154 reviews
As a child of the eighties, its hard not to view this film thru the lens of nostalgia. John Candy is hilarious as the simple but decent family guy who wishes to take his family on a vacation to the great outdoors. His plans are rudely disrupted by his boorish brother in law, who crashes the family event and manages to disrupt all of Candy's plans. While there's nothing particularly stunning or insightful here, its fun and reminds me of days gone by. Although seen thru the eye of comedians, many of us can remember "disastrous" family vacations like this, with relatives that we sometimes couldn't stand and plans gone awry, but still forming some of our most fond memories. It is also somewhat bittersweet for me, as most of the beautiful and rustic locales in the film have disappeared during the intervening years, a loss I hadn't even noticed or thought about until I watched the film again. The film is very family friendly and, if you haven't seen it, definitely worth a viewing.
The eighties was a decade of film brilliance. Not Academy Awards maybe, or deeply intriguing movies but instead R-Rated, ridiculous, fun, pompous, films that were just not thought provoking but instead FUN!! What was R-Rated back then would be barely a PG today which also reflects the kind of society we have turned into. Enter "The Great OutDoors" with fellow Canadian comedians who knew comedy unlike no one has since.
Dan Akroyd and John Candy are just great. They aren't brilliant actors (although Dan has shown some promise in great movies such as The Arrow and My Girl) but instead they can get together to deliver laughs and they do. The Great Outdoors is the quintessential eighties film about a family on vacation. It's about the desire to succeed and BUY STUFF (an eighties must.) It's about who is the better man, and man vs nature and all that kind of stuff. More importantly it delivers the perfect blend of physical comedy AND one liners that actually made me laugh out loud. Akroyd and Candy play like a stand up comedy act and it works so well that you forget everyone else. They really don't add or take away from the story, you just forget anyone else is there...it doesn't really matter much. You're in this to see Chet and Roman battle it out mostly behind each other's backs. The cinematography is great in this movie as well. They used an actual lake although it was in California, not Wisconsin and it really helps the setting. You feel as though you're roughing it out right beside them. The best part is the climax with the bear, what a great scene. As predictable as you might think it is...it's just awesome. Candy is hilarious and sadly missed in future endeavours. Akroyd pulls off the pompous, greedy and loud mouthed lawyer type to a T and manages to not take himself too seriously. As with all eighties films they manage to toss in the someone is in trouble, everyone has to pull together and save them story ending but it works and this movie is without a doubt a classic, whether comedy or just film in general, it will always be remembered fondly. 8/10
Dan Akroyd and John Candy are just great. They aren't brilliant actors (although Dan has shown some promise in great movies such as The Arrow and My Girl) but instead they can get together to deliver laughs and they do. The Great Outdoors is the quintessential eighties film about a family on vacation. It's about the desire to succeed and BUY STUFF (an eighties must.) It's about who is the better man, and man vs nature and all that kind of stuff. More importantly it delivers the perfect blend of physical comedy AND one liners that actually made me laugh out loud. Akroyd and Candy play like a stand up comedy act and it works so well that you forget everyone else. They really don't add or take away from the story, you just forget anyone else is there...it doesn't really matter much. You're in this to see Chet and Roman battle it out mostly behind each other's backs. The cinematography is great in this movie as well. They used an actual lake although it was in California, not Wisconsin and it really helps the setting. You feel as though you're roughing it out right beside them. The best part is the climax with the bear, what a great scene. As predictable as you might think it is...it's just awesome. Candy is hilarious and sadly missed in future endeavours. Akroyd pulls off the pompous, greedy and loud mouthed lawyer type to a T and manages to not take himself too seriously. As with all eighties films they manage to toss in the someone is in trouble, everyone has to pull together and save them story ending but it works and this movie is without a doubt a classic, whether comedy or just film in general, it will always be remembered fondly. 8/10
- Robert_duder
- Sep 11, 2004
- Permalink
A great comedy to settle down with after a long day. Aykroyd and Candy make a great pair in this off-beat comedy about life in the woods, and how one simple vacation turns into a dreaded day-to-day horror.
Basic Plot: John Candy and his family go up to Canada for a family vacation away from the city for several days. Seemingly fine, until they get to their cabin, the whole vacation starts to fall apart from the moment they arrive. Not only is there fish everywhere in their vacation home, but just when mom and dad think they're alone, their brother and sister in-law walk in on them, with their two daughters. From a water-skiing adventure gone wrong- to eating a whole family's worth of food (pun definitely intended.), the movie seems to continually take a turn for the worst. The subplot is Candy's oldest son, who starts to fall in love with a local, to give it that romance along with all the humor that's going on between the adults.
A fun movie to watch from 10- whenever.
I give it a 7.5 out of 10 (10 being the highest). Not one of the best movies ever but certainly funny and it has some great writing too.
A little piece of trivia:
At the end of "She's Having a Baby" right before the credits, you see the wife asking Kevin Bacon what they should name the baby... People from all sorts of films and T.V. shows voice their opinions, including some of the cast members from 'The Great Outdoors'.
