Vegas Vacation

Plot synopsis:
At work, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) has invented a long life food preservative, earning him a large bonus check. Clark announces to his family that he is taking them on vacation. Part of the reason for the trip is for Clark and Ellen to renew their wedding vows. Excitement wanes, however, when Clark says they are headed to Las Vegas, Nevada. His wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and teenage daughter, Audrey (Marisol Nichols) have their doubts, as Las Vegas is not known for its family-friendly atmosphere, while teenage son Rusty (Ethan Embry) appears to be more enthusiastic. Upon travelling to Vegas, they run into the "woman in the Ferrari" (Christie Brinkley) who appeared in the first film. Clark is the only one who sees her, but then notices that she now has a child.
Upon arriving in Vegas, the family embarks upon a series of misadventures. The Griswolds visit Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), the husband of Ellen's cousin Catherine (Miriam Flynn). Eddie and his family now live in the desert just north of Las Vegas, on what used to be an atom bomb test site. While on a group tour of the Hoover Dam led by guide Arty (John P. Finnegan), Clark leaves the group after accidentally creating a leak in the dam's inside walkways, and is forced to climb the scaffolding to the very top of the dam to get out, because his cries for help cannot be heard over the roaring water of the spillway. Later that night they attend a Siegfried & Roy show.
The next night, tickets to a Wayne Newton concert and a dress for Ellen are sent in the mail. They go to the concert, only to realize that Newton had sent the dress. While singing, he brings Ellen up on stage to sing with him.
The next day, the family agrees to an "alone day" and are left to their own devices. Clark goes to a casino and becomes addicted to gambling, usually losing to a snidey dealer (Wallace Shawn) who enjoys Clark's humiliation. Rusty gets a fake ID from a Frank Sinatra look-alike (Toby Huss) and becomes a winning high roller, taking on the pseudonym 'Nick Pappagiorgio'. Audrey starts hanging out with Eddie's free-spirited and gorgeous exotic dancer daughter Vicki (Shae D'Lyn) and her friends. And Ellen begins spending time with Wayne Newton, who has feelings for Ellen.
Eventually, Clark gambles away the family's $22,600 bank account, leading a furious Ellen and both of the kids to desert him. Russ goes off gambling for cars, and wins four. Ellen goes to visit Wayne Newton, while Audrey goes to a strip club with Vicki and gets a job as a stripper. Eddie — who has money buried in his front yard — tries to come to Clark's rescue in return for everything the Griswolds have done for him and his family over the years. Clark and Eddie go to a local casino to get their money back, but Clark ends up gambling away Eddie's money too, causing him to reevaluate his behavior. Clark then realizes he no longer cares about getting his money back, but he needs to get his family back.
Clark then gathers up his family from around Vegas and they gamble their last two dollars on a game of Keno. They sit next to an elderly man (Sid Caesar) who compliments Clark on his family, and hints that he has been lonely all of his life. Out of sympathy, Clark tells the man to consider himself part of the Griswold family for the night. The man happily accepts Clark's offer, and both parties begin the game. At first, the Griswolds are optimistic, but as they realize they have already lost the game, they sit together in silence. Suddenly, the man next to them ecstatically declares that he has won the game. In his burst of joy, he suddenly begins to slip in and out of consciousness while Ellen sends Rusty for help. He awakens one last time and whispers a message to Clark, before dropping his winning ticket and lapsing one final time.
Clark, confused, tells Ellen that the man said "take the ticket." When the casino security guards and paramedics arrive, they declare the man officially dead. They tell the Griswolds his name was Mr. Ellis, and commented on how sad his loneliness was to them. As Mr. Ellis is carried away, a janitor approaches with a carpet cleaner, heading straight for the winning ticket on the floor. Though it appears Clark is going to allow it to be lost, at the last second, he slides the ticket out of the carpet cleaner's path. With their newfound winnings, Clark and Ellen get remarried. Afterwards, Clark gives Eddie $5,000 to repay his kindness. They all drive home in the four cars Rusty won on the slot machines: a red Dodge Viper, a maroon Ford Mustang, a black Hummer H1, and a white Ford Aspire.

