Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lame National Lampoon with usual innuendo, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Vegas Vacation
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is mostly funny, with many moments that will have both children and adults laughing, although it includes some cheesy and inappropriate content. While some reviews express disappointment compared to earlier films in the series, it remains an entertaining option for fans of the franchise, despite mixed opinions on its quality.
- funny moments
- cheesy content
- mixed opinions
- not as good
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) surprises his family with a trip to Las Vegas. Once there, instead of the "togetherness" Clark was touting, each Griswold takes off into his or her own world: gambling, partying, drinking, and in the case of Ellen Griswold (Beverly D'Angelo), embarking on a flirtation with Wayne Newton. Complicating the already manic family behavior is Vacation regular, Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his brood. Some of the Griswolds get in trouble; some of them get rich; all of them are supposed to learn a lesson about the values of sharing and love.
Is It Any Good?
With cartoonish performances, amateur direction, slapdash editing, and a resolution-free, illogical story, this movie marks a low point in the careers of everyone associated with it. Cameo appearances from Siegfried and Roy and their tigers, the venerable Sid Caesar in a never-ending vaudevillian death scene, and Wayne Newton don't help at all. Even the worst movie may have a few scenes that almost rescues it from the trash heap. VEGAS VACATION is one of those movies. Clark Griswold's visit to an "alternative" casino with such games as "Pick A Number From One to Ten" and "Rock, Paper, Scissors," is hilarious as are a few others, but those scattered minutes can't possibly make up for the rest of this witless mess.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the trips they've taken with their families. What makes a good family vacation?
What did Clark Griswold learn about gambling? What price, if any, did he ultimately have to pay for his irresponsible behavior? What might really happen to someone who gambled as he did?
What did you think about the drinking in the movie? How realistic was it? What would the real-life consequences of that kind of drinking be?
Each Griswold kept his or her Las Vegas adventures a secret from the other family members. When, if ever, is it appropriate or all right to keep a secret from your family?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 1997
- On DVD or streaming : July 9, 1997
- Cast : Beverly D'Angelo , Chevy Chase , Randy Quaid
- Director : Stephen Kessler
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sensuality, language and thematic elements
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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