I'm way biased here. This is now my favorite Vacation movie after binge watching all 4 from a BluRay box set. I'm biased because I'm a Vegas fanatic and it's hard to watch how they get Vegas wrong in so many movies. Here, they actually shot in so many of the locations and the views from their rooms made sense. Too many times, including the most recent Paul Blart Mall Cop 2, do they just make up sh|t as they go along and hope no one's ever been to Sin City. I digress. I know this isn't everyone's favorite, and some scenes made me cringe, like Clark climbing the Hoover Dam, but I found myself laughing more in this installment than the previous three. Mostly with Cousin Eddie, again, the gambling – specifically the off-strip casino and Marty the Devil Dealer and the luck of Rusty. Am not ashamed, despite my obsession with Vegas, to say, this is my favorite Vacation
so far.
141 Reviews
Silly, but so funny!
namashi_17 May 2015
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.
'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.
Funny But Formulaic
eric26200315 December 2014
The final installment to the Griswald family's madcap misadventures, they're just as funny as the other three outrageous film before this one, as Clark, Ellen, Audrey and Rusty are out to stir trouble for themselves and everyone else surrounding them only this time the stakes are higher in the 1997 film "Vegas Vacation." The laughs are gut- bursting, and the hot Nevada desert is the perfect resort to capture just how zany and outrageous the Griswalds can be. Sure it's good to watch one in a blue moon, after seeing the same gags over and over again, it does loses its flavour like a piece of chewing gum and you can easily become bored after a while.
The film is truly a follow-up to "Christmas Vacation" as Clark finally got his big bonus from his marketing business after his newly invented cereal bars are a success and decides to use his money to his advantage and brings his wife and kids with him where they'll go on a frenzy gambling and living the life on Easy Street. During their stay, the Griswalds venture on their own to see what fortune comes their way. Such scenes involves legendary crooner Wayne Newton trying to get it on with Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo). Clark and the kids have their moments as well.
Sure the Griswald family follow the same path as the other three installments, but that's because of their inept ways of life, they have managed to make us laugh. We all come to see them struggle, fail and try to move up only to still remain left behind, but we love them for that and that is what keeps their fans from coming into theatres for. We were all shocked to see Clark as he dangles off Hoover Dam and crashing through Wayne Newton's house with the van.
The movie is very rich because the film is unpredictable. You think that they slowed the tempo down in "Christmas Vacation", but think again, the falls, the slapstick humour is still effective as we await for every gag to takes its shape and every way for the Griswalds to bend it. The laughs continue and never gets bored the first time seeing it at least, but after multiple viewing it loses its flavour like chewing gum.
Clark and the gang had their moments of laugh-till-your-stomach- bursts moments, however, the funniest scenes will involve the funniest supporting player to the Griswold clan. I'm talking about Randy Quaid's Cousin Eddie. From the first and third installments (he wasn't in "European Vacation"), he was always a dynamic character and the reason why is that even though he's dumber than rocks, his heart is in the right place and looks out for Clark even in the the most dire situations. But his redneck ways and caring charm puts a light touch to someone's heart.
This film isn't without its weaknesses. For one thing if you seen the other three Griswald adventures you seen them all. The madcap over- the-top slapstick humour has been done many times before and many times better. Even the dialogue and the facial expressions have all been executed in the very same pattern. But hey, what do I expect this film was going to be, a life-changing drama? Hell, no this is "National Lampoon" baby, so the film should be about overdosing in slapstick comedy so why spoil a good thing.
Another fault is why was Wayne Newton playing a pivotal part in the film. Sure he's a respective singer and I would have been okay if he played a cameo role in the film. But as a supporting character, he was just plain awful. He was just playing himself, a sleazy Vegas singer who had the hots for Ellen.
Usually in the other three films I laughed with the family, but in "Vegas Vacation", I couldn't help but feel sorry for them, especially from the kids (who looked too old to play the parts of Audrey and Rusty). The lack of chemistry is missing in this film because the kids and the parents seem to go their own separate ways. I thought it angered me that Clark kept forgetting his daughter's name most of the time (making her feel like the black sheep of the family a la Meg Griffin from "Family Guy"). I also felt that there was a lot of parental negligence as the kids Audrey and Rusty found themselves in dangerous predicaments. It was also very angering that Clark spent over $23,000 of his bonus money on gambling when he should have done as he promised in "Christmas Vacation" was to install a swimming pool. It made me think where's social services when you need them feeling I got. Surely a family could not have been this dysfunctional. But though it all it still succeeds in providing you with non-stop gags and having you laughing the whole way through.
Overall this movie is by far a terrible movie. The laughs are plentiful and you'll surely have a good time and Randy Quaid was wonderful as Cousin Eddie. I would recommend it as a comedy and really nothing more than that.
