National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation

National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation
source
Name	National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation
Director	Stephen Kessler
Producer	Jerry Weintraub
Writer	Elisa Bell
Starring	Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Ethan Embry, Marisol Nichols
Music	Joel McNeely
Cinematography	William A. Fraker
Editing	Stephen Semel
Studio	Jerry Weintraub Productions
Distributed	Warner Bros.
Released	February 14, 1997
Runtime	93 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$25 million
Gross	$36.4 million

National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation is a 1997 American comedy film directed by Stephen Kessler and written by Elisa Bell. The film stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Ethan Embry, and Marisol Nichols, and is the fourth and final installment in the National Lampoon's Vacation film series. The movie follows the Griswold family as they embark on a disastrous vacation to Las Vegas, where they become embroiled in a series of misadventures involving Wayne Newton, Siegfried & Roy, and the Luxor Las Vegas. The film features a range of comedic performances, including those from Wallace Shawn, Christie Brinkley, and Julia Sweeney.

Plot

The plot of the film centers around Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) and his family, including his wife Ellen Griswold (played by Beverly D'Angelo) and their children Rusty Griswold (played by Ethan Embry) and Audrey Griswold (played by Marisol Nichols), as they travel to Las Vegas for a family vacation. Upon arrival, they become embroiled in a series of misadventures, including a run-in with Wayne Newton at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas and a visit to the Fremont Street Experience. The family also encounters a range of eccentric characters, including Siegfried & Roy and Carrot Top, at the Mirage Hotel and Casino and the Luxor Las Vegas. As the vacation descends into chaos, the Griswolds must navigate the challenges of Las Vegas Boulevard, including the Bellagio fountains and the High Roller observation wheel.

Production

The production of the film was overseen by Jerry Weintraub Productions and distributed by Warner Bros.. The movie was directed by Stephen Kessler, who had previously worked on films such as Problem Child 2 and The Tick. The screenplay was written by Elisa Bell, who drew inspiration from the National Lampoon's Vacation film series and the works of John Hughes and Harold Ramis. The film features a range of comedic performances, including those from Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid, who have all appeared in previous films in the series, such as National Lampoon's Vacation and European Vacation. The movie also features a range of Las Vegas landmarks, including the Stratosphere Tower and the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Cast

The cast of the film includes Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold, Randy Quaid as Eddie Johnson, Ethan Embry as Rusty Griswold, and Marisol Nichols as Audrey Griswold. The movie also features a range of supporting performances, including those from Wallace Shawn, Christie Brinkley, and Julia Sweeney. The film includes cameo appearances from Wayne Newton, Siegfried & Roy, and Carrot Top, who all play themselves in the movie. The cast also includes Miriam Flynn as Cousin Catherine Johnson and Shae D'lyn as Lorraine.

Release

The film was released on February 14, 1997, and was distributed by Warner Bros.. The movie was released in the United States and Canada, and was also released in a range of other countries, including Australia, United Kingdom, and Germany. The film was released on VHS and DVD in 1997, and has since been released on Blu-ray and digital download. The movie has been broadcast on a range of television networks, including TBS, TNT, and USA Network.

Reception

The reception of the film was mixed, with some critics praising the comedic performances of the cast, while others criticized the movie's predictable plot and lack of originality. The film holds a rating of 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel, and other critics. The movie was also a commercial success, grossing over $36 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1997. The film has since become a cult classic, with many fans of the National Lampoon's Vacation film series praising its comedic performances and nostalgic value. The movie has been compared to other films in the series, including National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and European Vacation, and has been praised for its lighthearted and entertaining portrayal of the Griswold family.