European Vacation (1985) Review in 2025
The Griswold family embarks on a disastrous European vacation, filled with hilarious misadventures and cultural clashes.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mild language and cultural stereotypes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of comedy and family films. It's a fun and entertaining ride, but it's not without its flaws. If you enjoyed the National Lampoon's Vacation series, you'll likely enjoy this movie as well.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Clark Griswold's (Chevy Chase) eccentric family as they travel across Europe, encountering a series of absurd and chaotic situations, including a disastrous visit to the London Eye, a wild night in Paris, and a chaotic encounter with a group of aggressive French tourists.
Review Details
story7.50/10
The story is engaging and entertaining, with a good balance of humor and cultural commentary. However, it feels a bit predictable and formulaic at times.
acting8.50/10
The acting is excellent, with Chevy Chase delivering a hilarious and memorable performance. The supporting cast is also solid, with some standout performances from Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Chevy Chase delivering a standout performance as the lovable but eccentric Clark Griswold.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with a good sense of pacing and timing. However, some scenes feel a bit rushed or underdeveloped.
cinematography6.50/10
The cinematography is average, with some nice shots of European landmarks but also some awkward camera angles and lighting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Hilarious performances from Chevy Chase and the supporting cast, engaging storyline, and memorable quotes.
Cons
Predictable and formulaic at times, average cinematography, and some awkward camera angles.
Notable Quotes
"Europe, here we come!"
"I'm gonna make some phone calls."
"We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto."