The film is truly a follow-up to "Christmas Vacation" as Clark finally got his big bonus from his marketing business after his newly invented cereal bars are a success and decides to use his money to his advantage and brings his wife and kids with him where they'll go on a frenzy gambling and living the life on Easy Street. During their stay, the Griswalds venture on their own to see what fortune comes their way. Such scenes involves legendary crooner Wayne Newton trying to get it on with Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo). Clark and the kids have their moments as well.
Sure the Griswald family follow the same path as the other three installments, but that's because of their inept ways of life, they have managed to make us laugh. We all come to see them struggle, fail and try to move up only to still remain left behind, but we love them for that and that is what keeps their fans from coming into theatres for. We were all shocked to see Clark as he dangles off Hoover Dam and crashing through Wayne Newton's house with the van.
The movie is very rich because the film is unpredictable. You think that they slowed the tempo down in "Christmas Vacation", but think again, the falls, the slapstick humour is still effective as we await for every gag to takes its shape and every way for the Griswalds to bend it. The laughs continue and never gets bored the first time seeing it at least, but after multiple viewing it loses its flavour like chewing gum.
Clark and the gang had their moments of laugh-till-your-stomach- bursts moments, however, the funniest scenes will involve the funniest supporting player to the Griswold clan. I'm talking about Randy Quaid's Cousin Eddie. From the first and third installments (he wasn't in "European Vacation"), he was always a dynamic character and the reason why is that even though he's dumber than rocks, his heart is in the right place and looks out for Clark even in the the most dire situations. But his redneck ways and caring charm puts a light touch to someone's heart.
This film isn't without its weaknesses. For one thing if you seen the other three Griswald adventures you seen them all. The madcap over- the-top slapstick humour has been done many times before and many times better. Even the dialogue and the facial expressions have all been executed in the very same pattern. But hey, what do I expect this film was going to be, a life-changing drama? Hell, no this is "National Lampoon" baby, so the film should be about overdosing in slapstick comedy so why spoil a good thing.
Another fault is why was Wayne Newton playing a pivotal part in the film. Sure he's a respective singer and I would have been okay if he played a cameo role in the film. But as a supporting character, he was just plain awful. He was just playing himself, a sleazy Vegas singer who had the hots for Ellen.
Usually in the other three films I laughed with the family, but in "Vegas Vacation", I couldn't help but feel sorry for them, especially from the kids (who looked too old to play the parts of Audrey and Rusty). The lack of chemistry is missing in this film because the kids and the parents seem to go their own separate ways. I thought it angered me that Clark kept forgetting his daughter's name most of the time (making her feel like the black sheep of the family a la Meg Griffin from "Family Guy"). I also felt that there was a lot of parental negligence as the kids Audrey and Rusty found themselves in dangerous predicaments. It was also very angering that Clark spent over $23,000 of his bonus money on gambling when he should have done as he promised in "Christmas Vacation" was to install a swimming pool. It made me think where's social services when you need them feeling I got. Surely a family could not have been this dysfunctional. But though it all it still succeeds in providing you with non-stop gags and having you laughing the whole way through.
Overall this movie is by far a terrible movie. The laughs are plentiful and you'll surely have a good time and Randy Quaid was wonderful as Cousin Eddie. I would recommend it as a comedy and really nothing more than that.
The Griswalds Parade In Vegas
CurtMan@LVCM.com14 November 2004
"Vegas Vacation" makes no pretenses to be a good, hearty, intelligent piece of cinema: it features many critical, inexcusable flaws, such as: trafficking in mindless frivolity, some occasionally cheesy dialogue, and even wavers constantly from scene to scene without any means of resolution or connection. Yet, if you can ignore its many irksome qualities, the latest outing with the Griswalds is simply an outrageous, hilarious, and pleasurable romp of a movie. If you laugh at something senseless and absurd, such as Cousing Eddie babbling on about his worthless, pathetic existence, or Clark Griswald finding himself at the edge of the Hoover Dam, or even a busload of tourists crashing into the estate of "Mr. Las Vegas", Wayne Newton, so what? Where logic and reasoning are scarce behind the odds of the scenarios the Griswalds encounter, laughs are aplenty to make this one gleeful, jovial outing full of some really effective comedy. The idea of the dysfunctional Griswalds venturing to Vegas for yet another "family vacation" and finding themselves experiencing the whims of the city of entertainment in their own individual ways, with Clark being a hapless, compulsive gambler, Ellen having somewhat of an affair with Wayne Newton, Rusty hitting it rich at the casinos and masquerading as a "playboy", and Audrey aspiring to be an exotic dancer, how hilarious can it get? Couple this with the outrageous imbecilic likes of Cousin Eddie continuing to plague Clark's existence, and "Vegas Vacation" succeeds in delivering a royal flush of laughs. If it's silly and inane, if scenarios are too illogical for words, and if not everything really comes together by the end, at least you have plenty of funny material to laugh away at, and that makes for a jolly good outing, when you find yourself laughing consistently throughout the film, which warrants a solid recommendation for "Vegas Vacation". Hilarious! *** out of ****
All about the ... family/money?
kosmasp24 November 2021
What happens in Vegas ... well does not quite stay there. Multiple puns intended. If you are going on a vacation with the Griswolds, anything can happen. Like Randy Quaid popping in for some unknown reason - apart from the script and probably the audience demanding it. The beloved and hated cousin is back again.