Tags: entertaining

Review:
If you laugh at something senseless and absurd, such as Cousing Eddie babbling on about his worthless, pathetic existence, or Clark Griswald finding himself at the edge of the Hoover Dam, or even a busload of tourists crashing into the estate of "Mr. Las Vegas", Wayne Newton, so what?
The idea of the dysfunctional Griswalds venturing to Vegas for yet another "family vacation" and finding themselves experiencing the whims of the city of entertainment in their own individual ways, with Clark being a hapless, compulsive gambler, Ellen having somewhat of an affair with Wayne Newton, Rusty hitting it rich at the casinos and masquerading as a "playboy", and Audrey aspiring to be an exotic dancer, how hilarious can it get?
Couple this with the outrageous imbecilic likes of Cousin Eddie continuing to plague Clark's existence, and "Vegas Vacation" succeeds in delivering a royal flush of laughs.
If it's silly and inane, if scenarios are too illogical for words, and if not everything really comes together by the end, at least you have plenty of funny material to laugh away at, and that makes for a jolly good outing, when you find yourself laughing consistently throughout the film, which warrants a solid recommendation for "Vegas Vacation".
Mayhem ensues when the Griswolds go to Las Vegas in this fourth film in the 'Vacation' franchise.
Chevy Chase is solid as always and Wallace Shawn has a fun extended cameo this time round as a condescending croupier, but with minimal road trip elements here, the dynamic is not quite as juicy as the first or even second film.
The plot basically consists of each member of the Griswold clan having their own individual Vegas experiences, and while there is quite a bit of oddball humour in how Rusty makes it as a gambling king, there is not a lot of interest in Audrey becoming a Vegas dancer, Ellen being seduced by Wayne Netwon or Clark's gambling debt woes (Shawn's role in the matter aside).
Randy Quaid also has far too much screen time for his own good as the abrasive cousin Eddie and it is hard to know what to make of a scene in which Quaid and Chase visit an outskirts casino with "what number am I thinking of" gambling games.
Chevy Chase returns to the role of Clark Griswold, he gets these crazy notions and perfect ideas built up in his head, and as we have learned in the other films, they always disintegrate one at a time until he blows his top.
In `Vegas Vacation,' Randy Quaid has the longest screen time that Eddie's ever had before, and I think this is a good thing.
He pretends to be in love with Ellen Griswold (`It's a lock of my hair.') in the film; he tries to steal her from Clark, who forgets to pay attention to his wife while he blows his money away like it's just paper and nothing more.
I understand that it is not as good as the first film, but to tell you the truth, I used to have a hard time choosing a favorite - the three films (`Vegas,' `Christmas,' and the original - NOT counting the `European' sequel) are so different and funny that it really is hard to choose.
In the new film, Clark swings over the Hoover Dam, and it looks like Chevy really strained himself doing some of the physical stuff (even if it means dangling over a green screen).
It's pretty far reaching at times but there are solid moments here; such as Clark damn near destroying a damn and getting crazy (as only Clark Griswold can) playing cards and losing everything.The Wayne Newton gag soon grows tiresome and everything concerning Audrey and Russ pretty much stinks but Randy Quaid delivers once again as obnoxious Cousin Eddie and Chase hasn't lost his touch as the world's most annoying (yet somehow oddly endearing) family dad..
The final installment to the Griswald family's madcap misadventures, they're just as funny as the other three outrageous film before this one, as Clark, Ellen, Audrey and Rusty are out to stir trouble for themselves and everyone else surrounding them only this time the stakes are higher in the 1997 film "Vegas Vacation." The laughs are gut- bursting, and the hot Nevada desert is the perfect resort to capture just how zany and outrageous the Griswalds can be.
