larson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Vacation Reboot | Forgotten Failures

Curious about what went wrong with the Vacation reboot? This insightful analysis dives into the film’s missteps and forgotten scenes.

Did you know for NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION….

Uncover fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbits about National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation that you probably never knew.

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