Along with "Airplane" in the early 80's, National Lampoon's VACATION stands as one of the funniest films of the decade.
There are so many classic moments in this comedy hit that they just barrage you from beginning to end.
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase in his best big screen role) plans a cross country trip with his family to Walley World in California, but thankfully for us, there are may detours along the way.
Beverly D'Angelo is his loyal wife Ellen, long suffering Clark's hilarious eccentricities with grace. Anthony Michael Hall (The Breakfast Club) is their son Rusty and Dana Barron is daughter Audrey.
The highlight for me is their visit along they way to white trash Cousin Eddie, perfectly played by Randy Quaid. Eddie's wife and derelict kids are fall over funny.
'Is that real tomato ketchup, Eddie?"
Throw in Christie Brinkley as a mysterious blonde in a red Ferrari and you've got comedy gold. She's surprisingly good in her poolside scene with Chase too!
Imogene Coca is doomed Aunt Edna and John Candy shows up as the front gate guard when they finally make it to their destination.
Chase has never been funnier, combining strong physical comedy with flawless deadpan line readings of a laugh out loud script by John Hughes (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Planes Trains & Automobiles).
Some favorite lines:
Cousin Eddie: I don't know why they call this stuff hamburger helper. It does just fine by itself, huh? I like it better than tuna helper myself, don't you, Clark?
Clark: You're the gourmet around here, Eddie.
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Ellen: I honestly don't think you're going to find the Grand Canyon on this road.
Clark: Jesus, it's only the biggest damn hole in the world.
Aunt Edna: Clark, watch your language!
Clark: Make that the second biggest.
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Cousin Eddie: I got laid off when they closed that asbestos factory, and wouldn't you know it, the army cuts my disability pension because they said that the plate in my head wasn't big enough.
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We love this movie and it's just as funny today as it was in 1983. Followed by one terrific sequel "Christmas Vacation" and two lame sequels "European Vacation" and "Vegas Vacation", the original is still the "whistling Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah' out of your....." best and gets an A.
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