And this time it seems like father Griswold does everything he can to ruin or rather bankrupt the whole familly. Will he succeed? A fair question one might have. The whole thing is quite insane and while you do not have to have seen any other vacation movie you can see that none of the member changes ... well physically/casting wise the son and daughter combo do change. You get new ones playing them in every movie. But mindset wise ... well they stay the same - same goes for Mom and Dad - but they are being played by the same people.
If you did like the other movies, you will have fun with this too - some interesting cameos included (not sure why currently the pics used for Sigfried and Roy are ... anything but good looking ... anyway).
And this time it seems like father Griswold does everything he can to ruin or rather bankrupt the whole familly. Will he succeed? A fair question one might have. The whole thing is quite insane and while you do not have to have seen any other vacation movie you can see that none of the member changes ... well physically/casting wise the son and daughter combo do change. You get new ones playing them in every movie. But mindset wise ... well they stay the same - same goes for Mom and Dad - but they are being played by the same people.
If you did like the other movies, you will have fun with this too - some interesting cameos included (not sure why currently the pics used for Sigfried and Roy are ... anything but good looking ... anyway).
Gets the number three spot
ODDBear14 December 2009
Well, Clark Griswold has so far botched a road trip, a European vacation and (most memorably) a Christmas vacation; so why does he continue to make his family go through hell on his endless quest for a fun vacation? That's easy; it's pretty enjoyable for us to watch :)
"Vegas Vacation" sits comfortably as the third most enjoyable film in the series; surpassing "European Vacation" but not as enjoyable as "Vacation" or "Christmas Vacation". It's pretty far reaching at times but there are solid moments here; such as Clark damn near destroying a damn and getting crazy (as only Clark Griswold can) playing cards and losing everything.
The Wayne Newton gag soon grows tiresome and everything concerning Audrey and Russ pretty much stinks but Randy Quaid delivers once again as obnoxious Cousin Eddie and Chase hasn't lost his touch as the world's most annoying (yet somehow oddly endearing) family dad.
"Vegas Vacation" sits comfortably as the third most enjoyable film in the series; surpassing "European Vacation" but not as enjoyable as "Vacation" or "Christmas Vacation". It's pretty far reaching at times but there are solid moments here; such as Clark damn near destroying a damn and getting crazy (as only Clark Griswold can) playing cards and losing everything.
The Wayne Newton gag soon grows tiresome and everything concerning Audrey and Russ pretty much stinks but Randy Quaid delivers once again as obnoxious Cousin Eddie and Chase hasn't lost his touch as the world's most annoying (yet somehow oddly endearing) family dad.
What Happens in Vegas...
sol-21 August 2016
Mayhem ensues when the Griswolds go to Las Vegas in this fourth film in the 'Vacation' franchise. Chevy Chase is solid as always and Wallace Shawn has a fun extended cameo this time round as a condescending croupier, but with minimal road trip elements here, the dynamic is not quite as juicy as the first or even second film. The plot basically consists of each member of the Griswold clan having their own individual Vegas experiences, and while there is quite a bit of oddball humour in how Rusty makes it as a gambling king, there is not a lot of interest in Audrey becoming a Vegas dancer, Ellen being seduced by Wayne Netwon or Clark's gambling debt woes (Shawn's role in the matter aside). The recasting of the kids (yet again) also works against the film; while Marisol Nichols and Ethan Embry are both older than the characters they are playing, they don't look it, while Chase - with grey hair now - looks older than ever. Randy Quaid also has far too much screen time for his own good as the abrasive cousin Eddie and it is hard to know what to make of a scene in which Quaid and Chase visit an outskirts casino with "what number am I thinking of" gambling games. The solution to Chase's gambling woes comes a little too easily too. There are, however, enough scattered good moments here to make the film possibly worth a look. The return of the blonde in a convertible (from the first film) is a nice touch, some dam wordplay surprisingly works well, a sun-roof incident is quite funny and what a way the film depicts to obtain a fake ID!
Mr papagergio
gcbeaton-871782 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
OK I'm gonna stop I'm saying this is a enjoyable movie stop overhating it like come on Maybe people love the Christmas version and they look at this nice they all know it's not as good but I actually think that this one and the 2016 version are actually OK stop overhanging but then again ID and be incredictate over hate literally everything like some of them sometimes yeah but sometimes you just like you just brain fire supreme on planet some of the funniest movies And just much childish dumb funny movies so yeah but I do think that it does have a pretty bland story I could say that but it's it's not that badd overall enjoyable.
