The highly-exaggerated comedy paints a picture of the indescribable nightmare.
From the Wagon Queen Family Truckster hitting the road to Walley World, National Lampoon’s Vacation perfectly captures the horrors of a family driving vacation. While modern travel has become more convenient, for those of a certain generation, the family road trip was a level of Hell with endless hours of boredom, mishaps, and unmet expectations. The film hilariously exaggerates the highs and lows of this experience, from getting stuck with a terrible car to losing luggage and encountering tourist traps. Despite the challenges, the obsession with reaching the destination prevails, making the trip an unforgettable, albeit rose-colored, experience.
National Lampoon’s Vacation Exaggerates the Highs and the Lows
Starting with Clark Griswold’s ill-fated purchase of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster, the film instantly resonates with anyone who has endured a family driving vacation. The mishaps begin early as the luggage tumbles off the car before they even leave home. However, with high spirits and a sense of adventure, the Griswolds set off on their journey. They sing songs, including the Walley World National Anthem, but soon find themselves bored and lost in St. Louis. From there, the film hilariously portrays the mishaps typical of any family driving vacation, from damaged cars to lost luggage. The comedic portrayal strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced the same mishaps, except perhaps the chance encounter with Christie Brinkley!
National Lampoon’s Vacation Brings Family and Finality
A common aspect of family driving vacations is the obligatory drop-in to see relatives along the route. In the Griswolds’ case, their visit to Ellen’s cousin Catherine and her quirky husband, Eddie, becomes an eventful detour. Eddie, ever the moocher, hits Clark up for a loan, while Catherine and Eddie impose the care of Aunt Edna and her nasty dog Dinky on the Griswolds, asking them to drop Edna off in Phoenix. This stage of the trip emphasizes the feeling of finality, where the destination becomes an obsession. Clark’s determination to reach Walley World is exemplified by the darkly humorous deaths of Dinky and Aunt Edna. Nothing will deter the leader of the trip from finishing what’s been started.
The Unforgettable, Rose-Colored Experience
Despite the countless misadventures and challenges faced during the trip, reaching the destination is all that matters. The film reflects the universal desire for the destination to live up to its lofty expectations, and the Griswolds’ joy at finally reaching Walley World is palpable. However, their elation is short-lived as they discover that the park is closed, leading to a hilarious anticlimax. Yet, in the end, the agonies of the trip fade away, and the family is left with a rose-colored view of the entire experience. The film beautifully captures this phenomenon with still photographs of the Griswolds enjoying their vacation over the end credits. Despite the chaotic journey, the trip becomes an unforgettable and cherished memory, making the family eager to embark on another road trip in the future.
National Lampoon’s Vacation perfectly captures the nightmare and absurdity of family driving vacations, and its comedic portrayal continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. From mishaps to finality and the eventual rose-colored view, the film encapsulates the essence of the family road trip, leaving us with laughter and a shared recognition of this unique and unforgettable experience.
