Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Vegas Vacation’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

I love comedy underdog films. Those motion pictures that were designed to make us smile that well... bomb at the box office. But when you discover them years later on home video, or via a streaming service, you have to wonder what audiences were thinking. Because in the end, the box office bomb in question, ends up being incredibly hilarious. Such is the case with today’s review. For back in 1997, the supposedly final Vacation film involving the Griswold family, was quickly forgotten by audiences, when it turns out that their last adventure should have been a proper chance, since Vegas Vacation is quite the comedic treat.

Clark Griswold has finally hit bonus pay dirt with one of the many food preservatives he works on. In fact, the payout is so incredibly good, that it is time for the Griswolds to go on another vacation. But one that is a little more grown up than the ones they've taken in the past since they are heading to America's playground... Las Vegas. But Sin City may be more than the family can handle, as the bright lights and big games begin to pull the Griswolds apart, leaving it to Clark and Cousin Eddie to save the day.  ​
 
So, there are likely several reasons as to why audiences avoided this particular feature in the theaters and one of them is likely related to the fact that the National Lampoon’s moniker was removed from the title. A decision that undoubtedly made it seem as though this was a cast-off story for certain, one that somehow displeased the powers that be and motivated them to disown this franchise outright, and audiences take note of little things like that. And sadly, some of the gags in this movie might have contributed to its failure at the box office as well.

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​Because at times, the jokes definitely feel forced, which never works for comedy flicks, especially ones present in this franchise. For the Vacation saga always felt organic and the timing of the jokes were always handled in a flawless manner. But the awkwardness of some of the jokes here is painfully apparent and the fact that the movie relies on mugging for the camera, complete with goofy faces, also hurts the comedic moments in question. But while all of these elements make it appear as though I lied, and that this movie deserves its ‘bomb’ status, that’s simply not the case. Because once you look past the awkward stuff and odd marketing decisions, there are some serious laughs to be found in this flick.
 
Take for example Rusty’s journey in this tale, since his desire to become a Vegas player goes swimmingly well and watching him get plunged into an awkward world he doesn’t understand in the slightest, leads to comedic gold for certain, especially when you look at how his journey serves as the foil to his father’s. Because watching Clark fail at every turn to strike it rich in Sin City really does produce some incredible laughs for certain, especially every scene he shares with his Blackjack nemesis in Wallace Shawn, and the goofiness of Clark’s gambling mishaps don’t end there. Because the ‘Poor Man’s Casino’ sequence is the true apex of this nightmarish gaming journey and it features so many perfect moments and rapid-fire jokes that it requires a few viewings to properly soak in its perfection. 
 
If anything, all of those moments speak to Chevy Chase’s abilities as a comedic actor and often times he is what makes this movie feel like the Vacation flicks we know and love, which is important. Because really, the only real knock in regard to this film is that it is lacking something critical that is present in the rest of the franchise. Specifically, the wonder of family and how important it is, despite how crazy family life gets sometimes. Granted the movie tries to make that a thing, but it never quite accomplishes that goal, and that's unfortunate. Because that is what made the series so popular. But either way, this movie is worth watching, because once the laughs start rolling you quickly lose yourself in what ended up being a temporary goodbye to the Griswolds and their wild vacations.

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