Too many missed opportunities
DrTuvok13 May 2022
Vegas Vacation is apparently the first film of this 'Vacation' series with no input from John Hughes, who most likely would have been able to clean it up a bit, maybe emphasize the satirical aspects only hinted at in the final product. A film more directly spoofing the empty allure of Las Vegas and the mentality of the people who go there would have been gold, but alas, the scriptwriters seemingly didn't think of that.
There are some funny scenes throughout...notably the 'special casino' sequence and the disgusting buffet. Wallace Shawn, an always-welcome presence, has a small role as a blackjack dealer but I wish he could have done more. (The dam tour is also pretty funny until it morphs into Chevy Chase scaling the Hoover Dam for literally no reason). Unfortunately many of the humorous scenes fall flat due again to the scriptwriter's inability to set up gags and punchlines properly.
Take the magic show scene, for example. Chevy Chase volunteers to be an assistant in the show, the magicians put him in a box, he disappears, and then reappears once it's done. There's...nothing necessarily funny about this. A 'Mr Bean' style sequence of Chase bumbling about and inadvertently exposing the magicians' tricks would have worked much better.
Side Note: The Wayne Newton stuff is amusing but I find it too implausible that the cousin-in-law character (a crude redneck who teaches his daughter to be a pole dancer) would be such a huge admirer of him. Maybe celebrities playing themselves always demand that the script include fans. I feel like I've seen this trend in other things as well.
There are some funny scenes throughout...notably the 'special casino' sequence and the disgusting buffet. Wallace Shawn, an always-welcome presence, has a small role as a blackjack dealer but I wish he could have done more. (The dam tour is also pretty funny until it morphs into Chevy Chase scaling the Hoover Dam for literally no reason). Unfortunately many of the humorous scenes fall flat due again to the scriptwriter's inability to set up gags and punchlines properly.
Take the magic show scene, for example. Chevy Chase volunteers to be an assistant in the show, the magicians put him in a box, he disappears, and then reappears once it's done. There's...nothing necessarily funny about this. A 'Mr Bean' style sequence of Chase bumbling about and inadvertently exposing the magicians' tricks would have worked much better.
Side Note: The Wayne Newton stuff is amusing but I find it too implausible that the cousin-in-law character (a crude redneck who teaches his daughter to be a pole dancer) would be such a huge admirer of him. Maybe celebrities playing themselves always demand that the script include fans. I feel like I've seen this trend in other things as well.
One of the Best Vacations
Hollywood_Yoda4 November 2018
In the fourth vacation film, we see the Griswolds visiting Las Vegas. This is definitely a better installment than European Vacation, more laughter and more family friendly. The fact that Wayne Newton plays himself in a bit role designed to mock himself is hilarious. And of course Randy Quaid returns as Cousin Eddie in his best vacation role yet.
The sub story about Rusty getting a fake ID and then gambling is the best part of the whole film. The film did receive a PG rating, which was the lowest MPAA rated film in the series. Sid Caesar makes his final big screen performance as the old man at the Keno game. The film is full of a small roles filled by well known actors like Wallace Shawn and Julia Sweeney.
Not sure why National Lampoon didn't attach their name to the film, it's a great installment.
The sub story about Rusty getting a fake ID and then gambling is the best part of the whole film. The film did receive a PG rating, which was the lowest MPAA rated film in the series. Sid Caesar makes his final big screen performance as the old man at the Keno game. The film is full of a small roles filled by well known actors like Wallace Shawn and Julia Sweeney.
Not sure why National Lampoon didn't attach their name to the film, it's a great installment.
Is that Wayne Newton?
Calicodreamin1 June 2022
What's not to like? This movie is a classic like the first.
tvandagriff9 August 2004
I've read many comments about the Vacation movies. Most people give the original "Vacation" high marks, but trash the others. I think a lot of people just like to be pick on Chevy Chase. "Vacation" is the best, but I liked the sequels and "Vegas Vacation" is my favorite of them. My kids just love to watch "Vegas Vacation". You can't pop in the DVD expecting to watch a movie that will be thought provoking or life altering. It was made to make people laugh and it accomplishes that very well. Chevy Chase and cast are very funny in this movie. The Wayne Newton bit was great. I love going to Vegas, and I love this movie. When my wife and I fly to Vegas, we always kid about going to the bathroom to join "the club" like Clark and Ellen. Numerous other things remind us of the movie when we are in Vegas, and it has made those trips even more enjoyable. Just wish Chevy would do another "Vacation" movie.
Funny, but not fully there...
paul_haakonsen20 December 2015
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.
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.
