"Vacation": a Comedy Adventure That's a Mix of Hits and Misses
The "Vacation" is a comedy that I will review in the essay starting with analysis of performances, cinematography and etc. "Vacation" is a 2015 comedy film directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. It is a sequel to the National Lampoon's Vacation series and follows the story of the next generation of the Griswold family, led by Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) as he takes his own family on a cross-country road trip to Walley World.
The film is filled with raunchy humor and slapstick comedy, which is both its strength and weakness. While the jokes are sometimes funny, they can also be cringe-worthy and over-the-top, making it feel like the filmmakers were trying too hard to be edgy.
The film "Vacation" boasts a talented cast that delivers solid performances, but it's Chris Hemsworth who steals the show. Playing the role of Stone Crandall, Rusty Griswold's brother-in-law, Hemsworth delivers a performance that is both hilarious and captivating. While Ed Helms, who plays Rusty, and Christina Applegate, who plays his wife, deliver good performances, Hemsworth's comedic timing and delivery are on another level. He effortlessly commands attention on screen and steals every scene he's in with his effortless charm and wit. Even though Hemsworth's character isn't the main focus of the film, he leaves a lasting impression that's hard to forget. It's clear that Hemsworth's background in comedy has served him well in this role, and it's exciting to see him explore this side of his acting abilities.
The cinematography in the film is undeniably one of its strongest aspects. The film is shot in stunning locations across the American Southwest, including the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. The camera work captures the natural beauty of these locations, with wide shots of the vast landscapes and close-ups of the intricate rock formations. The color grading and lighting also enhance the beauty of these locations, with warm tones that complement the desert scenery. However, while the cinematography is stunning, the film's pacing can be problematic. Some scenes, particularly those featuring the family driving from one location to the next, can drag on for too long, feeling repetitive and uninteresting. On the other hand, some of the more action-packed scenes, such as the scene in which the family participates in a river-rafting excursion, feel rushed and underdeveloped. The inconsistent pacing can make the film feel uneven and disjointed at times, which detracts from the overall viewing experience.
Overall, "Vacation" is a mixed bag. It has its funny moments, but it's not as good as the original National Lampoon's Vacation film. Fans of raunchy comedies might enjoy it, but others may find it too crass and juvenile.
