VACATION (2015) 3.3

From Clark Griswold in 1983 to Rusty Griswold today, the humor in this film was hilariously expected, however cliché.  Ed Helms takes on the role of Rusty, the overly enthusiastic father who recognizes the important things in life being well beyond material items and career aspirations. As they venture to "Wally World" in order to replace some old memories with his own boys in the memorable bright blue Tartan Prancer, they hit some bumps (or should I say buttons) along the way. 

Christina Applegate, playing the role of Rusty's wife Debbie Griswold also steps up to the role as a middle-aged mother who has somewhat lost ambition as to the wonders of the world. While these two parents bicker and fight, most memorable in the film were the sons. James and Kevin played by Skyler Gisondo and Steel Stebbins have a notable chemistry in the film. I definitely anticipate seeing more of Stebbins to come, as he steals the role with his vindictive plots of vengeance against his softer older brother. James is seen often with his graffiti ridden guitar and a stack of diaries whilst Kevin has an iconic scene telling his brother to "Go to sleep!" as he puts a plastic bag over his head while the audience wonders if he's joking or serious. His character is that convincing. 

A welcomed side story is that of Audrey Crandall, Debbie's sister played by Leslie Mann and Stone Crandall, her husband played by Chris Hemsworth. The two make a perfectly obnoxious pair with dedication to PDA and gadgets that flash their worth and Stone's success as a local weatherman. 

There adventure comes with a side dish of many laughs and exaggerated scenarios to truly make the film a comedy. Often movies take scenarios one step too far that incite frequent eye-rolls and cause the film to lose validity (at least that's my opinion). Vacation knew what the limits were and stuck to them throughout. On an ironic note, a constant trigger of laughter was the actual car they rented for the trip, the Tartain Prancer. Constantly, the film relies on this car as a literal humor vehicle. 

Nearing the end of the 99 minute movie, Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo make an appearance as the parents of Rusty. Encouraging Rusty to get his family to "Wally World" no matter what it takes, the film ends as the Griswold family drives off in the memorable station wagon from National Lampoon's Vacation.