National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) Review in 2025
National Lampoon's Vacation is a hilarious road trip comedy starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a well-meaning but hapless family man who embarks on a disastrous journey to Walley World.
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 mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of comedy and family films. It's a classic that holds up well even today, and is suitable for streaming or watching in theaters.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Clark's misadventures as he navigates various obstacles, including a disastrous RV trip, a run-in with a group of bikers, and a series of embarrassing moments that leave his family in stitches.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear structure and a satisfying payoff. However, some of the plot twists feel a bit contrived and predictable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with a talented cast delivering memorable performances across the board.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Chevy Chase delivering a standout performance as the lovable but hapless Clark Griswold.
direction8.50/10
The direction is excellent, with Harold Ramis bringing a keen sense of comedic timing and visual flair to the film.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but sometimes feels a bit dated and lacking in polish.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's humor is clever and well-executed, with a talented cast delivering memorable performances. The story is engaging and well-paced, with a satisfying payoff.
Cons
Some of the plot twists feel a bit contrived and predictable, and the cinematography is sometimes lacking in polish.
Notable Quotes
"Shitter was full."
"Vacation? Family? You're gonna need a bigger boat."
"We're gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny f***ing Kaye!"
