This is the second film of three that would be made about the Griswold family vacations. "European Vacation" would also be a success at the box office. But, it's box office would be a full third less than the 1983 film. With some very good scenic shots, and interesting sites and sights, this could have been a very good film. But the humor is dull and more crass. And, with older teenage kids in the Griswold family, and a PG-13 rating, the film probably was planned to appeal to an older teen audience especially.
I watched this film again these many years after seeing it the first time. But, unlike the original summer Vacation film, this one doesn't still evoke any laughter, where it might have had some when it came out. It isn't anywhere near the caliber of the original film. I thought so when I first watched it way back then, and my recent viewing just reaffirmed my original impression.
The scenes in Europe were all shot in England, France and Italy. If one is looking for laughs and smiles in a movie, this is one to skip. Here are a couple of lines - the best of the humor to be found in the dialog in this film.
Ellen Griswold, "I felt like staying in. I thought it would be really nice to be alone." Clark Griswold, "Honey, I could never go anywhere without you."
Clark Griswold, stopping their car to look down over a Bavarian valley (probably filmed in Italy), "Well, there it is kids - my motherland." Rusty Griswold, "Dad, grandma's from Chicago." Clark, ,"Shut up, Russ."
I watched this film again these many years after seeing it the first time. But, unlike the original summer Vacation film, this one doesn't still evoke any laughter, where it might have had some when it came out. It isn't anywhere near the caliber of the original film. I thought so when I first watched it way back then, and my recent viewing just reaffirmed my original impression.
The scenes in Europe were all shot in England, France and Italy. If one is looking for laughs and smiles in a movie, this is one to skip. Here are a couple of lines - the best of the humor to be found in the dialog in this film.
Ellen Griswold, "I felt like staying in. I thought it would be really nice to be alone." Clark Griswold, "Honey, I could never go anywhere without you."
Clark Griswold, stopping their car to look down over a Bavarian valley (probably filmed in Italy), "Well, there it is kids - my motherland." Rusty Griswold, "Dad, grandma's from Chicago." Clark, ,"Shut up, Russ."