European Vacation (1985)

User Rating:

5.7/10   

Director:

Amy Heckerling

Writers:

John Hughes (screenplay)
John Hughes (story)

Release Date:

26 July 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Comedy | Crime | Romance

Tagline:

For over two thousand years, Europe has survived many great disasters. Now for the real test. Chevy Chase & his family are coming from America!

Plot:

The Griswalds win a vacation tour across Europe where the usual havoc ensues.

Plot Keywords:

Germany | Italy | Vacation | Tourist | Stonehenge

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Chevy Chase	...	Clark Griswold
Beverly D'Angelo	...	Ellen Griswold
Dana Hill	...	Audrey Griswold
Jason Lively	...	Russell 'Rusty' Griswold
John Astin	...	Kent Winkdale
Sheila Kennedy	...	Game Show Hostess #1
Paul Bartel	...	Mr. Froeger
Cynthia Szigeti	...	Mrs. Froeger
Malcolm Danare	...	Son Froeger
Kevi Kendall	...	Daughter Froeger
Tricia Lange	...	Game Show Hostess #2
William Zabka	...	Jack
Wendy Goldman	...	Stewardess
Angus MacKay	...	Announcer at Court
Julie Wooldridge	...	Princess Diana

Also Known As:

National Lampoon's European Vacation (UK) (video box title)

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Italian | German | French

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:L | Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | USA:R (original rating) | Finland:K-7 (2006) | Finland:K-8 (1986) | Netherlands:6 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Chile:14 | Sweden:7 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13 | Canada:PG (Manitoba)

Filming Locations:

Bressanone, Bolzano, Trentino - Alto Adige, Italy

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

It is revealed in the intro, on his passport, that Clark's middle name is Wilhelm.

Goofs:

Continuity: When they are stuck on the traffic island by Parliament and Big Ben, the long shot shows their Austin Maxi being cut up by a Chrysler 180, but in the close up shot of the impact it has changed to a Morris Ital

Quotes:

[Repeated line]
Audrey Griswold: I miss Jack!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Simpsons: The Regina Monologues (#15.4)" (2003)

Soundtrack:

Back in America

Good sequel, worth watching.

I had always thought that "European Vacation" was much funnier than the original "Vacation", until just recently. I watched both films back-to-back and in the end I've got to concede that I like the original "Vacation" more than it's sequel. I think the two films are equally funny, but the first one has a little more originality to it and a slightly better cast. Don't get me wrong though, "European Vacation" IS a funny movie and a very good sequel, but just not as good as the original.

Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo of course, play the parts of Clarke and Ellen Griswold (although spelled "Griswald" in this film for whatever reason) perfectly. The parts of Rusty and Audrey Griswold were re-cast (for whatever reason) with Jason Lively and Dana Hill. I thought Jason Lively was a fine replacement for Anthony Michael Hall, and even slightly resembles him. Although, I was less than impressed with Dana Hill. Not that she did a bad job acting, but more that her character seemed quite different and didn't resemble the original Audrey (Dana Barron) at all. It was nice to see both Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane in the film (both playing very small roles).

"European Vacation" was a good film and a nice sequel, but still not as good as the original. Although, I would strongly recommend you take a look at this film if you liked the original or just like Chevy/Beverly. Chevy Chase is great, as is Beverly D'Angelo, both make the film well worth the time I put in watching it and I hope they'll make your time worth it as well. Thanks for reading,

-LebowskiT1000