Not the brightest of Vacations
videorama-759-8593917 October 2014
I'm glad we got to see one more of these Vacation films. I admit, I am a big fan of them, only this time it's a saggy one, where too many gags misfire on the account of them not riding on much, or being really feeble or just unfunny bits, where I dare say, lazy writing was involved. Clark now looks older and again, his kids are replaced by two more actors, the daughter, a really cute Audrey. This time they're off to Vegas, and you know what that means, if you know Clark. We're reunited with cousin Eddy, (Quaid) who provides some relief in the laughter department (almost every scene of his is funny) and too, Wayne Newton, is making the moves on Ellen. Would you believe too, Christie Brinkley returns as that hottie in a sports car + baby. Rusty ends up working as a mobster, while Audrey's introduced to cage dancing. When Clark, turned around his misfortune at the end, picketing that raffle tickle off the floor, after that old codger bought, had me rolling my eyes. This Vacation was sloppy, where as I said, too many gags misfire, where may'be this Vacation came too late. It was just weak on the whole, and I mean it's city of preference, Vegas. I'm with the kid's despondent looks. The return of that original track, Holiday Road, didn't sit well either, with the Griswald's trip to the Hoover Dam. They should of done an Aussie Vaction. Just think of all the damage Clark would of done there.
Have to admit after 20th viewing that it is good
jbels26 August 2003
I saw this movie when it was first released in the theatres, and thought it was one of the worst films ever made. Since then, whenever this movie comes on TV, I cannot turn it off. What was once like watching a car wreck has become an enjoyable viewing experience that is a very funny experience. Still can't figure out how the daughter grew up Latina but Marisol Nichols is so cute, who cares? Sinatra imitator very funny, as is the seemingly five minutes of silence they hold on the Quaid/Newton bit. Also funny, the server in the buffet "oh you're right, this is chicken WANT SOME!" and Chevy Chase butt-ugly costume.
Vegas Vacation: 7/10
movieguy102113 February 2003
Fourth and most recent in the Vacation series, Vegas Vacation is eight years after Christmas Vacation. Clark W. Griswold (Chevy Chase) got a big bonus for his long-life food preserver and decides to take his family, which includes his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo, still looking hot after all these years), son Rusty (Ethan Embry), and daughter Audrey (Marisol Nichols), to fantastic Las Vegas! As one may think from a screwball movie, everything doesn't go as planned. In fact, it seems like this Vacation has the most mishaps out of any of them (maybe because it's situated in one place?).
Clark develops a serious gambling problem, spending every last penny at the games, mainly at a blackjack table dealt by Marty (Wallace Shawn) who seems to connive to win the game. Wayne Newton, the popular entertainer, falls in love with Ellen (and she's a big fan of his). Rusty becomes an underage gambler and wins big. And Audrey becomes involved with the ways of her whorish cousin Vicki (Shae D'Lyn).
But that's not all! Clark's (or Ellen's) cousins Eddie (Randy Quaid) and Catherine (Miriam Flynn) now live by Vegas, and no family member is going to not say hi. Actually, they get involved in all sort of crazy plots, most which don't seem plausible yet still crack me up.
The outlandish scenarios seem to be what cause laughs. Who can't chuckle as Clark gets lost in Hoover Dam? I doubt anyone can keep a smile in when Clark and Eddie go to that `specialty' casino. All of them are quite hilarious, but still don't provide the caliber laughs that seem to come from the first Vacation. This has a fine cast, which also includes Sid Caesar, Julia Sweeny, Siegfried and Roy with `guest appearances'.
Chase still seems to come out as Clark, taking all of the past jokes (forgetting about Audrey, yelling to Rusty when he's right there) and reusing them. They also get in a `good talk, son', even though that's not really as funny. The kids aren't the same throughout the four Vacations, even though Clark and Ellen stay the same. As said in the movie, `And you kids are growing up so fast, I hardly recognize you anymore!' I think I saw this one before any of the other three, so these images of the kids stay in my mind.
Again, Quaid is down-and-out hilarious as the hick cousin. Wearing snorkels into a casino, asking a guy behind a buffet counter that he'd like `some of the yellow', and asking tour guides where he can get bait, Quaid has great comedic timing and seems to really enjoy doing these types of movies. Flynn underplays her role (and so does the script), and she should be better known. I really liked Sweeny in her role, albeit a small one. Caesar is great, too.
Vegas Vacation is second best in the four movies (next to Vacation), and is should be seen by all, or at least most.
My rating: 7/10
Rated PG for sensuality, language and thematic elements.
Clark develops a serious gambling problem, spending every last penny at the games, mainly at a blackjack table dealt by Marty (Wallace Shawn) who seems to connive to win the game. Wayne Newton, the popular entertainer, falls in love with Ellen (and she's a big fan of his). Rusty becomes an underage gambler and wins big. And Audrey becomes involved with the ways of her whorish cousin Vicki (Shae D'Lyn).
But that's not all! Clark's (or Ellen's) cousins Eddie (Randy Quaid) and Catherine (Miriam Flynn) now live by Vegas, and no family member is going to not say hi. Actually, they get involved in all sort of crazy plots, most which don't seem plausible yet still crack me up.
