Is Vacation a Sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Are you a fan of National Lampoon’s Vacation movie series? If yes, then you might be wondering if ‘Vacation’ is a sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation.

Well, the answer is both yes and no. Confused? Let’s dive into the details.

What is National Lampoon’s Vacation?

National Lampoon’s Vacation is a comedy movie released in 1983, directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes. The movie revolves around the Griswold family and their cross-country trip from Chicago to California to visit Walley World amusement park. The movie was a huge hit at the box office and gained immense popularity among audiences for its humor and relatable storyline.

Is ‘Vacation’ a sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation?

Yes, ‘Vacation’ released in 2015 can be considered as a sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation, but it is also a reboot of the franchise. The storyline of ‘Vacation’ follows Rusty Griswold, son of Clark Griswold (the protagonist of National Lampoon’s Vacation), who decides to take his family on a road trip to Walley World amusement park – just like his father did years ago.

The similarities between ‘Vacation’ and National Lampoon’s Vacation

The humor and tone of both movies are quite similar. Both movies feature the Griswold family going on a road trip with hilarious mishaps along the way.

The iconic scene where Clark Griswold loses his temper at his car rental agent has been recreated with Rusty Griswold in ‘Vacation.’ Additionally, Chevy Chase makes an appearance in ‘Vacation,’ reprising his role as Clark Griswold.

The differences between ‘Vacation’ and National Lampoon’s Vacation

While the basic premise of both movies is the same, ‘Vacation’ has some notable differences. The cast of ‘Vacation’ is entirely new, with Ed Helms playing Rusty Griswold and Christina Applegate playing his wife. Additionally, ‘Vacation’ has a more modern feel to it and includes several pop culture references that weren’t present in National Lampoon’s Vacation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘Vacation’ can be considered as both a sequel and a reboot of National Lampoon’s Vacation. While it follows a similar storyline and tone as the original movie, it also has its unique elements that set it apart. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the franchise, ‘Vacation’ is definitely worth watching for its entertaining and comedic elements.