Pop Culture Movies and More: National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)

After surviving the Wally World expedition in National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), the Griswolds embark on a fascinating, worry-free, all-expenses-paid trip to Europe, courtesy of the popular TV game show, Pig in a Poke. This time, the merry holidaymaker Clark Griswold, his wife, Ellen, and their teenage children, Audrey and Rusty, find themselves in a race against the clock, trying to see as many sights as possible in London, Paris, Germany, and Rome. Once more, disaster follows, as British driving catastrophes occur, unforgivable fashion crimes in the City of Lights, a daunting language barrier in a Bavarian village, and a brush with the law in Rome stand in the way of happiness. Can the Griswolds survive the European Vacation and can Europe survive the Griswolds? The Griswalds are back in this sequel to the brilliant comedic classic and now we see them travel to some of the most famous landmarks of Europe. As you can imagine, things are bound to go wrong, and they most certainly do in their usual wacky fashion. I love this movie series as each one is thoroughly enjoyable and this one was no exception. As I previously stated on the first film, Clark Griswald is easily my favourite character. He continues to be hilariously oblivious, causing all of the problems they encounter, practically destroying everything in his wake, most of which without even realising it. One of my favourite sequences occurs during their first flight, where each member dreams about the possibilities of their adventure, which leads to some hysterical sequences. Like, for example, Helen imagines meeting the Queen, who is so ecstatic to see the Griswolds as if they were themselves celebrities. Since the Griswolds are from America, we see them struggle with adjusting to driving on the other side of the road in England. It was a really amusing scene due to the fact he managed to hit 3 separate people within a manner of minutes. Seeing some famous British actors playing these people affected by Clark's driving was excellent to see, especially since they were all being so incredibly nice despite having their vehicles absolutely demolished. Even one cyclist, played by the fantastic Eric Idle, gets hit being knocked off his bike by Clark's car which results in him having broken bones and blood spewing out all over and yet was still kind enough to give them directions. The funniest part about this whole scene is that it is a complete contrast to how a British person would react to such an incident in reality. If you thought just the pedestrians were the only ones in danger, you are greatly mistaken. One of the biggest highlights of this movie is seeing the family visit Stonehenge. Seeing Clark gives a long speech about how monumental this site is to his unimpressed kids, noting how the stones date as far back as 2000BC. Only for him to drive backwards right into them leading to each one falling in a domino effect. Such a well-executed bit that no matter how obvious it is going to happen it is still just as funny every time. It doesn't stop there either. They end up getting insulted by French waiters who realise they don't speak the language, Clark starts a huge brawl at a folk dance and Helen gets involved in a kidnapping! I'm sure everyone can relate to the premise of the story about having a vacation where something goes wrong sometime in your life, however, I doubt it could be anything as wacky and unbelievable as the Griswolds, but I like how it takes it to the extreme. Both Audrey and Rusty have changed actors/actresses for this film, which seems to be a running gag in the series as neither would reappear in the next and it is quite bizarre how each one brings new versions. What's even more peculiar is the fact they swap ages in the next flick as well as their actors. Overall, another fabulous addition to the National Lampoon's Vacation series, delivering something new whilst keeping the same beloved formula. Not only a fabulous comedy classic that you should view before partaking in any vacation but a superb 80s movie too. If you loved the first, then this is undoubtedly one for you. Also, check out the next and best one in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989).