The outlandish scenarios seem to be what cause laughs. Who can't chuckle as Clark gets lost in Hoover Dam? I doubt anyone can keep a smile in when Clark and Eddie go to that `specialty' casino. All of them are quite hilarious, but still don't provide the caliber laughs that seem to come from the first Vacation. This has a fine cast, which also includes Sid Caesar, Julia Sweeny, Siegfried and Roy with `guest appearances'.
Chase still seems to come out as Clark, taking all of the past jokes (forgetting about Audrey, yelling to Rusty when he's right there) and reusing them. They also get in a `good talk, son', even though that's not really as funny. The kids aren't the same throughout the four Vacations, even though Clark and Ellen stay the same. As said in the movie, `And you kids are growing up so fast, I hardly recognize you anymore!' I think I saw this one before any of the other three, so these images of the kids stay in my mind.
Again, Quaid is down-and-out hilarious as the hick cousin. Wearing snorkels into a casino, asking a guy behind a buffet counter that he'd like `some of the yellow', and asking tour guides where he can get bait, Quaid has great comedic timing and seems to really enjoy doing these types of movies. Flynn underplays her role (and so does the script), and she should be better known. I really liked Sweeny in her role, albeit a small one. Caesar is great, too.
Vegas Vacation is second best in the four movies (next to Vacation), and is should be seen by all, or at least most.
My rating: 7/10
Rated PG for sensuality, language and thematic elements.
a fun time
briangetmail-705103 February 2019
Another fun adventure, the tour of Hoover dam chevy wanders off, that's what I wanted to do when I went on that tour, wonder off and see other parts of the dam.
some pretty crazy stunts make this movie make it fun to watch.
Love that dress that his wife is wearing at the end can't blame wayne neuton for chasing after her, Many of my favorite movies are from the 80's and this one seems like an 80's film it's wholesome entertainment for the whole family.
Griswolds should be vacationed out
view_and_review7 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Wally World, Europe, Christmas, now Vegas. Clark Griswold traded in his two kids for younger versions in "Christmas Vacation." He did it again for his family Vegas vacation. He also traded in the family station wagon and upgraded to a Ford Expedition. Clark Griswold in a bigger, more powerful vehicle--that's a scary thought.
But Clark is more subdued now. He's older, puffier, not as funny, and at times his voice sounds like he's sick or old. His movie wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), on the other hand, maintained herself very well in the eight years from "Christmas Vacation" to "Vegas Vacation."
Clark cuts up in Vegas and the jokes are duds. The worst gag of the movie had to be their visit to Hoover Dam. Through bad visual effects we see Clark swinging on live electrical wires and hanging onto the face of Hoover Dam. It was an embarrassingly bad attempt at getting a laugh. It was just sad seeing Chevy Chase doing such putrid gag humor at this stage of his life and career.
Vegas was the most depressing vacation yet. Clark has a gambling problem, he loses his kids to the lure of Las Vegas, and almost loses his wife to Wayne Newton. It was a sorry state of affairs for Clark. But, like always he pulls through. They hit the Keno jackpot to get their money back and new-Rusty (Ethan Embry) won four cars for them to drive back to Chicago. I couldn't help but think as they drove eastward, "Please. No more vacations."
But Clark is more subdued now. He's older, puffier, not as funny, and at times his voice sounds like he's sick or old. His movie wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), on the other hand, maintained herself very well in the eight years from "Christmas Vacation" to "Vegas Vacation."
Clark cuts up in Vegas and the jokes are duds. The worst gag of the movie had to be their visit to Hoover Dam. Through bad visual effects we see Clark swinging on live electrical wires and hanging onto the face of Hoover Dam. It was an embarrassingly bad attempt at getting a laugh. It was just sad seeing Chevy Chase doing such putrid gag humor at this stage of his life and career.
Vegas was the most depressing vacation yet. Clark has a gambling problem, he loses his kids to the lure of Las Vegas, and almost loses his wife to Wayne Newton. It was a sorry state of affairs for Clark. But, like always he pulls through. They hit the Keno jackpot to get their money back and new-Rusty (Ethan Embry) won four cars for them to drive back to Chicago. I couldn't help but think as they drove eastward, "Please. No more vacations."
Ends The Series Well......
nascardoofis28 December 2006
The Vacation series came back with a great film that only the Griswolds would make happen in Vegas. The reason why It didn't get a 8. 9, or 10 because I can't picture the Griswolds going to Vegas by plane. They should drive instead. "Gettin' there is half the fun." This and Christmas Vacation really overcame the terrible European visit of the Griswolds. But then making a wise decision to stay home for their Christmas. It's also fun to see Chevy Chase get old and chubby over the years
Good movie...
5th Vacation? Go for it, Let's see what National Lampoons can make.
Good movie...
