Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Vacation’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

​It's no secret that I am a huge fan of the Vacation film franchise. I've always loved Chevy Chase and just about anything he's done, and this particular franchise just so happens to feature his finest work in my opinion. To the point where these movies often find their way into my Blu Ray player when I'm in the mood for a laugh, or if I’d like to revisit a little slice of my childhood. 
 
After all, these films have been around with us since 1983, and they're iconic enough that many households, including my own, make sure that Christmas Vacation is required holiday viewing. So, needless to say, every last one of us that happens to be a fan of this franchise, approached the sequel/remake that arrived in 2015 with bated breath, simply because you know how it can go with reboots these days.
 
In fact, that fear of being disappointed in precisely why I didn’t see this movie in theaters when it originally came out. Simply because I couldn’t bear the thought of seeing this franchise fall to pieces on the silver screen. But the opportunity finally arrived to see this film on home video and I simply could no longer pass up giving this one a look. So, without further ado, it's time to answer the grand question... is the film funny? Well, the answer is a resounding yes. 

---

​Because Vacation manages to bring the laughs after all is said and done and that’s largely due to the fact that the casting here is spot on. For example, Ed Helms, who is the sixth man to play Rusty Griswold in the franchise, is perfect for the role. For he plays Rusty in honest fashion. Complete with a heart as big as his father's when it comes to his family and he is balanced out nicely by long time comedy veteran Christina Applegate, who plays his wife, Debbie. In fact, Christina actually manages to steal the show on several occasions, thanks in part to Christina's incredible and impeccable timing when it comes to comedy and the scene where Debbie visits her former college is proof of all that. 
 
But before you go into this one thinking that it will have that classic feel of the earlier films, know that this is not your dad's Vacation any longer. For the over-the-top nature that comedy employs these days, along with a little cruder brand of comedy, is what fuels this particular trek to Walley World and believe it or not it works. Because the gross out jokes manage to come off without a hitch thanks to Ed Helms' ability to play it straight and Rusty's son Kevin, with his foul mouth and somewhat sociopathic behavior, allows for some genuinely hilarious moments to play out as well. 
 
In the end, this turned out to be a solid entry in the franchise. Is it the best in the series? Heck no. That will always be reserved for Christmas Vacation or the first film, but this one is definitely in the middle of the pack and one worth watching. Because you'll find some solid laughs in this particular film and some of the cameos that pop up are spectacular as well. But what matters most, is that Vacation does get one big thing right. For it serves as a fine reminder that the road trips we all took as a kid were hell at times, but worth it because nothing is as wonderful in this life as family, and it's wonderful to see that message return to the forefront of this storied franchise.

---