National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
USA 99m, Colour
Director: Harold Ramis; Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, Randy Quaid, Imogene Coca
Determined to drive his reluctant family across country to Wally World in their metallic pea Wagon Queen Family Truckster, Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold is arguably at his funniest in National Lampoon’s Vacation. Chase’s ability for slapstick and physical comedy in practically every scene has rarely been matched in any other comedic film performance. Despite Chase’s screen dominance, director Harold Ramis somehow provides the supporting cast with the opportunity to shine in a number of terrifically funny performances. The movie is nicely held together with the use of a memorable soundtrack and some oddly hilarious musical numbers – all of which make Vacation one of the best comedies of the 1980s (Klaus Ming September 2010).
Excellent movie – love the vacation movies. But, the best is Christmas Vacation, absolute classic.
I have a soft spot for Christmas Vacation as well. I’ll eventually get around to re-watching and reviewing.
I always feel sort of sorry for Chevy Chase. He’s still out there working, but never fulfilled his promise in Vacation. Or did he?
I try to keep an eye on National Lampoon. In spite of the company’s multitude of turkeys, every so often it makes one that I like, such as Stoned Age, The Beach Party at the Threshold of Hell, and especially the Lost Reality movies.
Chevy had a lot of success in the 80s, other than this role, I think his Fletch movies were pretty much in the same league as Vacation – and he was surely recognized for being one of the funniest guys around for a time. Although he has never really re-invented himself like Bill Murray – who continues to be my favorite comic actor from that period.
Chevy is currently a regular on the NBC comedy series Community.
http://www.nbc.com/community/
I’ve watched the show and it’s not bad.
For me, Clark Griswold was the role Chevy Chase was born to play; his incredible optimism masking a real disappointment with the way his life is turning out. Very funny movie!
“his incredible optimism masking a real disappointment with the way his life is turning out” – that’s a great summation of the character!
Very fun movie! Chevy Chase at his best.