Watch National Lampoon's Vacation For Free

Simply A Masterpiece

It's complicated... I really like the directing, acting and writing but, there are issues with the way it's shot that I just can't deny. As much as I love the storytelling and the fantastic performance but, there are also certain scenes that didn't need to exist.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I try to watch this movie every couple of years and it always cheers me up and takes me back to times gone by.

NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION is the first and undoubtedly the best of the NATIONAL LAMPOON series, a genuinely funny road movie with strong performances and first-rate direction from GHOSTBUSTERS star Harold Ramis. The plot adopts a simple journey narrative and one which would be repeated for the sequel European VACATION; the long-suffering Griswold family go from place to place, wreaking havoc all the while.There's a strong mixture of different types of humour here, from end-of-their-tether character laughs to slapstick gags and plenty of wisecracks and innuendo. Much of the humour is witty and it also has a fairly dark edge that makes it stand out from the usual John Hughes-scripted family fare, particularly the bits with Randy Quaid, the dog, and the aunt. The movie belongs to Chevy Chase, who is very entertaining in the lead role, but there are a handful of supporting performers who don't disappoint either. Beverly D'Angelo, in a MUCH racier role than she played in the sequels, sparks off Chase very well, and there's a late-stage cameo from John Candy which continues to delight. In fact, there's very little to dislike overall about this popular '80s comedy.

.This movie is silly and some elitists deplore it. But it consists of one great scene after another, with lots of good gags, good pacing, and good performances, especially by Michael Anthony Hall. Supporting players Imogene Coca and John Candy also turn in good performances, and Chevy Chase is better than usual. Some reviewers take issue with a scene here or an off-color joke there, but fail to judge the movie as a whole. Don't fall into that trap. If you liked Caddy Shack or Airplane or even Married With Children, you will like Vacation. If you've never seen it, then look for it (it's often on TV), and enjoy. .

Hollywood has just churned out a remake of Vacation, one of the most beloved comedies of the 1980s. The new version will no doubt be raunchier and dumber, but even if it were in competent hands, this film would be a hard one to top, even if it isn't perfect.Chevy Chase does a fantastic job depicting a family man, a loving husband and dad, who slowly loses his mind during a vacation. The humor is generally good, though there are a few bits which fall flat. The ending is priceless. John Candy may have limited screen time, but he is pure gold. Funny to think in a few years he would be playing the father driven mad during a vacation gone wrong in The Great Outdoors.Not really a classic, but still a lot of fun.