And that's the end of this review.
Basic Plot: John Candy and his family go up to Canada for a family vacation away from the city for several days. Seemingly fine, until they get to their cabin, the whole vacation starts to fall apart from the moment they arrive. Not only is there fish everywhere in their vacation home, but just when mom and dad think they're alone, their brother and sister in-law walk in on them, with their two daughters. From a water-skiing adventure gone wrong- to eating a whole family's worth of food (pun definitely intended.), the movie seems to continually take a turn for the worst. The subplot is Candy's oldest son, who starts to fall in love with a local, to give it that romance along with all the humor that's going on between the adults.
A fun movie to watch from 10- whenever.
I give it a 7.5 out of 10 (10 being the highest). Not one of the best movies ever but certainly funny and it has some great writing too.
A little piece of trivia:
At the end of "She's Having a Baby" right before the credits, you see the wife asking Kevin Bacon what they should name the baby... People from all sorts of films and T.V. shows voice their opinions, including some of the cast members from 'The Great Outdoors'.
And that's the end of this review.
- Pookyiscute
- Feb 10, 2004
- Permalink
"The Great Outdoors" is what anyone would expect of a John Candy movie: completely goofy, but funny nonetheless. He plays Chet Ripley, taking his family on vacation in the wilderness. Unfortunately, Chet's unpleasant brother-in-law Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd) is also there, and he just has to make everything miserable for Chet. In some ways, this movie seems to be rehashing "Summer Rental", but with a different tone. My favorite parts were the raccoons, the bear, and The Old '96er (I don't recommend that scene for squeamish people). All in all, it just goes to show what the world lost when John Candy died. He was really great.
P.S.: Annette Bening, in her debut, plays Roman's wife Kate.
P.S.: Annette Bening, in her debut, plays Roman's wife Kate.
- lee_eisenberg
- Aug 12, 2005
- Permalink
It's hard to view "The Great Outdoors" as more than just a cog in the high-production machine of late 80s comedy including the talents of John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, etc. Most of the film is incredibly predictable and the plot is almost entirely formulaic, yet despite it all, it's hard to truly despise this film. It's nothing more than average, but still enjoyable. Of all the films that master 80's comedy writer John Hughes has written ("Ferris Bueller," "The Breakfast Club") this is not one of his standouts.
John Candy stars as Chet Ripley, yet another likable protagonist who is always getting screwed over by his jerk of a co-star, in this case Dan Akyroyd as his brother-in-law, Roman Craig. Chet wants peace and quiet in a small Canadian lakefront town with his family when the Craigs drop in uninvited. It's so overdone and overused, but a few of the scenes are quite funny and somewhat unique.
What makes this film different is that it feels more family-oriented. Not in the sense that it's appropriate for all ages, but in the sense that the film offers something for every member of the family. Whether it's the adult dialogue, the films troublesome kids, or the unimportant teenage fling/romance subplot, "Great Outdoors" tries to make a reason for every demographic to see this movie. It seems really contrived, but other than the National Lampoon's "Vacation" movies, this is honestly one of the most family-oriented comedies of that era.
"Great Outdoors" is not a staple of 80s comedy, but it does add some ample padding in the overall collection, especially when it comes to "fun for all ages."
John Candy stars as Chet Ripley, yet another likable protagonist who is always getting screwed over by his jerk of a co-star, in this case Dan Akyroyd as his brother-in-law, Roman Craig. Chet wants peace and quiet in a small Canadian lakefront town with his family when the Craigs drop in uninvited. It's so overdone and overused, but a few of the scenes are quite funny and somewhat unique.
What makes this film different is that it feels more family-oriented. Not in the sense that it's appropriate for all ages, but in the sense that the film offers something for every member of the family. Whether it's the adult dialogue, the films troublesome kids, or the unimportant teenage fling/romance subplot, "Great Outdoors" tries to make a reason for every demographic to see this movie. It seems really contrived, but other than the National Lampoon's "Vacation" movies, this is honestly one of the most family-oriented comedies of that era.
"Great Outdoors" is not a staple of 80s comedy, but it does add some ample padding in the overall collection, especially when it comes to "fun for all ages."
- Movie_Muse_Reviews
- Jun 16, 2008
- Permalink
I remember seeing this movie back in the late 80's, when I was young, and I have fond memories of it being a great and fun movie. And sure enough, having sat down again here in 2012 and watch it again, the movie was every bit as funny and entertaining and I remembered it to be.
But of course, why wouldn't it? You have two of the greatest comedians in American cinema in it; Dan Aykroyd (playing Roman) and John Candy (playing Chet), and they were really a great comedian couple, complementing each other well and having great on-screen chemistry.
The story in "The Great Outdoors" is about the Ripley family coming to a very idyllic and beautiful cabin site, where Chet's father used to take Chet when he was a child, and now Chet want his children to have their own memories of this paradise. But within only moments of getting there, Chet's brother Roman and his family show up unannounced to surprise the Ripley's and spend a week of vacation together.