5th Vacation? Go for it, Let's see what National Lampoons can make.
terrible
HelloTexas1118 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
'Vegas Vacation' joins the undistinguished ranks of such oddities as 'Cheech & Chong: Still Smokin'' and 'Trail of the Pink Panther' as films that barely qualify to be called movies. In each case, there was no compelling reason for the movie to have been made in the first place, and in each case, the final product ends up looking and sounding like exactly that, a product. Films such as these are not only awful, they are hard to concentrate on. There is the feeling when watching them that talented people should have known better, rather than signing away their reputations for a paycheck. Here, we get Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid, the principal stars of the hitherto entertaining 'Vacation' series reprising their roles for said paycheck. The film gets off to a good, fastpaced start, with things happening so quickly that we almost don't realize the movie has run out of gags and ideas by the time the Griswolds get to Las Vegas. Which is maybe ten minutes into the movie. From there, 'Vegas Vacation' becomes nothing more than a glorified travelogue for the famed gambling city. I honestly asked myself at one point, as Chevy Chase pops up during a performance by Siegfield & Roy in one of many laughless sequences, who produced this movie? The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce? It's hard not to get that impression as the characters wander through the various hotels, show venues, casinos, and other touristy sites to no apparent good purpose, other than to showcase, well, Las Vegas. The scene at Hoover Dam is another prime example. It is an interminable scene with no laughs. Throughout the movie, Chevy Chase is given nothing funny to do, and he reciprocates by appearing to show up for his parts between holes of golf. (And he looks nothing like the trim, tuxedoed pic on the movie poster. They must have airbrushed forty pounds off him.) Beverly D'Angelo comes off best in her dalliances with Wayne Newton. The movie plods along, each scene as depressingly unfunny as the one preceding it. Surprisingly, 'Vegas Vacation' was fairly successful at the box office, taking in almost $40 million (it COULDN'T have cost much to make.) Which meant there was yet another chapter in the saga, the Chase-less, awkwardly titled, 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 2- Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure.'
Your standard Vacation film fun and wackiness
jtindahouse9 September 2022
I like Chevy Chase. I understand he's impossible to work with but I don't care. He makes me laugh like few can. His style of comedy isn't even really to my taste, however he does it in such a way that you can't help but laugh. I really enjoy the 'Vacation' movies (with the exception of 'European Vacation' which just didn't work for me). 'Vegas Vacation' was the last one I had to watch, which is strange because I'm a big fan of Vegas.
In fact I'm heading there in a couple of months which is the main reason I decided to get around to watching this one. I thought the film did a good job of portraying Vegas in all its glory. We get to see a lot of the strip, many different casinos and resorts and even lengthy portions of some shows.
The film has the usual amount of laughs you get in these movies. You're often chuckling but rarely finding anything hysterical. I thought the concept of Clark developing a gambling problem was very clever.
I enjoyed this one. It has more than enough charm to keep it afloat and if nothing else Vegas is a great city to look at and enjoy the views. 7/10.
In fact I'm heading there in a couple of months which is the main reason I decided to get around to watching this one. I thought the film did a good job of portraying Vegas in all its glory. We get to see a lot of the strip, many different casinos and resorts and even lengthy portions of some shows.
The film has the usual amount of laughs you get in these movies. You're often chuckling but rarely finding anything hysterical. I thought the concept of Clark developing a gambling problem was very clever.
I enjoyed this one. It has more than enough charm to keep it afloat and if nothing else Vegas is a great city to look at and enjoy the views. 7/10.
Too much Randy Quaid destroys the Griswold's.
mark.waltz21 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
After "Christmas Vacation", the producers decided that what the next entry needed was more cousin Eddie. Unfortunately what they give us is too much cousin eddie. in your original vacation, he only had limited footage, and in Christmas vacation, he was surrounded by a huge ensemble of popular character actors. Certainly, he is funny and small doses, but he's on-screen way too much here and that spoils the buffet.
A funny gag has Chevy Chase as Clark making an observation of how his kids have changed since they first went on vacation which is funny because the kids have been played by four different actors two different one when they reunited 20 years later. Indeed, the kids are now adults, but still cast as late aged teens. The still gorgeous Ellen Griswold (the always alluring Beverly D'Angelo) doesn't think that Vegas is a perfect vacation spot but agrees to go anyway, and when they get there, they find that Vegas practically changes them.
Spoofing his image, Wayne Newton makes a play for D'Angelo, and while she certainly a fan she finds the whole Vegas lifestyle a bit too garish for her tastes. Rusty becomes addicted to the tables, particularly one where Wallace Shawn spins the wheel, insulting him every chance he gets. The kids get in over their heads by becoming involved with fast crowds, and cousin Eddie ends up being a complete jinx to Clark. It's up to the fed up Clark to round up his troops and get them back together as only a messed up man like he can.
