Vacation 4K Review: 2015 Comedy Is Worth Another Shot

Vacation 4K Review: 2015 Comedy Is Worth Another Shot

As a seasoned gamer and film enthusiast with a soft spot for classic comedies, I must say that the Vacation 4K UHD has managed to tickle my funny bone despite being a latecomer to the franchise. Having grown up watching Chevy Chase’s antics in the original Vacation movies, I initially approached this sequel with a hint of skepticism. However, directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, who have impressed me with their previous works like Game Night and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, convinced me to give it a shot.


2015’s “Vacation” was the follow-up film in the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” series, but since I adored the initial movies starring Chevy Chase… I opted not to watch it. No need to spoil a classic! Yet, with the arrival of the 4K UHD version of “Vacation,” and my appreciation for directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein’s works like “Game Night” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” I decided to give it a try. Surprisingly, while it may not be their finest work, it turns out to be quite entertaining!

In the upcoming film “Vacation 4K,” the new Griswold generation embarks on another misadventure, echoing their patriarch’s footsteps. Grown-up Rusty Griswold (played by Ed Helms) surprises his spouse Debbie (Christina Applegate), along with their children, with a road trip spanning across the country to revisit America’s beloved family amusement park, Walley World, according to the official synopsis.

Buy Vacation 4K UHD

Initially, the movie cleverly employs humor concerning Rusty’s eagerness to travel with his family to Walley World. Ed Helms’ character, Rusty, states, “We’re not rehashing anything,” and goes on to explain that the lack of familiarity with the initial trip doesn’t matter because “the new adventure will thrive independently.” This method is fitting for the film, as it isn’t a classic like 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation, but it effectively references its past and offers numerous well-crafted jokes that bring laughter. Essentially, this approach makes sense because, after all, isn’t the primary purpose of watching a comedy film to have a good laugh?

Apart from its witty script, the reason to watch Vacation is its stellar ensemble cast. Helms and Applegate are delightful in their leading roles, but it’s the supporting cast that truly steals the show. Leslie Mann as Audrey and Chris Hemsworth as her husband offer plenty of laughs. It’s also a joy to see Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo reprise their roles as Clark and Ellen. Additionally, there are amusing cameos by Charlie Day, Ron Livingston, Tim Heidecker, and Keegan-Michael Key. The result is a highly entertaining journey with a familiar premise and some delightful callbacks.

4K Vacation offers stunning visuals, yet its sharp image might not significantly enhance a typical comedy experience. However, it boasts an impressive selection of special features, such as 12 minutes of deleted scenes, a funny gag reel, a 10-minute piece on preserving the franchise’s legacy titled “Return to Walley World,” an 18-minute behind-the-scenes video, and a two-minute tribute to Georgia (where it was filmed). Regrettably, there’s no commentary track. Despite not swaying opinions for those who dislike the movie, I found the well-crafted bonus content enjoyable to explore.

Vacation 4K Review: Final Verdict

2015’s Vacation may not match the original film’s greatness, as it’s rare for comedy movies to do so, but it’s still an entertaining choice for a laugh-out-loud movie night. Helms and Applegate headline this worthy sequel, while Mann and Hemsworth often steal the show. Daley and Goldstein have yet to create a less-than-stellar film, and Vacation in 4K serves as a testament to their talent.

Disclosure: ComingSoon received the product from the distributor for our Vacation 4K review.

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2024-10-28 05:40