The movie is filled with great and memorable moments that will have you laughing hard, because Aykroyd and Candy really do some great comedy in this movie and put on great performances. Sure it is very 1980's in spirit, but still today the movie is fun and entertaining to watch. And I personally never will tire of John Candy and his greatly missed comedy act, he was truly one of a kind.
If you enjoy 80's comedies and the movies of Dan Aykroyd and/or John Candy, then I am sure you are already well familiar with "The Great Outdoors", but if you aren't, then get your hands on this movie, because it is well worth a watch.
But of course, why wouldn't it? You have two of the greatest comedians in American cinema in it; Dan Aykroyd (playing Roman) and John Candy (playing Chet), and they were really a great comedian couple, complementing each other well and having great on-screen chemistry.
The story in "The Great Outdoors" is about the Ripley family coming to a very idyllic and beautiful cabin site, where Chet's father used to take Chet when he was a child, and now Chet want his children to have their own memories of this paradise. But within only moments of getting there, Chet's brother Roman and his family show up unannounced to surprise the Ripley's and spend a week of vacation together.
The movie is filled with great and memorable moments that will have you laughing hard, because Aykroyd and Candy really do some great comedy in this movie and put on great performances. Sure it is very 1980's in spirit, but still today the movie is fun and entertaining to watch. And I personally never will tire of John Candy and his greatly missed comedy act, he was truly one of a kind.
If you enjoy 80's comedies and the movies of Dan Aykroyd and/or John Candy, then I am sure you are already well familiar with "The Great Outdoors", but if you aren't, then get your hands on this movie, because it is well worth a watch.
- paul_haakonsen
- Aug 2, 2012
- Permalink
- FlashCallahan
- Apr 10, 2013
- Permalink
The Great Outdoors is one of the most under rated comedies that I have ever seen! It's actually one of my hidden favorites, because this is the type of comedy that I love, slap stick. Dan and John make such a great comedic duo in The Great Outdoors, you can't help but laugh hysterically at every scene or be touched by a sentimental moment. I miss stories like this, that are not only heart warming but have a great mix of comedy as well.
Chet is a family man who wants to bond with his songs on a camping trip, so he, his wife, and their boys go out to the great outdoors. But an uninvited guest tags along, their rich and snobby cousins Roman and Kate and their two Shinning creepy twin girls. Since Roman likes to live it up, he practically jumps all over Chet's plans and just takes over the vacation!
There are some great scenes like a bat gets loose in the cabin and Chet and Roman decide to take it on themselves. The bat gets onto Chet's face and Roman hits the bat and Chet's face with a tennis racket! Chet's reaction is just priceless! And they go to a restaurant where Chet has the opportunity to eat a 16 ounce steak and if he eats the whole thing, the family eats for free, and they do it like as if he was Rocky in his first major boxing match, it was just great to watch. The Great outdoors is one of those great under rated comedies that I'm sure you'll fall in love with.
10/10
Chet is a family man who wants to bond with his songs on a camping trip, so he, his wife, and their boys go out to the great outdoors. But an uninvited guest tags along, their rich and snobby cousins Roman and Kate and their two Shinning creepy twin girls. Since Roman likes to live it up, he practically jumps all over Chet's plans and just takes over the vacation!
There are some great scenes like a bat gets loose in the cabin and Chet and Roman decide to take it on themselves. The bat gets onto Chet's face and Roman hits the bat and Chet's face with a tennis racket! Chet's reaction is just priceless! And they go to a restaurant where Chet has the opportunity to eat a 16 ounce steak and if he eats the whole thing, the family eats for free, and they do it like as if he was Rocky in his first major boxing match, it was just great to watch. The Great outdoors is one of those great under rated comedies that I'm sure you'll fall in love with.
10/10
- Smells_Like_Cheese
- Nov 16, 2003
- Permalink
The Great Outdoors isn't one of the great comedies of the 80s, but it's a memorable one. It features some John Hughes touchstones, yet it's missing the magic of most of his films. Additionally, the scenes feel more like a series of skits put together than one cohesive story. John Candy and John Aykroyd seem to be having a good time, though.
- cricketbat
- Aug 10, 2019
- Permalink
In keeping with the recent 80's bent I've been on, I decided to watch "The Great Outdoors" when Amazon suggested it. Unlike many others this wasn't one that I'd seen before though, and I found it to be a slight, if amiable addition to the wider "vacation" genre.
Chet Ripley (John Candy) takes his wife Connie (Stephanie Faracy) and two boys to a lakeside cabin in the woods of Wisconsin. Looking for a family bonding experience, his wishes are destroyed by the unannounced arrival of his braggadocios brother-in-law Roman (Dan Aykroyd) and his family. With his rich tastes and abrasive attitude Roman pushes Chet's buttons until things come to a head and the truth about Roman's life is revealed.
