Vacation (2015 film)

Vacation is a 2015 American comedy film that was directed and written by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. The film is a sequel to the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, which started in 1983 with the release of National Lampoon’s Vacation. The film stars Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, and the charmingly unflappable Chris Hemsworth. The film is a witty and entertaining addition to the Vacation franchise, leaving audiences with a renewed love for the goofy Griswold family.

The story follows the now-adult Rusty Griswold as he plans a family vacation. Rusty’s family, including his wife Debbie and their two sons, James and Kevin, all agree to take a road trip to Walley World, the location from the hit first film. The road trip sees the family encounter various obstacles, including highway robbery, death-defying roller coasters, and a seriously inappropriate car rental. The family’s journey is punctuated by the humorous deadpan humor and clever quips made by the cast members.

The film’s cast is a standout feature, with the main characters being well-developed and easy to relate to, while the supporting cast is equally impressive. Ed Helms’ Rusty is a lovable loser who wants nothing more than to make his family happy. Christina Applegate’s Debbie is a realistic and loving partner who has to deal with the antics of her quirky in-laws. The family’s two sons, played by Skyler Gisondo and Steele Stebbins, are equally endearing, with Stebbins as the smart-talking younger brother and Gisondo as the sensitive older child. However, the true highlight of the film has to be Chris Hemsworth’s scene-stealing performance as the muscly and narcissistic Stone Crandall. Hemsworth shows off his comedic range to great effect, delivering some of the most memorable and hilarious moments of the movie.

The film’s comedy is a big draw, with the jokes ranging from the absurd to the relatable. The humor is well-written, and the timing is spot-on, with the actors delivering their lines with impeccable comedic timing. The film is also a great tribute to the original National Lampoon’s Vacation movie, with the filmmakers successfully incorporating various nods and references that are sure to please fans of the original film.

Visually, the film is stunning, with fantastic shots of the American countryside, various landmarks, and the impressive Walley World. The vibrant colors and sharp editing keep the pace moving at a great rate, never leaving the audience bored. The film’s soundtrack is also particularly noteworthy, featuring a mix of classic rock and modern pop songs that perfectly complement the story’s diverse range of situations.

In conclusion, Vacation is a fantastic movie that will leave you laughing until your sides hurt. The film’s cast is incredibly talented, the humor is top-notch, and the visuals and soundtrack are stunning. Fans of the original National Lampoon’s Vacation movie will enjoy seeing their favorite characters back in action, while newcomers will appreciate the fun and hilarious ride that is Vacation. Make sure to add this film to your must-watch comedy list.