National Lampoon's Vacation

National Lampoon's Vacation is a classic American comedy film written by John Hughes and directed by Harold Ramis, starring Chevy Chase as the main character, Clark Griswold. The film is based on John Hughes' National Lampoon magazine story "Vacation '58" and features a talented cast, including Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Dana Hill, and Imogene Coca. The movie follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on a road trip to Walley World, a fictional amusement park inspired by Disneyland and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Along the way, they visit famous landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Las Vegas Strip.

Plot

The plot of the film revolves around Clark Griswold, a well-meaning but hapless family man who decides to take his family on a road trip to Walley World in California. The trip is inspired by Clark Griswold's memories of visiting Walley World as a child, where he had a great time with his family, including his parents, Ellen Griswold and Clark Griswold Sr.. As they set out on their journey, the Griswold family faces numerous challenges, including a faulty Family Truckster, a series of misadventures at rest stops, and run-ins with eccentric characters like Cousin Eddie and Lasky. Along the way, they visit famous attractions like the Alamo, Cadillac Ranch, and Hoover Dam, and encounter a range of colorful characters, including Motel owners, Truck drivers, and Theme park employees.

Production

The production of the film was a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. and National Lampoon, with Matty Simmons serving as the producer. The film was directed by Harold Ramis, who had previously worked on Caddyshack and Animal House, and written by John Hughes, who had written for National Lampoon magazine. The film features a talented cast, including Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid, and was shot on location in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and California. The film's score was composed by Lindsey Buckingham, with contributions from Christine McVie and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. The film's cinematography was handled by Victor J. Kemper, who had previously worked on The Last Picture Show and Slap Shot.

Cast

The cast of the film includes Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold, Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, Dana Hill as Audrey Griswold, and Imogene Coca as Aunt Bethany. The film also features a range of supporting actors, including Eddie Bracken as Roy Walley, Brian Doyle-Murray as Kamp Komfort Clerk, and James Keach as Motel Clerk. The cast's performances were widely praised, with Chevy Chase receiving particular acclaim for his portrayal of the hapless Clark Griswold. The film's cast has gone on to appear in a range of other films and TV shows, including Caddyshack, Fletch, Ghostbusters, and Saturday Night Live.

Release

The film was released on July 29, 1983, and was a major commercial success, grossing over $61 million at the box office. The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its hilarious script, talented cast, and direction by Harold Ramis. The film has since become a classic of American comedy, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest road trip movies of all time. The film's success can be attributed to its relatable portrayal of family life, its hilarious cast of characters, and its nostalgic value, with many viewers nostalgic for the 1980s and the American road trip.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its hilarious script, talented cast, and direction by Harold Ramis. The film holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its humor, charm, and nostalgic value. The film has been named as one of the greatest comedy films of all time by Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and The Guardian. The film's success can be attributed to its relatable portrayal of family life, its hilarious cast of characters, and its nostalgic value, with many viewers nostalgic for the 1980s and the American road trip. The film has also been recognized by the American Film Institute, which named Clark Griswold as one of the greatest movie characters of all time.

Legacy

The film's legacy is undeniable, with its influence visible in a range of other films and TV shows, including The Hangover, Bridesmaids, and Parks and Recreation. The film's success spawned a range of sequels, including European Vacation, Christmas Vacation, and Vegas Vacation, all of which starred Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold. The film has also been recognized by the Library of Congress, which selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry. The film's impact on popular culture is still felt today, with references to the film appearing in a range of TV shows and movies, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park. The film's iconic characters, including Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie, have become ingrained in American pop culture, and continue to be celebrated by fans around the world. Category:American comedy films