It's a bit of a minor film this one, both in terms of John Candy's pantheon of 80's films and with consideration of the other films by the writer, John Hughes. Perhaps that was why I hadn't come across the film until today. Candy and Aykroyd are a great combination, though it does feel strange still to see Aykroyd take on obnoxious role, still the film is one that I found mildly amusing rather than genuinely funny. Mostly it's a collection of vignettes rather than an actual story - the fishing trip that goes wrong, the water-skiing session that goes wrong, the meal in the restaurant that ... somehow, goes wrong. There's not really an overall story to the film. That lack of story is highlighted in a B-plot about Chet's eldest son Buck, played by Chris Young, who embarks on a holiday romance with a local girl played by Lucy Deakins. This romance doesn't add anything to the plot, or feed back into it in any way, other than by taking up some of the running time.
It's not a horrible time, but its only real merit is reminding you about the better film the cast are in.
Chet Ripley (John Candy) takes his wife Connie (Stephanie Faracy) and two boys to a lakeside cabin in the woods of Wisconsin. Looking for a family bonding experience, his wishes are destroyed by the unannounced arrival of his braggadocios brother-in-law Roman (Dan Aykroyd) and his family. With his rich tastes and abrasive attitude Roman pushes Chet's buttons until things come to a head and the truth about Roman's life is revealed.
It's a bit of a minor film this one, both in terms of John Candy's pantheon of 80's films and with consideration of the other films by the writer, John Hughes. Perhaps that was why I hadn't come across the film until today. Candy and Aykroyd are a great combination, though it does feel strange still to see Aykroyd take on obnoxious role, still the film is one that I found mildly amusing rather than genuinely funny. Mostly it's a collection of vignettes rather than an actual story - the fishing trip that goes wrong, the water-skiing session that goes wrong, the meal in the restaurant that ... somehow, goes wrong. There's not really an overall story to the film. That lack of story is highlighted in a B-plot about Chet's eldest son Buck, played by Chris Young, who embarks on a holiday romance with a local girl played by Lucy Deakins. This romance doesn't add anything to the plot, or feed back into it in any way, other than by taking up some of the running time.
It's not a horrible time, but its only real merit is reminding you about the better film the cast are in.
- southdavid
- Dec 10, 2020
- Permalink
I watch this movie, and then i feel terrible that a great comedian is gone.. You can have your kinnison, farley, etc. But Candy, is probaly one of the over looked, and slumped into thecheap renters.. but you know why they used him as the lead in so many.. Because he is/was a kindly looking man, and was from what i have read of him.. And this is probaly the pinnacle of the greatness of Candy. And the whole bear scene steals the whole show. I just wish all the canadian actors/comedians didn't have to go south.. come on Canadian cinema drop the docu-drama and work with our funny bones.. We are wasting our real natural resource here.. Again best Candy flick of all, IMHO.
- rabid_halfling
- Apr 6, 2004
- Permalink
It's getting so you can spot a John Hughes script from fifty miles off anymore.
"The Great Outdoors" is his, he'd have trouble disowning this one. It has his earmarks all over it:
1) Slapstick chaos ("Home Alone")
2) Teen love ("Pretty in Pink")
3) Animals with human tendencies ("101 Dalmatians")
4) Thick-headed adults (just about all his movies)
And, of course, there are laughs to be had here. Candy and Aykroyd as the feuding brothers are extremely funny and their chemistry works very well here. Faracy and Bening (!) do well as their long-suffering wives. Even Prosky serves up laughs as the campground proprietor.
But you have to feel sorry for that poor bald bear in the end (get it?).
Seven stars. Time-tested Hughes humor and a solid cast to set it off just right. Good use of raccoons, too.
"The Great Outdoors" is his, he'd have trouble disowning this one. It has his earmarks all over it:
1) Slapstick chaos ("Home Alone")
2) Teen love ("Pretty in Pink")
3) Animals with human tendencies ("101 Dalmatians")
4) Thick-headed adults (just about all his movies)
And, of course, there are laughs to be had here. Candy and Aykroyd as the feuding brothers are extremely funny and their chemistry works very well here. Faracy and Bening (!) do well as their long-suffering wives. Even Prosky serves up laughs as the campground proprietor.
But you have to feel sorry for that poor bald bear in the end (get it?).
Seven stars. Time-tested Hughes humor and a solid cast to set it off just right. Good use of raccoons, too.
Decent watch at best, probably won't watch again, but can recommend for those on a late-eighties nostalgia kick.
Sometimes it is good to get in "The Way Back Machine" and see some of the movies that made people famous, and I liked Dan Aykroyd and John Candy.
The duplicitous plot and character choices just didn't sit great with me. Having recently seen "Brother Nature", it is interesting to see a movie that could have inspired it. I think it would have been a lot better with John Candy as an overwhelmingly positive buzzkill and Aykroyd playing a family man. But Candy is sort of the family man of the late 1980s, and Aykroyd is the quintessential New York scumbag, and they do it well.
I'd ultimately say it is worth the watch, but there are probably a dozen "back to nature" movies I could recommend in front of this one.
Sometimes it is good to get in "The Way Back Machine" and see some of the movies that made people famous, and I liked Dan Aykroyd and John Candy.
