Out of all the "Vacation" movies, I believe that "Vegas Vacation" is the most under-rated. I love the original, and at least one viewing of "Christmas Vacation" is an annual tradition at our house, but none can make me laugh as hard as I do when I watch the Griswold family's Las Vegas romp.

I suppose it's odd that I like the vacation movies at all, as I do not generally like slapstick and I am not a big Chevy Chase fan. But although "Vegas Vacation" has some physical comedy, the witty and clever script sustains the laughs far beyond mere pratfalls.

The story (obviously) involves a Griswold family vacation to Las Vegas. The children, Rusty and Audrey, are less than enthusiastic, but as always, they are swept up in Clark's insane enthusiam.

Beverly D'Angelo reprises her role as Clark's long-suffering wife, Ellen. And, best of all, Randy Quaid is back as backwoods Cousin Eddie, who is now living in his camper on a former nuclear testing range in the Nevada desert.

As you might expect, the Griswolds find themelves in the midst of a variety of madcap adventures. Rusty gets a fake ID in the name of Nick Poppageorgio and reinvents himself as a wealthy gambler when he hits an incredible lucky streak. Audrey bonds with her stripper cousin, one of Eddie's daughters, and proceeds to learn all about the Vegas nightlife and the easy ways to make money at dance clubs.

While the kids are off doing their thing, Clark and Ellen are having some rocky moments. Clark becomes obsessed with beating an obnoxious blackjack dealer, played by Wallace Shawn (Princess Bride, Haunted Mansion) to the point of losing an obscene amount of money. Meanwhile, Ellen is being hit on by Wayne Newton in a priceless cameo appearance. Faced with her husband's neglect, she finally agrees to visit Wayne's mansion. Could this be the end of the Griswold marriage?

There are some tedious moments, like the visit to Hoover Dam, when Clark inadvertently causes a crack that he tries to seal with chewing gum. It is very contrived, and is exactly the king of physical Chevy Chase comedy that I dislike. Also, although the ongoing rivalry with the blackjack dealer plays a role in the plot (Clark losing all his money), it gets old pretty fast. Happily, such moments are outshone by some true comedy gems.

Once of my favorite scenes is when Clark, desperate to win back some of the small fortunate he has lost, accompanies Eddie to a different kind of casino. Eddie's place features such games as "War" (the card game), "Rock, Paper, Scissors," and "Pick a Number Between 1 and 10." I still wish there were reallt a casino like that! Every time I see that part of the movie, I'm rolling on the floor. Eddie also takes Clark to a buffet where there are appealing items such as "blue" and "yellow."

Of course, no matter what, this is a "Vacation" movie so you know that everything will turn out okay in the end.

I recommend this movie, even if you are not a Chevy Chase fan, as long as you enjoy a totally silly, mindless comedy. You aren't going to find any intellectual challenges here, but that's one of the things I enjoy. After a long day at work, or when life is just generally getting me down, I don't want a movie that will challenge my brain. I want some mindless entertainment, and "Vegas Vacation" aptly fits that descrption. Make a bet on this one and I promise you won't lose.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day