National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic comedy movie that was released in 1983. The film follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip from their home in Chicago to the fictional amusement park, Walley World, located in California.
Despite its popularity and comedic appeal, it might come across as a surprise to some that the movie is rated R. So why exactly is National Lampoon’s Vacation rated R? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Plot of National Lampoon’s Vacation
The movie opens with Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase), who works as a food additive designer, deciding to take his family on a vacation to Walley World. He sets off on a journey with his wife Ellen (played by Beverly D’Angelo) and their two children Rusty (played by Anthony Michael Hall) and Audrey (played by Dana Barron) in their station wagon named “The Family Truckster”. As they hit the road, hilarity ensues due to various mishaps and misadventures.
The Reasons Behind Its R Rating
There are several reasons why National Lampoon’s Vacation received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). One of the primary reasons was its use of strong language.
The movie includes multiple instances of profanity throughout its runtime. Additionally, there are scenes with sexual references and nudity that make it inappropriate for younger audiences.
Furthermore, the film features scenes with drug use and underage drinking. In one scene, Clark smokes marijuana with his brother-in-law while driving through the desert. In another scene, Rusty purchases beer from a convenience store using a fake ID.
The Impact of Its Rating
Despite receiving an R rating, National Lampoon’s Vacation went on to become a massive commercial success and is still considered one of the best comedy movies of all time. However, its rating did have an impact on its audience. The R rating meant that the movie was not suitable for younger audiences and may have limited its reach.
Conclusion
National Lampoon’s Vacation is a hilarious movie that has stood the test of time. Its R rating might come as a surprise to some, but it’s important to remember that it contains strong language, sexual references, drug use, and underage drinking. The rating might have limited its viewership, but it still managed to become a cultural phenomenon.