Review of Vacation (2015) by Lucas Y — 29 May 2016

Back in 1983, National Lampoon's Vacation was a major hit among families and it has earned the distinction of being one of the best comedies of the modern era. Thanks to a breakout performance by Chevy Chase, the film has been parodied to death and generated multiple cultural references over the past 35+ years.

In 'Vacation,' we get to see Ed Helms step into the role of Rusty Griswold - all grown up and struggling with trying to please his young family as they plan their next family trip. Of course, a lightbulb goes off in his head and next thing his wife (Christina Applegate) and two sons know, they're trapped in a Ukrainian rental car on their way to Walley World. As you can expect, there are plenty of surprises that greet the Griswold family during their trip - most of them not positive experiences.

While the storyline is very linear and straightforward, some of the gags are over-the-top for a film of this kind, and some are downright disgusting (the hot springs scene comes to mind). Still, there are some pretty funny parts that can't be ignored, and Chris Hemsworth's appearance as a rugged Texan meteorologist who's married to Rusty's sister (Leslie Mann) is hilarious. But 'Vacation' lacks all of the magic that the film it was inspired by had, which is why audiences largely shunned it. Even the cameo by Chevy and his on-screen wife (Beverly D'Angelo) is not enough to help 'Vacation' out.

'Vacation' is a cheap reincarnation of a formula that worked in the past, but now seems tired and outdated. You'd be better off giving the original another watch before subjecting yourself to this.