The duplicitous plot and character choices just didn't sit great with me. Having recently seen "Brother Nature", it is interesting to see a movie that could have inspired it. I think it would have been a lot better with John Candy as an overwhelmingly positive buzzkill and Aykroyd playing a family man. But Candy is sort of the family man of the late 1980s, and Aykroyd is the quintessential New York scumbag, and they do it well.
I'd ultimately say it is worth the watch, but there are probably a dozen "back to nature" movies I could recommend in front of this one.
- mark.waltz
- Mar 19, 2017
- Permalink
Two families go on vacation together in a Canadian log cabin.
This is an enjoyable comedy powered by the presence of John Candy and Dan Ackroyd.
I saw this many times as a child and recently as a forty-something. I don't think it's quite as good as I remember (as is often the case when you re-watch movies you enjoyed as a child) but the two stars still provide enough entertainment to make it work.
I think many people have family or friends they tolerate in small doses, and there is nothing quite like going on vacation together to remind you why this is the case. This is the central concept of 'The Great Outdoors' and the basis for so of much of the humour. Key to this is relationship of the main characters Chet and Roman, who are the respective patriarchs of each family, and about as opposite you can get in both values and personality.
Candy and Ackroyd are perfectly cast in the above roles. The script is not in the same league as other notable 80s comedies, but the performances of each elevate the material significantly. Ackroyd in particular lives and breathes the obnoxious, arrogant brother-in-law from hell and makes a potentially annoying creation hilariously funny. I think many people have a Roman in the family and might be able to empathise with the situation. Candy adds a likeable, laid back, charismatic presence and brings his natural, improvised banter to many scenes. He seems to have wonderful chemistry with everyone he shares the screen with.
Annette Benning and Stephanie Faracy make some reasonably good contributions to the humour, particularly the 'spin cycle' references and generally when they both stand by their husbands during the inevitable family bust-up.
Some of the gags are more visual. The waterskiing sequence is great fun, likewise the montage of holiday park activities, lightening bolts, and bear related shenanigans.
Not everything works for me. I find the repetitive gags involving raccoons mildly amusing at best and all the scenes involving the eldest son Buck's teen romance feel like a way to stretch out the movie to feature length. I remember as a child I used to fast forward these parts on my VHS and they haven't got better with age.
As ever, I believe comedy is very much in the eye of the beholder and it depends on your personal taste as to whether you find it funny. It is a typically 80s PG comedy that is family friendly but pushes the boundaries in terms of its adult themes. I am probably rating it higher than it deserves due to being a huge fan of both stars and the nostalgia associated with watching it as a child.
This is an enjoyable comedy powered by the presence of John Candy and Dan Ackroyd.
I saw this many times as a child and recently as a forty-something. I don't think it's quite as good as I remember (as is often the case when you re-watch movies you enjoyed as a child) but the two stars still provide enough entertainment to make it work.
I think many people have family or friends they tolerate in small doses, and there is nothing quite like going on vacation together to remind you why this is the case. This is the central concept of 'The Great Outdoors' and the basis for so of much of the humour. Key to this is relationship of the main characters Chet and Roman, who are the respective patriarchs of each family, and about as opposite you can get in both values and personality.
Candy and Ackroyd are perfectly cast in the above roles. The script is not in the same league as other notable 80s comedies, but the performances of each elevate the material significantly. Ackroyd in particular lives and breathes the obnoxious, arrogant brother-in-law from hell and makes a potentially annoying creation hilariously funny. I think many people have a Roman in the family and might be able to empathise with the situation. Candy adds a likeable, laid back, charismatic presence and brings his natural, improvised banter to many scenes. He seems to have wonderful chemistry with everyone he shares the screen with.
Annette Benning and Stephanie Faracy make some reasonably good contributions to the humour, particularly the 'spin cycle' references and generally when they both stand by their husbands during the inevitable family bust-up.
Some of the gags are more visual. The waterskiing sequence is great fun, likewise the montage of holiday park activities, lightening bolts, and bear related shenanigans.
Not everything works for me. I find the repetitive gags involving raccoons mildly amusing at best and all the scenes involving the eldest son Buck's teen romance feel like a way to stretch out the movie to feature length. I remember as a child I used to fast forward these parts on my VHS and they haven't got better with age.
As ever, I believe comedy is very much in the eye of the beholder and it depends on your personal taste as to whether you find it funny. It is a typically 80s PG comedy that is family friendly but pushes the boundaries in terms of its adult themes. I am probably rating it higher than it deserves due to being a huge fan of both stars and the nostalgia associated with watching it as a child.
- snoozejonc
- Dec 11, 2021
- Permalink
Dan does a good role, and John has a script. This film is great. A little sappy the love story, but the water ski scene makes up for it. I like this film, its worth the rental price. It was a great drive in movie when I went out with my parents. 7/10
Great grins movie! Strong script with a wonderful array of gags.Rent this one for the kids,then watch it yourself.See Lucy Deakins at her best!Scary tale as told by John Candy is so silly.This movie is hokey but you gotta love it!
