Review of The Great Outdoors (1988) by Movie K — 21 Jul 2011

Quite a good comedy. Nice paring of the two comedic duo. John Candy, Stephanie Faracy and 2 sons (Chris Young & Ian Giatti) are going to a one week cabin vacation. The brother in law Dan Aykroyd, Annette Bening and twin daughters visit and stay with them uninvited.

John and Dan have different views on how to enjoy the vacation. John is using this chance to bond with his son. At night he tell the story of a big bear he once saw in the same place, he use a shotgun and sahve off the hair on top of its head.

Freaks everybody out. Raccoons raided their garbage bins is rather funny. John try to teach Ian how to water ski. When he wave to Stephanie, Dan thought he want to go have a try and start the boat. John had quite a ride.

He scold him 'bastard' but they heard 'faster'. He want to leave but wife manage to make him stay. The caretaker Robert Prosky find the twins playing around the old mine and bring them back.

John bring Ian to see bear and lure them with food. They jump onto his van for more. Got no choice but to leave. Chris is playing pool and his cue stick accidentally rub against a hot babe Lucy Deakins.

He apologise but she snub him. Next day Chris find her working in a diner and date her. At night a bat enter the cabin, both guys suit up and try to kill it. It landed on John face and Dan swing the racket and kill it.

Chris date Lucy out again but is late. Because John is trying to challenge to complete a big piece of lamb chop. Everyone eats for free if the quest is complete. John manage to do so. Lucy already left when Chris got there.

When trying to set up fire, Dan tell John how to do so. They begin to quarrel and saying things about not been invited. Dan say the purpose of visit is because he got a good investment plan and want to get John in.

Without much hesitation, he willingly write him a check. When Dan and family leave, Annette is saying how John is so nice, willing to give him the check and the money is probably college fund of the 2 boys.

Dan return back and confess he is bankrupt in investment and cheat John money. The big thunderstorm came unexpectedly and twins are missing. They go to the mine to find them. Dan slide down and save them up.

John went back to get ropes and didn't know they left. He pull up the bald headed bear instead. It chase John all the way to the cabin. Robert heard the scream and came with a shotgun. John fire it at the butt and it yelp off.

Vacation time is over. Chris and Lucy kiss goodbye.