The film is truly a follow-up to "Christmas Vacation" as Clark finally got his big bonus from his marketing business after his newly invented cereal bars are a success and decides to use his money to his advantage and brings his wife and kids with him where they'll go on a frenzy gambling and living the life on Easy Street.
We were all shocked to see Clark as he dangles off Hoover Dam and crashing through Wayne Newton's house with the van.The movie is very rich because the film is unpredictable.
He was just playing himself, a sleazy Vegas singer who had the hots for Ellen.Usually in the other three films I laughed with the family, but in "Vegas Vacation", I couldn't help but feel sorry for them, especially from the kids (who looked too old to play the parts of Audrey and Rusty).
It was just lacking that unique comedy touch and outrageous absurdity that was found in the previous movies.The story in "Vegas Vacation" is about the Griswold's trip to sparkling Las Vegas, and nothing goes according to plans.
And soon things are spiraling out of control and Las Vegas is turned upside down.Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo carried this movie with their spot on portrayals of the beloved Clark and Ellen Griswold characters.
Randy Quaid also did a great job in revisiting the lovely cousin Eddie character.The comedy in "Vegas Vacation" was straight to the point and there was the trademark awkward situations, but it was not fully up to the level set in the previous movies.
The fourth installment in National Lampoon's Vacation film series, 'Vegas Vacation' is silly, but so funny too!
Its pure slapstick humor, that is enjoyable for anyone who's familiar with the Vacation movies & the crazy Griswold family.'Vegas Vacation' Synopsis: In the fourth outing for the vacation franchise, the Griswolds have to survive Vegas fever when they go to Las Vegas for a fun family vacation.'Vegas Vacation' doesn't get every joke or gag right, but at most parts, you laugh at the silliness.
I wish there were another vacation for the Griswold clan.There were many great scenes in the movie including the el cheapo buffet which was perfectly nauseating and Cousin Eddie frying chicken on a radioactive rock but my favorite has to be when Clark is lost inside the Hoover Dam and then catapults across the dam singing "Oh Beautiful." If laughs are what you want, then laughs are what you get..
"Vegas vacation" was written by Elisa Bell and Bob Ducsay.It's hard to find a good third movie in the series , much less forth.
It feels more like a commercial for Las Vegas than a comedy.The old cast is back – Chevy Chase , Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid.
Surprisingly, "Vegas Vacation" was fairly successful at the box office, taking in almost $40 million (the budget mus have been low for this movie) Which meant there was yet another chapter in the saga, the even worse than this "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 2- Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure".
In some instances, including complete dialogue lifts, the film recycles  many of the jokes from the first film (for me the best part of the movie was the scene in which Christie Brinkley cameo's her character from the original Vacation film, in the same outfit, car and with the same music playing!).
Completely lackluster comedy, the fourth (and hopefully the last) in the financially successful "Vacation" pantheon has Chevy Chase back as goofy dad Clark Griswold, taking his family on another adventure, leaving the suburbs for the lights of Las Vegas.
As for other things, Beverly D'Angelo of course plays Ellen, Randy Quaid reprises his role as cousin Eddie, and Wallace Shawn, Sid Caesar, Wayne Newton, and Siegfried and Roy also appear.
In this movie--Clark Griswold has made some extra cash at work, and he decides to take his family to Vegas.
This movie has an awesome cast, with the guy--I forget his name--from Can't Hardly Wait, and the gorgeous Marisol Nichols as Audrey--who happens to be one of my favorite actresses (she's also on Showtime's original series, Resurrection Blvd.)  The movie brings back Quaid as cousin Eddy, and his crazy family, which includes his daughter who is a stripper.
This time the Griswolds go to Vegas, where Rusty acts like an Italian guy, Audry wants to be a dancer, Ellen wants to have Wayne Newton or the other way around, and Clark Himself has a gambling problem.