These 2 comedy mega stars work together brilliantly and also with their co stars.
Lots of great highlights but my favourite is the Land of 1000 Dances, just a great movie moment :)
They should have done a cross over where they meet the Griswold's getting fuel, would have been a magic moment.
Lots of great highlights but my favourite is the Land of 1000 Dances, just a great movie moment :)
They should have done a cross over where they meet the Griswold's getting fuel, would have been a magic moment.
- damianphelps
- Mar 28, 2022
- Permalink
This is a great film to just kick-back and watch on a rainy day. It has a some good laughs and an interesting story. There are a number of things that I didn't like about the film, and things that I wouldn't have done, but overall, it's a good film and I enjoyed it.
John Candy and Dan Aykroyd are a fabulous team. John Candy plays the character you'd expect him to play, given his other credits, the good-natured nice guy. Dan Aykroyd plays an interesting character, because all in all, he's a good guy, but he's got his problems (which will come out in the end of the film). I thought it was a bit strange to Annette Bening in this kind of comedic role, due to having seen her in various roles since, most of which not being comedic. But nonetheless, she did a very nice job with her role, and in fact this film was her theatrical debut. Robert Prosky plays a somewhat minor role, but does a fine job with it. Lucy Deakins (Cammie) really caught my eye in this film, she is quite a good looking woman and needs to be in more films.
I wouldn't say this film is for everyone, and I could see why some people wouldn't love it. It's not a laugh-a-minute kind of movie, but it's got some good stuff. If you are a fan of either John Candy or Dan Aykroyd, then you ought to see this film. I hope you enjoy the film, thanks for reading,
-Chris
John Candy and Dan Aykroyd are a fabulous team. John Candy plays the character you'd expect him to play, given his other credits, the good-natured nice guy. Dan Aykroyd plays an interesting character, because all in all, he's a good guy, but he's got his problems (which will come out in the end of the film). I thought it was a bit strange to Annette Bening in this kind of comedic role, due to having seen her in various roles since, most of which not being comedic. But nonetheless, she did a very nice job with her role, and in fact this film was her theatrical debut. Robert Prosky plays a somewhat minor role, but does a fine job with it. Lucy Deakins (Cammie) really caught my eye in this film, she is quite a good looking woman and needs to be in more films.
I wouldn't say this film is for everyone, and I could see why some people wouldn't love it. It's not a laugh-a-minute kind of movie, but it's got some good stuff. If you are a fan of either John Candy or Dan Aykroyd, then you ought to see this film. I hope you enjoy the film, thanks for reading,
-Chris
- LebowskiT1000
- Jan 30, 2003
- Permalink
Dan Aykroyd and John Candy star in this fair comedy. "The Great Outdoors" is about two families that join up on a summer vacation in the mountains. Aykroyd's Roman Craig is a first-class jerk through most of the film, and not the source of much humor. He plays the role well, and Candy's Chet Ripley often plays off of him for much of the film's comedy. The rest of their families contribute a small amount, but the film revolves around the two brothers-in-law. Among the supporting cast, Robert Prosky's Wally provides the most other comedy.
Candy's Ripley is a good-natured guy, who's also a klutz. He gets out of his car at a bear dump and tosses a couple of candy bars to the bears, and then beckons one toward him. What did he think they might do, if not climb on his car and try to get at him for more candy bars?
With Candy's ups and downs in comedies, I noticed that his films that are successes are those that don't go overboard with crass and crude language and scenes. His films in that category are mostly flops. Come to think of it, that seems true also for Aykroyd and some other prominent comedy actors.
Universal filmed this movie in Chicago and mostly in Yosemite National Park, at Bass Lake, at the Paramount Ranch in Agourra, and at Universal's studios - all in California. There is a Pine Lodge Resort at Bass Lake, but no Lake Potowotominimac. The Home of the 96er steak that Chet eats is Ducey's Bar and Grill at Bass Lake, CA. The place in the film burned down shortly after the film was made, but has since been rebuilt. The PG rating is mostly for the profanity and crass language.
Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Chet Ripley, "Come on everybody." Connie Ripley, "Hey." Everyone stacks a hand on top of Chet's, and all say in unison, "Our Lady of Victory, pray for us." Chet, " Rrrright! Let's go."
Chet Ripley, banging his car door on a tree, "Whoa! Trees in the parking lot."
Roman Craig, "Honey?" Kate Craig, "Yes, Roman." Roman Craig, "Why is it that Chet's kids look at him like he's Zeus and my kids look at me like I'm a rack of yard tools at Sears? I mean, why can't they connect with me?"
Kate Craig, after Roman's phone call seems to end abruptly, "Maybe he hung up on you?" Roman Craig, "Why would a minister hang up on me? I've been to his church." Kate Craig, "Oh, yeah - once."
