John Hughes has easily one of the strongest filmography’s in the comedy genre including the National Lampoon Vacation franchise that has four films, 1 spin-off and a remake alone. It all started in 1983 when he teamed up with star Chevy Chase and director Harold Ramis for the first film in the franchise. The film co-stars  Beverly D’Angelo,  Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid, John Candy, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, and Christie Brinkley. Could this latest release of the comedy classic bring anything new to the film or will it fail to make the trip?

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National Lampoon’s Vacation follows Clark Griswold, an Everyman eager to share the open road and the wonders of family togetherness. Everything is planned, packed – and about to go hilariously wrong. Myriad mishaps, crude kin, encounters with a temptress, financial woes, Aunt Edna on the roof, one security guard and 2,460 miles later, it’s a wonder the Griswolds are together.

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This is one of those films that is so simple in its idea, but manages to be elevated by the ridiculous fun and perfect performance by Chase. The classic road trip comedy genre is in full swing with this film no doubt one of the top comedy classics to nail it and became the blueprint top so many others that hoped to hit the same mark.

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It wastes no time bringing the laughs and never lets up. Sure there are a lot of over the top laughs here, but it’s the more subtle dry quips from Chase that really makes it shine. I never get tired of this film on any level and even knowing what is going to happen still makes me laugh out loud. Randy Quaid’s Cousin Eddie is still a scene stealing high point and in it just enough to make you beg for more from him. Thankfully we got him in Christmas Vacation as well.

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