Vegas Vacation (1997)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

This is the weakest of the Chevy Chase movies in the "National Lampoon's Vacaction" movies. That being said, don't get me wrong here, because it is not a bad movie. It was just lacking that unique comedy touch and outrageous absurdity that was found in the previous movies.The story in "Vegas Vacation" is about the Griswold's trip to sparkling Las Vegas, and nothing goes according to plans. And soon things are spiraling out of control and Las Vegas is turned upside down.Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo carried this movie with their spot on portrayals of the beloved Clark and Ellen Griswold characters. The children are naturally growing up, but it was a bit strange as they had new performers in those roles. Randy Quaid also did a great job in revisiting the lovely cousin Eddie character.The comedy in "Vegas Vacation" was straight to the point and there was the trademark awkward situations, but it was not fully up to the level set in the previous movies. Still a funny movie though, and definitely worth watching.

Vegas Vacation (1997): Dir: Stephen Kessler / Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Wallace Shawn, Wayne Newton: Perhaps the most family friendly of the comedy series. The first film dealt with the reality of vacation plans never going as planned. Their trip to Europe in the second film regarded culture. Their Christmas outing in the third film regards family. Fourth of the Griswold vacation series is a lesson in wealth. Clark plans to remarry Ellen but along the way he causes a flood at the Hoover Dam, and becomes addicted to gambling. Ellen nearly has an affair with Wayne Newton. Son Rusty wins cars by playing slot machines. Daughter Audrey becomes a showgirl. Directed by Stephen Kessler with fine Vegas footage. Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo are in fine comic tune although the conclusion featuring Sid Ceasar is totally contrived. They reunite again in marriage after Clark steals her back from Wayne Newton. Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie steals the film. He lives in the middle of frig nowhere but offers Clark assistance when his gambling debt hits too high. Wallace Shawn plays a blackjack dealer who knows all to well what he is doing after Clark's repeated returns. Wayne Newton appears as himself pining after D'Angelo. Underrated fourth entry is quite amusing and entertaining. Strong theme makes this vacation worth the gamble. Score: 6 / 10

The fourth installment in National Lampoon's Vacation film series, 'Vegas Vacation' is silly, but so funny too! Its pure slapstick humor, that is enjoyable for anyone who's familiar with the Vacation movies & the crazy Griswold family.'Vegas Vacation' Synopsis: In the fourth outing for the vacation franchise, the Griswolds have to survive Vegas fever when they go to Las Vegas for a fun family vacation.'Vegas Vacation' doesn't get every joke or gag right, but at most parts, you laugh at the silliness. Its purely an entertaining comedy, that has been made only to make you laugh. And to a large extend, the makers have succeeded! Elisa Bell's Screenplay is spirited, although not everything works, particularly that one segment featuring a lecherous Vegas singing star who goes head over heels for Mrs Griswold. Stephen Kessler's Direction is pretty decent. Cinematography & Editing are alright.Performance-Wise: Chevy Chase is in terrific form. He nails the part of the wacky leader of a dysfunctional family & brings the house down on numerous occasions. Beverly D'Angelo has also done very well. Randy Quaid is first-rate. Marisol Nichols is passable. Ethan Embry doesn't really impress. Wayne Newton is wasted.On the whole, 'Vegas Vacation' has some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. So for that alone, I'd suggest you check this one out.

Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) arrives at his home in Chicago, one day, in very high spirits. His wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and two kids, Audrey (Marisol Nichols) and Rusty (Ethan Embry) are called to a family meeting. In short order, Clark announces that his new formula for food preservation has garnered a big bonus and he is taking them all to Las Vegas. No one is very excited but they have little choice but to go along. When they arrive in town, the Griswolds take a limo to their hotel, although poor Audrey gets stuck in the moonroof, thanks to her dad. Before long, cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) shows up, for Ellen has called her cousin, Eddie's wife Catherine, to announce their visit. Eddie promptly watches Clark lose a whopping $300 bucks at the blackjack table, much to the joy of the sadistic dealer, Marty (Wallace Shawn). After the loss, Eddie invites everyone to his house north of Vegas, where the government has given him some lovely, parched, radioactive land. From there, its on to Hoover Dam and to a bunch of shows, including Sigfried & Roy and Wayne Newton. Newton, in fact, makes a play for Ellen in front of the audience, although Clark thinks its part of the act. While Ellen gets invited to have cocktails with Wayne, Clark goes on gambling and the kids, under age, get fake identifications so they can likewise play the tables (Rusty) and try out exotic dancing (Audrey). They even have an encounter with an old, old gambler (Sid Caesar). How will their great adventure end? This is the best of the vacation films, my opinion, even though all are enjoyable. The script is lively and inventive and so, so funny. The cast, too, is excellent, with the main folks reprising their long established roles, and Newton, Embry, Nichols, Shawn, and especially Caesar, adding greatly to the merriment. The scenery is the best of the strip, Eddie's abode notwithstanding, and the costumes and direction are topnotch, also. Do you, personally, need a vacation from the norm? VV is the cure for the anytime blues.