Vegas Vacation (1997)

When Clark Griswold puts his mind to something, we soon realize he hasn't got one. Still, nothing stops him when the vacation bug hits. This time, he's chosen Las Vegas, the new family ... See full summary »

Director:

Stephen Kessler

Writers:

Elisa Bell (story), Bob Ducsay (story),

Stars:

Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chevy Chase	...	Clark Griswold
Beverly D'Angelo	...	Ellen Griswold
Randy Quaid	...	Cousin Eddie
Ethan Embry	...	Russell 'Rusty' Griswold
Marisol Nichols	...	Audrey Griswold
Miriam Flynn	...	Cousin Catherine
Shae D'lyn	...	Cousin Vicki
Wayne Newton	...	Wayne Newton
Siegfried Fischbacher	...	Himself (as Siegfried)
Roy Horn	...	Himself (as Roy)
Wallace Shawn	...	Marty
Sid Caesar	...	Mr. Ellis
Julio Oscar Mechoso	...	Limo Driver
Sly Smith	...	Mirage Security Guard
Julia Sweeney	...	Mirage Reception Person

Storyline

When Clark Griswold puts his mind to something, we soon realize he hasn't got one. Still, nothing stops him when the vacation bug hits. This time, he's chosen Las Vegas, the new family entertainment capital of America! Chevy Chase returns as bubbly, bumbling Clark in Vegas Vacation, a jokers-are-wild laugh fest including two other stars from past Vacations. Beverly D'Angelo is back as wife Ellen, doting on the guy she calls "Sparky," and Randy Quaid again delights as grubby goof ball Cousin Eddie. Ethan Embry (That Thing You Do!) and screen-debuting Marisol Nichols are Griswold teens who love the round-the-clock nightlife - as long as they don't share it with Mom and Dad! From Seigfried and Roy's extravaganza to a Hoover Dam tour, from cruising to losing (Wallace Shawn as a shifty blackjack dealer) to amorous crooning (Wayne Newton falls for Ellen): watch Clark try to keep family and wallet together!

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Plot Keywords:

vacation | hoover dam | card game | fake id | snake | 

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Taglines:

This time the Griswolds are on a roll.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for sensuality, language and thematic elements

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

National Lampoon's Las Vegas Vacation

Filming Locations:

Baker, Mojave Desert, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$12,837,927 (USA) (14 February 1997)

Gross:

$36,429,528 (USA) (30 May 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros, Jerry Weintraub Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although it was executive produced by 'Matty Simmmons', it was the only "Vacation" movie series (starring Chevy Chase) not to feature 'National Lampoon's' in its title. It would take another six years for the direct to DVD spin-off film "Christmas Vacation 2" to be released and be credited as "National Lampoon's."

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Goofs

While Clark is driving home in his Expedition, he passes his house and his neighbors Margo and Todd's house several times before sliding in his driveway.

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Quotes

Cousin Catherine: I don't care if you ruined my life. I love you!

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Crazy Credits

Sid Caesar's name appears in the opening credits of the film, even though he doesn't appear until the last 15-20 minutes of the movie, and only for one scene.

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Connections

References One Night in the Tropics (1940)

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Soundtracks

"Ain't That A Kick In The Head"
Written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen
Performed by Dean Martin
Courtesy of Capitol Records
Under license from EMI-Capitol Special Markets

User Reviews

It's funny, not smart.

I can honestly say that I am one of the few "Vacation" lovers that found "Vegas Vacation" really entertaining.

I've found out that most people dislike this movie because of the writing or perhaps the actors. Here's an insider tip to help you get through this hilarious film: DON'T THINK OF IT AS A MOVIE SET OUT TO MAKE A POINT ABOUT SOMETHING. IT IS MEANT TO MAKE YOU LAUGH, AND THAT'S ABOUT IT. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

Okay, the accomplished part is from my point of view. I've seen a number of pointless films. Especially in the past year or so. Anyway, this IS a movie with a dumb story line to go off of. I'll admit to that. But I think that it is filled with clever and hysterical situations. Yeah, yeah, that is just my opinion and nobody really cares, but just deal with me here.

Chevy Chase and Beverly DeAngelo reprise their roles as the quirky yet lovable Griswolds. Marisol Nichols gives an alright performance as Audrey. But Ethan Embry is extremely funny as Rusty. Randy Quaid is, as always, hilarious as Cousin Eddie. The whole cast is great.

The problems that each of the Griswold members run into are creative and amusing. Clarke with his inability to stop gambling. Ellen with her semi-obsession with Wayne Newton. Rusty with his wanting to gamble but more importantly, his lucky streak with the four cars that he wins. And Audrey with her dancing career ready to take off. All of them are good.

So, like I've said, this movie was meant to be funny and it was. Some intelligent writing was put into it but not a whole lot. That's fine. I enjoyed it, and I'm probably alone on that one.