Candy's Ripley is a good-natured guy, who's also a klutz. He gets out of his car at a bear dump and tosses a couple of candy bars to the bears, and then beckons one toward him. What did he think they might do, if not climb on his car and try to get at him for more candy bars?
With Candy's ups and downs in comedies, I noticed that his films that are successes are those that don't go overboard with crass and crude language and scenes. His films in that category are mostly flops. Come to think of it, that seems true also for Aykroyd and some other prominent comedy actors.
Universal filmed this movie in Chicago and mostly in Yosemite National Park, at Bass Lake, at the Paramount Ranch in Agourra, and at Universal's studios - all in California. There is a Pine Lodge Resort at Bass Lake, but no Lake Potowotominimac. The Home of the 96er steak that Chet eats is Ducey's Bar and Grill at Bass Lake, CA. The place in the film burned down shortly after the film was made, but has since been rebuilt. The PG rating is mostly for the profanity and crass language.
Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Chet Ripley, "Come on everybody." Connie Ripley, "Hey." Everyone stacks a hand on top of Chet's, and all say in unison, "Our Lady of Victory, pray for us." Chet, " Rrrright! Let's go."
Chet Ripley, banging his car door on a tree, "Whoa! Trees in the parking lot."
Roman Craig, "Honey?" Kate Craig, "Yes, Roman." Roman Craig, "Why is it that Chet's kids look at him like he's Zeus and my kids look at me like I'm a rack of yard tools at Sears? I mean, why can't they connect with me?"
Kate Craig, after Roman's phone call seems to end abruptly, "Maybe he hung up on you?" Roman Craig, "Why would a minister hang up on me? I've been to his church." Kate Craig, "Oh, yeah - once."
The Great Outdoors is yet another "disaster-vacation" comedy along similar lines to every other movie within its limited and predictable genre (e.g. National Lampoon's Vacation, National Lampoon's European Vacation, Carry On Camping, and Summer Rental). It doesn't play like a movie with a coherent plot; more like a series of comic sketches, linked together by the same characters and the same general premise of two bickering families attempting to endure a woodland holiday together.
Chet (Candy) takes his city-bred family up into the wilderness of the U.S-Canadian border region for a vacation in a log cabin. Uninvited, his over-bearing business-bigwig brother-in-law Roman (Akroyd) shows up. The mismatched pair, their bitchy wives, and their wacky kids proceed to have various misadventures involving speed boats, grizzly bears, horse riding excursions, raccoons, etc.
Candy and Akroyd are able to do this kind of thing on autopilot, and that's exactly the way they approach this film. Neither actor exerts himself, both seeming happy to aim for the easy laughs. The kids in the movie are generally annoying, ranging from Akroyd's eerie twin daughters (who look like they've just stepped out of The Shining) to Candy's eldest son who is desperate to find love in the woods. Some of the sequences are amusing, such as the scene where Candy foolishly attempts to feed the bears and ends up with two gigantic grizzlies sat upon the roof of his car, and the white-haired hillbilly who stutters maniacally about being struck by lightning over fifty times. More often, though, the sequences are predictable and fairly laughless. The Great Outdoors might entertain you if you're new to this kind of film, but if you've seen any of the others you'll find very little that is fresh here.
Chet (Candy) takes his city-bred family up into the wilderness of the U.S-Canadian border region for a vacation in a log cabin. Uninvited, his over-bearing business-bigwig brother-in-law Roman (Akroyd) shows up. The mismatched pair, their bitchy wives, and their wacky kids proceed to have various misadventures involving speed boats, grizzly bears, horse riding excursions, raccoons, etc.
Candy and Akroyd are able to do this kind of thing on autopilot, and that's exactly the way they approach this film. Neither actor exerts himself, both seeming happy to aim for the easy laughs. The kids in the movie are generally annoying, ranging from Akroyd's eerie twin daughters (who look like they've just stepped out of The Shining) to Candy's eldest son who is desperate to find love in the woods. Some of the sequences are amusing, such as the scene where Candy foolishly attempts to feed the bears and ends up with two gigantic grizzlies sat upon the roof of his car, and the white-haired hillbilly who stutters maniacally about being struck by lightning over fifty times. More often, though, the sequences are predictable and fairly laughless. The Great Outdoors might entertain you if you're new to this kind of film, but if you've seen any of the others you'll find very little that is fresh here.
- barnabyrudge
- Feb 22, 2004
- Permalink
This is a classic, anyone who seriously scores this low doesn't get 80's films
- williamsonandcompany
- Nov 5, 2018
- Permalink
When I was younger, I saw bits and pieces of this film on TV, and it caught my attention for a little while, but I never stuck with it back then. When I found a copy to borrow in my older age, I decided I'd like to see the whole thing, as I like both Candy and Hughes.
What I like: Candy is always fun to watch. He has this warmth and humor that's just so enjoyable. I'm doing my best to catch up on all his work. The actress playing his wife, Stephanie Faracy, seemed like a good match for Candy's character. She balanced him, and had some funny lines, too. (I was trying to figure out where I recognized her from. Later I discovered she was the mom in "Hocus Pocus"! She's funny.) I also liked some of the more slapstick/silly bits, like the water skiing scene, for example.
