This movie is another tale in the adventures of Clark Griswold and family, originally started in National Lampoon's "Vacation." Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is always on the lookout for that perfect family vacation. Unfortunately, that is never going to happen because of his own ineptness. However, he tries hard, reminding us all of our own family vacations when we rolled our eyes when our Moms and Dads told us where we were going on vacation.

For me, you just can't help but laugh just with the character's name, Griswold. It's a funny-sounding name and just screams "nerd." I expect a nerdy type individual and Chevy Chase gives you just that. I also like his "happy go lucky" nature. He tries hard to find something everyone will like. This time it is Las Vegas. At first the kids wonder what there will be for them to do since kids under 21 aren't allowed in the casinos. Mom (Beverly D'Angelo) worries that there is too much nasty bad stuff to influence the kids. However, Clark announces that they will renew their wedding vows and it wins her over.

There are lots of scenes of Las Vegas and the immediate surroundings. Because of this the movie interests me more than it might people who haven't been there because I recognize where they are: Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Muddy Mountains, etc. Of course there are also the casinos like the Mirage, the Luxor, the Riviera, the Stardust, etc. This aspect alone made the movie more fun for me because I can picture myself there. Otherwise, the movie might have been pretty boring for me.

Because there really isn't all that much plot. The family arrives and has a few moments together as a family. But after that they split up to pursue their own obsessions. Clark goes off to gamble his money away and Mom goes off to drool over Wayne Newton. Russ goes off to sneak into night clubs and gamble. Audrey goes off with her cousin to get a makeover and a dance gig. Eventually the light dawns and Clark gathers his family back up, realizing the purpose of a family vacation is to be together. And that's about it.

Others have stated how funny they thought this movie was, but I don't really see it. Partly because slapstick humor doesn't do much for me. But it did have its moments. Like the other vacation movies, we have the obnoxious cousin Eddy, played by Randy Quaid. He has moved out to some really cheap property in Las Vegas. Evidently the property is out in the desert on the Nevada Test Site, as he states they once did A-bomb tests there and since it is government land they will have no neighbors. This struck me as funny, that Eddie is ignorant enough to not realize where he is living. His kids have grown up and his son has pierced every part of his face, to the point of piercing his mouth closed. Eddie and wife think this is funny. Their daughter has also learned exotic dancing. Eddie and wife think this is funny too. Eddie doesn't have a grill, but just throws the meat down on a hot rock to cook. This whole scene is probably my favorite.

One good thing about this version vs. the other movies is that the rest of the family members have more of a role. Mom gets much more attention since she is off fooling around with Wayne Newton. Since the kids are older, they get involved in their own adventures too. This makes the premise of a "family" vacation more descriptive of the movie. And even though Cousin Eddie is so obnoxious his character is hilarious because he is the epitome of the low-class redneck. Of course I couldn't tolerate anyone in my family like that, but its funny when it is someone else's family!

Though the movie isn't long on plot, it is reasonably enjoyable since it is about a time that is supposed to be fun in your life. Also, most people seem to be curious about Las Vegas and what does or does not go on there, so this movie gives a little bit of an idea, though some parts are a bit unrealistic (like the bouncer accepting the fake ID). There is nothing in it that teenagers couldn't handle, just because some maturity is needed to understand. There is no nudity, profanity, or violence. If you are having trouble planning your next vacation, here is something to consider!


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older