Vacation is the quintessential 80s comedy that everyone remembers. Buckle up for laughs, mishaps, and a wild ride that defined the era!
Everything in the 80s was bigger. Big hair, big music, big lights, and big road trips. Family trips were all the rage during the 80s, and families from all across the country would pile into their station wagons and drive clear across the country to visit some of the greatest wonders that America has to offer. And nothing says road trip quite like National Lampoon’s Vacation.
This was a movie that you probably watched on TV a dozen times growing up, and you still chuckle at it every single time. It is the type of movie where everything can go wrong. It is filled with awkward moments and random mishaps but you feel like you can relate to them no matter how ridiculous they are.
There’s something about 80s movies. They had a certain magic to them. It was a period of time when people thought outside of the box, and it was with in this backdrop that Vacation fit perfectly. There were quirky characters, wacky adventures, and some completely insane family dynamics.
If you haven’t seen it before, then buckle up because we’re about to head out on a wild ride through one of the most iconic films of the 80s.
The Basic Information on Vacation
But before we get into too much detail, we need to get down to the nitty-gritty basics.
- Title: National Lampoon’s Vacation
- Release Date: July 29, 1983
- Director: Harold Ramis
- Main Cast & Roles:
- Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold
- Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold
- Anthony Michael Hall as Rusty Griswold
- Dana Barron as Audrey Griswold
- Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie
- Genre: Comedy, Adventure
- Runtime: 98 minutes
- Box Office Performance: The movie was a solid hit, grossing $61.4 million on a $15 million budget.
- When it went to video: Vacation became an instant favorite on VHS, and it’s still a must-watch on cable reruns.
Plot Summary
Now, it’s time to get to the heart of the story. If you know anything about National Lampoon, then you know the stories are all about the Griswold family. And, this movie is all about Clark Griswold, the dad that everyone simply loves to hate. He’s the kind of guy who comes up with big ideas and big dreams, but they never seem to work out quite right. And to Clark, the ultimate vacation meant driving his wife and kids across the country to the popular Wally World theme park.
Along the way, nothing ever seems to go as planned. Nevertheless, Clark is an optimist who thinks that everything will work out in the end. But his luck is just plain terrible.
Along the way, there are car troubles, family squabbles, and one mishap after another. Everyone gets frustrated, and the crazy encounters and hilarious moments just add to the fun. You simply can’t stop laughing as the Griswold family manages to make every single mistake that anyone could possibly imagine. But no matter what happens, they still keep going, and that’s the charm of it all. Yes, Vacation is a wild ride, but it’s also a story of persistence, hope, and family.
And, if you have ever been on a family road trip yourself, you will feel every second of this movie. You probably remember the frustration along the way, the miscommunications, I think Ionic messes that road trips can bring. It’s everything that we feared might happen on a family vacation and so much more. But, at least it is not happening to us.
Why Vacation Was the Road Trip Movie of the 80s
So, in order to understand why Vacation was the perfect road trip movie of the 80s, we need to talk about the culture for a moment. This was a decade where everything was excessive, and people wanted to simply escape from it all. Vacation fit right into that picture, and it was a big deal at the time. The movie itself came out at the height of the 80s, when everything was bigger, louder, and crazier than ever. People all across the country were obsessed with the idea of a perfect family vacation thanks to the American dream and those glossy travel brochures they were showing up everywhere.
I remember our family’s trip to Disney World in the late 80s. Granted, we lived in the same state, and it was only a three-hour trip, but it was still a crazy three-hour trip. And in the end, I lost my favorite teddy bear, left it at the Fairfield Inn.
And just like my own experience, Vacation was a complete disaster. The movie wasn’t just funny, though; it was real. It was exactly what would happen to families all across the country when they tried to replicate that dream vacation on their own. No matter how many things went wrong, Clark Griswold would continuously insist that everything would be fine in the end.
Of course, the movie also introduced the world to a whole new genre of comedy. The concept of the misguided family was new to movies, and before Vacation most road trips weren’t even about families at all. Instead, road trips of the 60s and 70s were all about rebellious people or individuals who were out for their own solo adventures. It was this movie that made family road trips cool and the family station wagon magical.
Behind the Griswolds’ Crazy Journey
The movie itself was an adaptation of a short story written by John Hughes. Vacation ’58 was created by a legendary filmmaker who is known for his role in bringing the world The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day off. And, with the help of Harold Ramis, that hilarious story was brought to the big screen.
Speaking of Harold Ramis, he was also a big name in comedy at the time. He directed the movie Groundhog Day, which starred Dan Aykroyd, and even played a crucial role in the hit film series Ghostbusters. He brought a sense of dry humor to the awkward silences on the scene, which made all of the chaos seem more relatable.
Then you have the cast. Chevy Chase was an all-time favorite. His portrayal of Clark Griswold was pure perfection. And, he brought the perfect balance of charm, cluelessness, and a dad-like determination that made him the perfect choice for the role. With Beverly D’Angelo at his side and Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, they had a recipe for success.
From Sleeping Vacation Hit to Cult Classic
When the field first hit the theaters, it wasn’t exactly a smash hit. Instead, it grew into something bigger. The film was, without question, extremely funny. But, it was also very relatable. It ended up sticking with people, and in the years that followed its release, it was played over and over again on cable television. There’s something about the movie that just screamed cult classic.
Today, Vacation is considered to be one of the greatest comedies of the decade. It is often cited by many as the quintessential road trip movie. And, it sparked a number of sequels, spinoffs, and reboots. But, nothing will ever compare to the original.
Vacation FAQ Section
Why is Vacation considered a classic 80s film?
The film perfectly captures the absurdity and humor of family life in the 80s. Vacation was the type of comedy that you can relate with, and the off-the-wall situations felt normal for many families across the country.
Is Vacation kid-friendly?
Although the movie does have a little bit of dull humor in situations, it is still suitable for some kids and teens. However, it’s best suited for older teens and adults who enjoy a good, chaotic family film.
How did Chevy Chase prepare for the role of Clark Griswold?
Chevy Chase was already known for his dry humor and slapstick comedy. His over-the-top optimism was unshakable, and that worked in his favor and helped him to become that perfect father figure.
Key Takeaways
Let’s face it, Vacation was more than just another film. It was the epitome of the 80s road trip and was filled with chaos, offbeat comedy, and some of the wittiest punchlines of the decade. So, whether you’re looking to relive it as part of your own childhood or discovering it for the first time, there is no denying that the Griswold wild ride continues to inspire laughs, groans, and the undeniable urge to hit the open road with your own family.
