Film review: Vacation (15)

As somebody not familiar with the old National Lampoon’s Vacation films and subsequent spin-offs, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this sequel.

Perhaps it was the presence of Ed Helms, but I was thinking (or rather hoping) that Vacation would grab my attention like the first Hangover film did back in 2009.

First things first, Vacation is most certainly a sequel, not a reboot. This is very much the next generation of the Griswolds, with Helms taking on the role of Rusty (he was Clark’s son in the original).

As mentioned above, I didn’t see the originals. But there are countless nods to them throughout this John Francis Daley and Jonathan M Goldstein directed comedy.

The basic premise is this: Rusty realises that his wife Debbie (Christina Applegate – Anchorman) and sons James (Skyler Gisondo – The Amazing Spider-Man) and Kevin (Steele Stebbins – A Haunted House 2) are fed up of visiting the same place for their annual holiday.

So he decides to re-live his youth and take them on a monster road-trip to the Walley World theme park in California.

Unfortunately – just like in the original – it proves to be one disaster after another for the family of four. There are clear similarities to the first film, but most of their misfortune is new to the series.

The family dynamic is quite a good one, with Helms playing a similar role to his turn as Stu in The Hangover films and Applegate typically charismatic. James is also savagely bullied by his younger brother Kevin, but the pair do have a largely funny arc.

I’ll not list the ridiculous turn of events that the Griswolds must face, as it’d spoil the film somewhat. But be safe in the knowledge that toilet humour, sexual innuendo and vomiting are all present.

I’ll be honest, I found Vacation very cheesy. There was nothing ground-breaking or brilliant about the storyline and a lot of the gags fell flat for me. There are a couple of very funny moments, but they are in the minority really.

Where Vacation really delivers is with its cameos.

There are so many, including Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo from the original.

There are a few that I won’t spoil, but by far the best is Chris Hemsworth (Thor) as Rusty’s brother-in-law Stone.

It’s such cameos that save Vacation from being the holiday from hell, but only just.

This is far from five star stuff, but there are enough laughs to make it a decent popcorn cruncher.

Voice Verdict: 6.5/10 (reviewed at Boston’s West End Cinema)
+ Great cameos
+ Some funny moments…
– …but plenty of nonsense too
– Incredibly cheesy

SHOWTIMES
Boston’s West End Cinema (Fri, Aug 28 to Thurs, Sept 3)

**STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON (15)
5.15pm (daily), 8.15pm (daily)

**HITMAN: AGENT 47 (15)
6.45pm (daily), 8.50pm (daily)

**WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS (15)
6.30pm (daily), 6.35pm (daily), 8.45pm (daily)

SINISTER 2 (15)
6.30pm (daily), 8.45pm (not Wed/Thurs)

*PAPER TOWNS (12A)
10.15am (not Wed), 12.45pm (daily), 3.30pm (daily), 6pm (not Wed/Thurs)

**VACATION (15)
8.30pm (daily)

THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E (12A)
4pm (daily)

FANTASTIC FOUR 2D (12A)
2.15pm (daily)

PIXELS 2D (12A)
10am (daily), 12.20pm (not Wed), 2.45pm (daily)

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION (12A)
1pm (daily)

INSIDE OUT 3D (U)
10am (daily), 2.15pm (daily),

INSIDE OUT 2D (U)
12.20pm (daily), 4.30pm (daily)

MINIONS 2D (U)
10am (daily), 12.10pm (daily)

KIDS’ CLUB
Fri-Thurs 10:30am – Home 2D (U)

SILVER SCREEN
Wed 11.30am – The Man From U.N.C.L.E (12A)

** DENOTES FREE LIST SUSPENDED

SHOWTIMES
South Holland Centre (Fri, Aug 28 to Thurs, Sept 3)

DOCTOR PROCTOR’S FART POWDER (PG)
11am (Sat), 2pm (Fri/Wed), 6.30pm (Tues)

PIXELS 3D (12A)
2pm (Thurs), 6.30pm (Fri)

PIXELS 2D (12A)
1pm (Sun), 2pm (Tues), 6.30pm (Sat), 7.30pm (Tues)