"Holiday Road" returns one more time along with Christie Brinkley as the blonde in the convertible, this time with a twist as revealed on her license plate. It's sort of a pointless scene but funny in the way of continuity. There are a lot of genuinely funny scenes here, particularly their visit to the Hoover dam where Clark gets lost in the most auspicious of places. Clark also gets involved in a Siegfried and Roy act, rather sad in perspective of what occured with them later on.
I would have to say that this is the least funny of the vacation movies simply because of Quaid's excessive screen time. Cornball humor like he provides is fun in small doses (more if you're Percy Kilbride and Marjorie Main), and his attempts to make slob humor funny fails simply because cousin Eddie is extremely disgusting. As a parody, it is amusing, and while the Vegas lavish hotels and suites and various surroundings are luscious to look at, it's more a brochure of why not to go there or what to look out for to avoid. Around the same time this was released, Chase had a Vegas set guest spot on "The Nanny", perfect publicity for the film, but obviously, the audiences weren't thrilled by it because we didn't get another vacation for 20 more years after this.
A funny gag has Chevy Chase as Clark making an observation of how his kids have changed since they first went on vacation which is funny because the kids have been played by four different actors two different one when they reunited 20 years later. Indeed, the kids are now adults, but still cast as late aged teens. The still gorgeous Ellen Griswold (the always alluring Beverly D'Angelo) doesn't think that Vegas is a perfect vacation spot but agrees to go anyway, and when they get there, they find that Vegas practically changes them.
Spoofing his image, Wayne Newton makes a play for D'Angelo, and while she certainly a fan she finds the whole Vegas lifestyle a bit too garish for her tastes. Rusty becomes addicted to the tables, particularly one where Wallace Shawn spins the wheel, insulting him every chance he gets. The kids get in over their heads by becoming involved with fast crowds, and cousin Eddie ends up being a complete jinx to Clark. It's up to the fed up Clark to round up his troops and get them back together as only a messed up man like he can.
"Holiday Road" returns one more time along with Christie Brinkley as the blonde in the convertible, this time with a twist as revealed on her license plate. It's sort of a pointless scene but funny in the way of continuity. There are a lot of genuinely funny scenes here, particularly their visit to the Hoover dam where Clark gets lost in the most auspicious of places. Clark also gets involved in a Siegfried and Roy act, rather sad in perspective of what occured with them later on.
I would have to say that this is the least funny of the vacation movies simply because of Quaid's excessive screen time. Cornball humor like he provides is fun in small doses (more if you're Percy Kilbride and Marjorie Main), and his attempts to make slob humor funny fails simply because cousin Eddie is extremely disgusting. As a parody, it is amusing, and while the Vegas lavish hotels and suites and various surroundings are luscious to look at, it's more a brochure of why not to go there or what to look out for to avoid. Around the same time this was released, Chase had a Vegas set guest spot on "The Nanny", perfect publicity for the film, but obviously, the audiences weren't thrilled by it because we didn't get another vacation for 20 more years after this.
awesome!!!
PrimmChickBB2 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This is the best out of all of the Vacation movies! Hands down! Chevy Chase is laugh out loud funny. Randy Quaid is amazing. The whole Hoover dam scene was the funniest thing ever! Whenever my family and i go to Vegas, we quote this movie so much! Its one of the best movies ever! Even though the kids keep changing in the movies, its is noted in this one. Whats not to like about this movie? Its amazing and hilarious. It basically shows what happens in Vegas the first time for any family. Except Wayne Newton doesn't fall in love with your mom and they don't let the kids roam around freely! This movie deserves an 11 out of 10. I think everybody should watch this movie!
Funny. very Funny
blackjack12811 August 2000
This Film was HILARIOUS! I'm sorry, but I thought it was great. Although Christmas Vacation remains my favorite of the series, this one wasn't bad. it certainly wsn't the worst, that honer goes to the European installment in my opinion, but rusty getting the fake I.D. and winning the four cars is great, and who can forget the third rate casino with War and "rock siccers paper"
just didn't have the charm the others had
Mcduff36017 March 2018
I LOVE Christmas Vacation and the first one. European Vacation is ok but Vegas was a stinker.
There was nothing really good about this movie, you have seen the EXACT same jokes done better in the previous movies. I really enjoy seeing Clark's antics but in this movie they felt so fake and forced. I am not sure if that was because of the repetition in jokes or the acting was all off.
I found the kids story and acting was pretty meh which might have thrown off the rest of the movie. I would recommend any of the previous movies EVEN European Vacation before watching this one.
There was nothing really good about this movie, you have seen the EXACT same jokes done better in the previous movies. I really enjoy seeing Clark's antics but in this movie they felt so fake and forced. I am not sure if that was because of the repetition in jokes or the acting was all off.
I found the kids story and acting was pretty meh which might have thrown off the rest of the movie. I would recommend any of the previous movies EVEN European Vacation before watching this one.
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