What I didn't like: I didn't care much for Dan Aykroyd's character, but... I guess that was the point. He was so irritating to me at first, I almost shut the movie off. But, he did the "character transition" thing, and because less of a caricature, and more human near the end. Also, this movie felt a little like "John Hughes lite", but I figured, it was probably the studio that wanted him to deliver a 'PG' film the whole family can watch together, and that's a little more toned down than the stuff he's more remembered for.
The consensus: I think this movie is worth a look, if you're a fan of Candy, '80s comedies, or Hughes work. It may be too much for some children, due to some scary scenes with a bear, and some profanity. For me, it doesn't nearly hit the ringers of the decade, or even Hughes prior (or later) work, but if expectations are kept kind of low, I think you'll enjoy it. 6/10
What I like: Candy is always fun to watch. He has this warmth and humor that's just so enjoyable. I'm doing my best to catch up on all his work. The actress playing his wife, Stephanie Faracy, seemed like a good match for Candy's character. She balanced him, and had some funny lines, too. (I was trying to figure out where I recognized her from. Later I discovered she was the mom in "Hocus Pocus"! She's funny.) I also liked some of the more slapstick/silly bits, like the water skiing scene, for example.
What I didn't like: I didn't care much for Dan Aykroyd's character, but... I guess that was the point. He was so irritating to me at first, I almost shut the movie off. But, he did the "character transition" thing, and because less of a caricature, and more human near the end. Also, this movie felt a little like "John Hughes lite", but I figured, it was probably the studio that wanted him to deliver a 'PG' film the whole family can watch together, and that's a little more toned down than the stuff he's more remembered for.
The consensus: I think this movie is worth a look, if you're a fan of Candy, '80s comedies, or Hughes work. It may be too much for some children, due to some scary scenes with a bear, and some profanity. For me, it doesn't nearly hit the ringers of the decade, or even Hughes prior (or later) work, but if expectations are kept kind of low, I think you'll enjoy it. 6/10
Having not seen this movie since I was about 8 I looked forward to a forgotten Candy/Aykroyd classic and a sharp script by John Hughes. As an adult though I was bitterly disappointed at how feeble and unimaginative this lame comedy is. It barely just manages to be a complete film and comes across as a haphazard collection of possible scenes from an abandoned Griswald Vacaction movie squished together in no real order.
John Candy is an earnest, bigger than life dad who takes his wife and two sons into the wilderness for a fun time in a log cabin. When they get there they are promptly interrupted by pompous brother-in-law Dan Aykroyd (in a reverse Cousin Eddie role) who imposes himself into every situation with his arrogant demeanor. There's no conflict. It's a set-up that barely develops and barely resolves.
Meanwhile a bunch of side gags occur and some extremely poor slapstick scenes make up the majority of the running time. A teen romance plot is shoehorned in there but has no real effect on anything (but I don't mind as it features jail-bait Lucy Deakins who is super cute). Absolutely none of this appears to be in any pre-planned order. Characters warp across the place, switch outfits, warp back, and switch to previous outfits. No scene relates to another and nothing properly interconnects.
Some shots appear to be sped up and a couple of smaller scenes are obviously shot in a soundstage (complete with interior echo and noticeable folds in the painted backdrop) instead of actually on location. It makes me think that they realized the movie was under- running when thrown together and re-shot some extra crap to make it longer. An eyeball-rolling "karaoke credits" (were these EVER popular with audiences?) fattens the length to an acceptable 85 minutes before the credits run over black.
Forget about this one. It's a misfire from all the talent involved. Your nostalgia for this flick will not hold up.
John Candy is an earnest, bigger than life dad who takes his wife and two sons into the wilderness for a fun time in a log cabin. When they get there they are promptly interrupted by pompous brother-in-law Dan Aykroyd (in a reverse Cousin Eddie role) who imposes himself into every situation with his arrogant demeanor. There's no conflict. It's a set-up that barely develops and barely resolves.
Meanwhile a bunch of side gags occur and some extremely poor slapstick scenes make up the majority of the running time. A teen romance plot is shoehorned in there but has no real effect on anything (but I don't mind as it features jail-bait Lucy Deakins who is super cute). Absolutely none of this appears to be in any pre-planned order. Characters warp across the place, switch outfits, warp back, and switch to previous outfits. No scene relates to another and nothing properly interconnects.
Some shots appear to be sped up and a couple of smaller scenes are obviously shot in a soundstage (complete with interior echo and noticeable folds in the painted backdrop) instead of actually on location. It makes me think that they realized the movie was under- running when thrown together and re-shot some extra crap to make it longer. An eyeball-rolling "karaoke credits" (were these EVER popular with audiences?) fattens the length to an acceptable 85 minutes before the credits run over black.
Forget about this one. It's a misfire from all the talent involved. Your nostalgia for this flick will not hold up.
- CuriosityKilledShawn
- Jul 7, 2016
- Permalink