Review of The Great Outdoors (1988) by Johnny T — 07 Mar 2011

Zany, over the top klutz comedy with Aykroyd and Candy. The gags that spring out of this situation were dreamed up by John Hughes, who wrote the script and acts as the film's executive producer, and they're all lame variations on the theme of nightmare vacations. Beyond that it's a series of funny misadventures about a bald headed (and eventually bald assed) bear, a guy who has been struck by lightning 66 (now 67) times, and of course a VERY large steak that Candy wolfs down. Overall this is not a memorable film. Even though I've seen it quite a few times, I only have vague recollections when it comes on. But on the other hand, it is entertaining enough for a lazy afternoon movie.

VERDICT: "Matinée" - (Mixed reaction). These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says to pay matinée prices to see at a theatre or buy an ex rental or a cheap price the DVD to own.