Introduction
The National Lampoon Vacation series is one of the most iconic movie franchises in history. The original movie was released in 1983 and spawned four sequels, with a fifth installment due to be released in 2021. The series follows the Griswold family as they embark on various road trips across the United States, encountering a variety of misadventures along the way. Each movie features a different setting and set of characters, but all of them share a common thread of comedy, family bonding, and good old-fashioned Americana.
The purpose of this article is to explore the National Lampoon Vacation movies in depth. We will look at the themes present in each movie, reflect on the franchise’s history, rank the movies based on criteria, compare and contrast the movies, and break down the characters. By the end of the article, readers should have a better understanding of the National Lampoon Vacation series and its lasting legacy.
Exploring Themes in National Lampoon Vacation Movies
The National Lampoon Vacation movies are all full of comedy, but there are also several other recurring themes that appear throughout the series. The most prominent theme is the importance of family bonding, as the Griswolds are constantly going on these road trips together and learning about each other along the way. Additionally, each movie features some kind of “fish out of water” story, as the family often finds themselves in unfamiliar places and must figure out how to navigate their new surroundings. Other themes include the exploration of America, showing the beauty of the country while also highlighting the darker aspects of it; and the idea of “the journey being more important than the destination,” as the Griswolds rarely reach their intended destination but still learn valuable lessons along the way.
The National Lampoon Vacation movies also reflect several social trends of the time. For example, the first movie was released in 1983, which was during the Reagan era. This was a time of great economic prosperity in the United States, and the movie reflects this optimism and sense of possibility. Additionally, the third movie was released in 1997, which was during the Clinton administration. This was a time of increased globalization and technological advancement, and the movie reflects these changes by featuring newer technologies and international settings.
Retrospective on National Lampoon Vacation Movies
It’s been nearly 40 years since the first National Lampoon Vacation movie was released, and it’s interesting to look back at the franchise’s history to see how it has evolved over time. The original movie was directed by Harold Ramis and starred Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, the patriarch of the Griswold family. The movie was a huge success, earning over $60 million at the box office and launching the franchise.
It was followed by three sequels, each of which was released at intervals of roughly five years. The second movie, European Vacation, was released in 1985 and featured the Griswolds traveling to Europe. The third movie, Vegas Vacation, came out in 1997 and saw the family heading to Las Vegas. The fourth movie, Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure, was released in 2003 and featured the Griswolds visiting an island paradise. Finally, a fifth movie, Vacation, is currently in production and is slated for release in 2021.
When looking back at the National Lampoon Vacation series, it’s clear that each movie had a profound impact on pop culture. The franchise has become synonymous with comedy and family bonding, and many of the catchphrases and characters from the movies have become part of the cultural lexicon. Additionally, the franchise has influenced countless other movies, television shows, and even video games.
Ranking the National Lampoon Vacation Movies
When it comes to ranking the National Lampoon Vacation movies, there is no definitive answer. Everyone has their own opinion on which movie is the best, and there is no one-size-fits-all criteria for judging them. However, there are some criteria that can be used to help guide the rankings. These include factors such as comedy, plot, acting, pacing, and overall enjoyment.
In my opinion, the best National Lampoon Vacation movie is the first one. It is the quintessential road trip movie, full of classic comedy and memorable moments. It also laid the groundwork for the rest of the franchise, introducing us to the Griswold family and their unique brand of humor. Additionally, it is the only movie in the series to be nominated for an Academy Award, further cementing its place as the best of the bunch.
My personal rankings of the National Lampoon Vacation movies, from best to worst, are as follows: National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (2003), European Vacation (1985), Vegas Vacation (1997). Of course, your mileage may vary.
Comparing and Contrasting the National Lampoon Vacation Movies
Despite having the same basic premise, each National Lampoon Vacation movie is quite different from the others. For starters, the setting of each movie is different. The first movie takes place in the United States, while the second and third movies take place in Europe and Las Vegas, respectively. Additionally, the tone of each movie varies, with some being more lighthearted and comedic while others are more dramatic and serious.
However, there are also some similarities between the movies. One common thread throughout the series is the importance of family bonding. Despite their misadventures, the Griswolds always manage to come together in the end and appreciate each other more. Another similarity is the presence of classic comedy, as each movie contains plenty of slapstick humor and witty banter. Lastly, all of the movies feature the same core cast of characters, adding consistency to the franchise.
Breaking Down the Characters from the National Lampoon Vacation Movies
The National Lampoon Vacation movies feature a wide array of characters, from the lovable Griswolds to the eccentric supporting characters. Each character is unique and adds something special to the movies. There are certain character archetypes that appear in each movie, such as the wise-cracking father figure (Clark Griswold), the strong-willed mother (Ellen Griswold), the rebellious teen (Rusty Griswold), and the precocious child (Audrey Griswold).
When looking at the characters in the National Lampoon Vacation movies, it’s interesting to note how they develop over the course of the franchise. For example, Rusty starts off as a typical teenager who is eager to rebel against his parents, but by the end of the series he has matured and is able to better appreciate his family. Similarly, Ellen starts off as a supportive but slightly submissive wife, but by the end she has become a more independent and assertive woman.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the National Lampoon Vacation movies are an iconic franchise that has stood the test of time. They feature a variety of themes, from comedy and family bonding to exploration and self-discovery. Additionally, the movies have had a lasting impact on pop culture, influencing countless other films, television shows, and even video games.
This article has explored the National Lampoon Vacation movies in depth. We looked at the themes present in each movie, reflected on the franchise’s history, ranked the movies based on criteria, compared and contrasted the movies, and broke down the characters. By the end of the article, readers should have a better understanding of the National Lampoon Vacation series and its lasting legacy.
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