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From the films first few seconds it's
evidently clear that this is a sequel by name and, well, that's about
it. There's no "Holiday Road" - the catchy theme tune to the series -
no spiffy title sequence, no oomph at all. It's as no-frills as a pack
of unadvertised baked beans.
Randy Quaid, who co-starred in the previous
films (all except "European Vacation"), is the headline act here,
reprising his role as moron Cousin Eddie.
When a recently retrenched Eddie gets bitten
in the arse by his replacement, a monkey, the dimwit is handed an
all-expenses paid holiday in the South Pacific. Joining him on the trip
are his wife Catherine (Miriam Flynn), son Clark (Jake Thomas), Uncle
Nick (Ed Asner) and niece, Audrey (Dana Barron, reprising her role from
the very first "Vacation"). Hijinks ensue.
Even die-hard fans of the "Vacation" series
will be hard pressed to get a chuckle out of this barker. It's a dog
and then some. Sure, it's great to have a new addition to the series -
and good to see Quaid, Flynn and Barron back - but without Chase, a
script and some kind of subterfuge, it's as lifeless as a dweller of
the necropolis.
I've a grave feeling this one is the final
nail in the coffin for the once-grand "Vacation" series.
DVD Extras
A 'not worth bothering about' commentary is
available for those who'd rather block out the dialogue, and trailers
for a couple of the previous films.
Conclusion: Movie 25% Extras 5%
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