The Great Outdoors (1988) Review in 2025
A family road trip to Wisconsin's Northwoods gets a little crazy when the grumpy father's eccentric relatives join the fun.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is perfect for families with kids, as it's a fun and light-hearted comedy that's suitable for all ages.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for families and comedy fans, but it's not particularly original or memorable. It's worth watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon or a family movie night.
Spoiler Alert!
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Chet Ripley's family road trip to Wisconsin's Northwoods turns into a disaster when his eccentric relatives join the trip, causing tension and chaos among the family members.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is light-hearted and fun, with a good balance of comedy and family drama. However, it's not particularly original or memorable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is top-notch, with John Candy delivering a standout performance as Chet Ripley. The supporting cast is also great, with Dan Aykroyd and Annette Bening delivering memorable performances.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with John Candy's Chet Ripley being the standout. The supporting cast is also great, with Dan Aykroyd and Annette Bening delivering memorable performances.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with Hugh Wilson doing a good job of balancing the tone and pacing. However, some scenes feel a bit rushed and could have been developed further.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is beautiful, capturing the stunning natural scenery of Wisconsin's Northwoods. The camera work is also impressive, with some great comedic moments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a great cast, beautiful cinematography, and plenty of laughs. It's a fun and light-hearted comedy that's suitable for all ages.
Cons
The story is not particularly original or memorable, and some scenes feel a bit rushed. The direction could have been better developed in some areas.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a menace, I'm a family man!"
"You're a menace, Chet, and you're going to get us all killed!"
"You're a menace, Chet!"
