Vegas Vacation Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Dad gets a bonus and loses it all in Vegas, so he steals a dead man’s lottery ticket, proving that crime pays… kinda.

🍿 Vegas Vacation: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Bonus and the Destination

Clark Griswold receives a bonus due to his successful food preservative invention, prompting him to plan a family vacation to Las Vegas. Ellen and Audrey are hesitant, but Rusty is excited. The family’s anticipation is mixed as they prepare for their trip to the entertainment capital.

Adventures in Vegas

The Griswolds arrive in Vegas and visit Cousin Eddie, attending a Siegfried & Roy show. Clark gets separated during a Hoover Dam tour, causing chaos and having to scale the dam. The family experiences individual Vegas adventures, leading to humorous and chaotic situations.

Gambling Addiction and Family Separation

Clark develops a gambling addiction, losing the family’s money. Rusty gets a fake ID and becomes a high roller, while Audrey explores exotic dancing. Ellen attracts the attention of Wayne Newton, leading to further complications and the family members going their separate ways.

Reunion and Unexpected Fortune

After losing all their money, Clark realizes the importance of his family and seeks to reunite them. They come together to play keno with their last two dollars. An elderly man next to them wins and passes away, whispering to Clark to take the winning ticket. The Griswolds unexpectedly find fortune and renew their vows.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase): The well-meaning but disaster-prone patriarch who develops a gambling addiction during the family’s Vegas vacation.
• Ellen Griswold (Beverly D’Angelo): Clark’s supportive wife who finds herself pursued by Wayne Newton while trying to keep the family together.
• Rusty Griswold (Ethan Embry): The Griswold’s son who, after obtaining a fake ID, becomes a high roller in the casinos.
• Audrey Griswold (Marisol Nichols): The Griswold’s daughter who seeks independence and gets a job as a go-go dancer in Las Vegas.
• Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid): The freeloading, dim-witted cousin who adds to the Griswolds’ chaotic Vegas experience.
• Wayne Newton (Wayne Newton): A Vegas entertainer who takes a liking to Ellen and tries to woo her away from Clark.
• Marty (Wallace Shawn): A blackjack dealer who taunts Clark and contributes to his gambling losses.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Clark: “Honey, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I’m gonna win back our money.” – Clark says this with misguided confidence before losing all of their money gambling.
• Cousin Eddie: “Clark, I’m hurt. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t even be here. You would have driven right by.” – Eddie says this when Clark expresses annoyance at his presence, highlighting Eddie’s obliviousness and dependence.
• Hoover Dam Guide: “Welcome, everyone. I am your dam guide, Arnie. Now I’m about to take you through a fully functional power plant, so please, no one wander off the dam tour and please take all the dam pictures you want. Now are there any dam questions?” – The Dam guide says this to welcome the visitors to the Hoover Dam.
• Clark: “Hi, I’m Clark Griswold, and I’m here to tell you about the all-new 1997 Ford Expedition!” – Clark is being filmed for a TV commercial while dangling from the Hoover Dam.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $36,400,360
• Worldwide Gross: $36,400,360

💥 Vegas Vacation Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and just cracking up at all the ridiculousness! Clark’s gambling addiction, Cousin Eddie’s antics, and Audrey becoming a dancer – it was all so over-the-top. I still find it funny, even though I can see how cheesy it is now. The Hoover Dam scene is classic, and I always laugh when Wayne Newton tries to woo Ellen. This movie brings back some fun memories!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Chevy Chase and the National Lampoon’s Vacation series”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick comedy and family road trip movies”
  • “Those looking for light-hearted entertainment set in Las Vegas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor and innuendo”
  • “Gambling themes”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Vegas Vacation lacks the heart and humor of the original, relying too heavily on slapstick and predictable gags. While Chase and D’Angelo have their moments, the film feels like a tired retread.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “While not a masterpiece, Vegas Vacation offers enough laughs to satisfy fans of the series. Randy Quaid steals every scene he’s in, and the Vegas setting provides ample opportunity for chaotic fun. It’s silly, but enjoyable.
• The New York Times: “A disappointing entry in the Vacation series, Vegas Vacation fails to capture the charm and wit of its predecessors. The humor feels forced, and the plot is thin and uninspired. Even Chevy Chase seems to be phoning it in.

Audience Reactions

Cousin Eddie’s antics are the highlight of the movie, bringing constant laughs.: Randy Quaid’s performance as Cousin Eddie is consistently praised as the funniest part of the movie.

The Hoover Dam scene provides a memorable and outrageous moment.: The over-the-top humor of the Hoover Dam sequence is a frequently cited favorite.

Overall Consensus: Vegas Vacation is a divisive entry in the series, with some finding it a hilarious romp and others considering it a tired and uninspired sequel. The humor is broad and the plot is thin, but it may still appeal to fans of the Vacation franchise.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This is the only ‘Vacation’ film not to carry the ‘National Lampoon’s’ title.”
• “Ethan Embry and Marisol Nichols are the third set of actors to portray Rusty and Audrey Griswold, respectively. A running joke in the movie is Clark forgetting which kid is which, referencing the constant recasting.”
• “During the Hoover Dam scene, a real leak occurred shortly after filming, leading some crew members to jokingly blame Clark Griswold.”
• “The film features cameos from several Vegas performers, including Wayne Newton, Siegfried & Roy, adding to its authentic Vegas feel.”

🖥️ How to Watch Vegas Vacation?

Vegas Vacation is available for streaming on platforms such as HBO Max and Hulu. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Vegas Vacation, you might like these similar films:

• National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983): The original film that started the Griswold family’s disastrous vacation adventures.
• The Hangover (2009): A group of friends experience a wild and chaotic adventure in Las Vegas.
• What Happens in Vegas (2008): Two strangers get married in Vegas and try to make each other miserable to get the divorce money, with hilarious results.
• Lost in America (1985): A comedy about a couple who sell everything to travel the U.S., only to lose their nest egg in Las Vegas.

🛒 Vegas Vacation Related Products

• National Lampoon’s Vacation – The Complete Collection (DVD): Relive all the Griswold family adventures with this comprehensive DVD collection, including ‘Vegas Vacation’ and the other classic films in the series. Perfect for a family movie night or a trip down memory lane.
• Vegas Vacation Movie Poster: Decorate your home theater or game room with this classic ‘Vegas Vacation’ movie poster. A great way to show your love for the Griswolds and their chaotic adventures.
• Cousin Eddie Costume – Replica Set: Dress up as the unforgettable Cousin Eddie with this replica costume set. Includes his iconic white belt, tacky attire, and signature hat. Perfect for Halloween or costume parties.
• Slot Machine Keychain: Carry a piece of the Vegas experience with this mini working slot machine keychain. A fun reminder of the Griswolds’ gambling escapades.

🎧 Soundtrack

Vegas 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
• “Good Vibrations” – performed by The Beach Boys

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cooking Chicken on a Rock in VEGAS VACATION #shorts

Remember that wild scene with Clark trying to cook chicken on a rock? This short clip is hilarious and a perfect quick reminder of the Griswolds’ Vegas mishaps. You gotta see this!

Vegas Vacation – Clark Playing Blackjack Scenes

Relive the hilarious ups and downs of Clark Griswold’s blackjack adventure! This clip perfectly captures the chaos of Vegas and Chevy Chase’s genius. You won’t be disappointed watching Clark loose it all!

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Vegas Vacation

Think you know everything about ‘Vegas Vacation’? Think again! This video reveals some fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets that will blow your mind. This is a great way to learn some fun new facts about this movie.

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