Are you a fan of the Vacation movie franchise? If so, you may be wondering which film is the best.
With so many to choose from, it can be tough to decide. In this article, we’ll take a look at each film and determine which one reigns supreme.
Introduction
The Vacation movies have been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. The series began with the original National Lampoon’s Vacation in 1983 and has since spawned four sequels. Each film follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on various vacations that always seem to go awry.
The Original: National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
The first film in the series is often regarded as a classic. Starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, the movie follows the family as they travel from Chicago to California in a quest to reach Walley World – a fictional amusement park.
The film features several hilarious scenes, including Clark accidentally dragging his dog behind his car and getting lost in East St. Louis. It also introduced us to Randy Quaid’s character, Cousin Eddie.
Overall, National Lampoon’s Vacation is a great comedy that still holds up today. It’s definitely worth watching if you haven’t seen it already.
European Vacation (1985)
The second film in the series took the Griswolds across the pond to Europe. While it has some funny moments, European Vacation isn’t quite as strong as its predecessor.
One of the highlights of this movie is seeing the Griswolds visit famous landmarks such as Stonehenge and The Louvre. However, some of the humor falls flat and feels forced.
Despite its flaws, European Vacation is still an enjoyable watch – especially if you’re a fan of Chevy Chase’s slapstick humor.
Christmas Vacation (1989)
Christmas Vacation is a holiday classic that has become a staple of many families’ Christmas traditions. The film follows the Griswolds as they prepare for Christmas and deal with various mishaps along the way.
One of the standout performances in this movie comes from Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie. His antics are hilarious and add an extra layer of chaos to the already hectic Griswold household.
Overall, Christmas Vacation is a great movie that perfectly captures the chaos and humor of the holiday season. It’s definitely worth watching each year when December rolls around.
Vegas Vacation (1997)
The fourth film in the series takes the Griswolds to Las Vegas for some much-needed relaxation. While it has its moments, Vegas Vacation isn’t quite as strong as its predecessors.
One of the highlights of this movie is seeing Wayne Newton play himself and interact with the Griswolds. However, some of the humor feels a bit too juvenile and doesn’t hit quite as hard as it should.
Despite its flaws, Vegas Vacation is still an enjoyable watch – especially if you’re a fan of Chevy Chase’s signature brand of humor.
Vacation (2015)
The most recent entry in the series is also a reboot of sorts. The film stars Ed Helms as Rusty Griswold – now all grown up and taking his own family on a road trip to Walley World.
While it may not be quite as iconic as National Lampoon’s Vacation, this movie still manages to capture some of that classic Griswold family charm. The addition of Chris Hemsworth’s character adds an extra layer of humor to an already funny movie.
Overall, Vacation is a great addition to the franchise and proves that there’s still plenty of life left in these characters.
Conclusion
So, which Vacation movie is the best? While each film has its strengths and weaknesses, it’s hard to deny the enduring appeal of the original National Lampoon’s Vacation. With its classic humor and iconic characters, it’s a movie that still holds up today.
That being said, fans of the series will likely find something to enjoy in all of the films. Whether you prefer Chevy Chase’s slapstick humor or Randy Quaid’s over-the-top antics, there’s a Vacation movie out there for everyone.