So what we've seen it all before, before they made this film they should have gone and watched Christmas or the original Vacation and learn what makes a good movie.
Very good movie, and I'm not surprised because I love Chevy Chase and most of his films are great.
His last good movie was 1989's Christmas Vacation, which has more laughs in the first ten minutes than the entire duration of this film.
Love that dress that his wife is wearing at the end can't blame wayne neuton for chasing after her, Many of my favorite movies are from the 80's and this one seems like an 80's film it's wholesome entertainment for the whole family..
Fourth and it would appear final installment in the Griswold saga takes the clan to Vegas, where Chase confronts a secret gambling addiction and D'Angelo gets hit on by Wayne Newton.
"Vegas Vacation" is the fourth film in the popular series starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, the ultimate inept vacation taker.
This time Clark, along with wife Ellen (played again by Beverly D'Angelo) and kids Rusty and Audrey (shouldn't these kids be adults by now?), takes his family to Las Vegas for some wild and crazy fun.
This time I'm sorry to say that "Vegas Vacation" is the least funny movie in the series.
I have seen National Lampoons European Vacation and that was funny but you can't compare the two films , Chevy Chase should have stopped after the first couple of vacation comedies but as like a lot of comedies that have sequels ,Police Acadamy being the prime example,they dont know when to stop.
The Vacation series came back with a great film that only the Griswolds would make happen in Vegas.
From an hilarious R-rated comedy ("Vacation") to a pleasantly entertaining PG-rated family comedy ("Christmas.." & "Vegas...")Perhaps the only drag on the movie was the repetitive card table scenes with Wallace Shawn (better known from "The Cosby Show").The on-location filming in Las Vegas really makes the movie.
They could have cut corners and filmed at a crummy Las Vegas hotel, but they did not.Bonus points for the best looking "Audrey" of the series..
Randy Quaid's funny character is brought back from Christmas Vacation, but is saddled with uninspired and unfunny material, as a desert- dwelling hick, and Christie Brinkley's cameo was far too self aware (are we really supposed to believe they would cross paths again, 14 years later, and remember each other?) Wayne Newton's cameo adds nothing but his name value; Marisol Nichols is cute, but neither she (as Audrey) nor the guy (as Rusty) have anything to work with either, and both seem a bit too old for their characters.
And cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) shows up in this one too.Chevy Chase is his usual bumbling self, and that's what so familiar about this movie.
After a good start, Chevy is playing around with old Vegas like Seigfried and Roy, and Wayne Newton.
I recently ran into it on Comedy Central, and there was the question again; "what the hell?" The Griswold Family returns to the screen, this time taking a family vacation to Las Vegas.
Clark gambles away their money, the wife Ellen (D'Angelo) falls in love with Wayne Newton, Rusty gets a fake ID and wins big, and Audrey (played by the stunning and gorgeous Marisol Nichols) loosens up to become a dancer.It's nothing special, but back in the day, to a five year old, it was colorful, vibrant, jumpy, loud, and off it's own medicine.
After all, they do own a part of the name, might as well milk it.No matter, Vegas Vacation is a film I'm proud to call one of my favorite comedies, and my second favorite in the Vacation franchise.Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Ethan Embry, Marisol Nichols, and Randy Quaid.
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) decided to take his Wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and his two teenagers Rusty (Ethan Embry) & Audrey (Marisol Nichols) to Las Vegas for Summer Trip.
As for Clark is been losing money consistently by playing Black Jack with a professor card dealer (Wallace Shawn).Directed by Stephen Kessler made an enjoyable third sequel to the ever-popular "Vacation" movies.
Griswold (Chevy Chase) got a big bonus for his long-life food preserver and decides to take his family, which includes his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo, still looking hot after all these years), son Rusty (Ethan Embry), and daughter Audrey (Marisol Nichols), to fantastic Las Vegas!
Clark's (or Ellen's) cousins Eddie (Randy Quaid) and Catherine (Miriam Flynn) now live by Vegas, and no family member is going to not say hi.
This movie was very "fun" and for anyone who is crazy about Las Vegas it's great to watch.
In the fourth vacation film, we see the Griswolds visiting Las Vegas.
And of course Randy Quaid returns as Cousin Eddie in his best vacation role yet.The sub story about Rusty getting a fake ID and then gambling is the best part of the whole film.
Chevy Chase is good (although not exactly groundbreaking in this movie) and Beverly D'Angelo is as annoying to watch as ever.
Chevy Chase and Beverly D'angelo reprise their roles as the Clark and Ellen Griswold.
This one is by no means as good, however, by itself, it is a laugh riot!Again, Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo are back as Mr. and Mrs. Griswold, off on a family vacation, this time off to...you guessed it-Las Vegas!
And the whole thing was shot on location, so you get some great glimpses of Vegas throughout the film.Highlights include the Hoover Dam sequence, and the scene at Cousin Eddie's house.See this one when you get a chance.
Tedious fourth installment in the popular series has Chevy Chase and company taking a vacation to Las Vegas.
Many a night I have found myself with nothing to do and decide to watch the National Lampoons series one more time........Vegas Vacation is the fourth installment about the Griswold clan.
What the family don't know is that Clarke is on a mission to Vegas to gamble, or lose bigtime as it would be.The plot is very simple, the characters are familiar, even cousin Eddie makes an appearance.For all the fans of the National Lampoons series, Vegas Vacation still gives you that funny feeling when you hear the "Holiday Road" theme song kick in when the movie starts.I find Vegas Vacation to be a fun-loving, at times, hilariously funny movie about your not so average American family.Chevy Chase is a LEGEND !!!.
This movie was definatly better than "European Vacation" it had Clark take his family to Las Vegas They meet up with Eddie and his tribe, which makes for some laughs.
This time around Clark (Chevy Chase) and the family go to Las Vegas.
(The original idea for this sequel was to have the Griswold's stranded on a desert island - an idea that has more comic potential.) And it's not just Chase who is lost - the actors playing the kids look attractive and seem to have talent, but with nothing to do, they give horrible performances.The main sin "Vegas Vacation" commits is that it's simply not funny.
Vegas Vacation (1997): Dir: Stephen Kessler / Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Wallace Shawn, Wayne Newton: Perhaps the most family friendly of the comedy series.
It's not even close to a perfect movie by any means, but it is quite enjoyable and a lot of fun to watch.As with all the other films in the 'Vacation' series, the biggest strength of Vegas Vacation is Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo.
Vegas Vacation is probably her best overall performance in the franchise, as she is given much more to do and has one of the better subplots of the movie.One of the trademarks of the series is that Russ and Audrey are portrayed by different cast members in each film.
In a movie filled with memorable quotes, that line and Uncle Eddie's (Randy Quaid)"where can I get some damn bait?" line are the two best moments of the whole film.As much as I like Vegas Vacation, I'll be the first to admit it has a fair amount of scenes that just don't work.
Here, we get Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid, the principal stars of the hitherto entertaining 'Vacation' series reprising their roles for said paycheck.
The film gets off to a good, fastpaced start, with things happening so quickly that we almost don't realize the movie has run out of gags and ideas by the time the Griswolds get to Las Vegas.
This time, the Griswolds again head west, but this time to Las Vegas, because Chevy Chase (who returns as Clark Griswold, alongside Beverly D'Angelo as his wife Ellen and Randy Quaid as Uncle Eddie) gets a bonus for developing a food preservative.
Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Ethan Embry, Marisol Nichols and Wayne Newton star in this 1997 comedy sequel.
In this installment, Clark Griswold (Chase) takes his wife, Ellen (D'Angelo) and 2 kids, Rusty (Embry) and Audrey (Nichols) to Las Vegas, Nevada for a family trip.