European Vacation Keeps the Griswold Chaos Going. A Fun and Silly Eighties Comedy That Still Delivers.
Released in 1985, European Vacation brings the Griswold family back for another round of travel disasters. While it may not quite reach the level of the original Vacation, it is still a very entertaining sequel with plenty of laughs and classic moments.
This time the film was directed by Amy Heckerling, who brings a slightly different style compared to the first movie. The tone is a bit more cartoonish and exaggerated, but that actually fits the story as the Griswolds take their chaos overseas.
Chevy Chase returns as Clark Griswold, once again determined to create the perfect family experience. Chase knows this character so well, and he leans fully into Clark’s overconfidence and constant bad luck. No matter how wrong things go, Clark keeps pushing forward.
Beverly D’Angelo is back as Ellen, still trying to keep things somewhat normal while everything around her falls apart. Their dynamic continues to be one of the strengths of the series.
The kids are played by different actors this time, with Jason Lively as Rusty and Dana Hill as Audrey. That was a bit of a change, but they still fit the roles well enough for the story.
The plot kicks off when the Griswolds win a European vacation on a game show. Clark immediately sees it as another chance to create the ultimate family trip. As expected, things go wrong almost instantly.
The family travels through several countries including England, France, Germany, and Italy. At each stop, Clark manages to misunderstand the culture, get lost, or create some kind of chaos. The movie plays heavily on the idea of the out of place American tourist.
What makes European Vacation fun is the variety of locations. Each country brings a different set of jokes and situations, even if some of them are a bit over the top.
Chevy Chase continues to carry the film. His physical comedy and timing are still sharp, and Clark’s complete lack of awareness makes for some very funny moments.
There are several memorable scenes throughout the movie. The roundabout driving sequence in London is one of the most famous and perfectly captures Clark’s inability to adapt to anything new.
The film leans more into goofy humor compared to the original, and not every joke lands, but there are still plenty that do. It feels lighter and less grounded, but that is part of its charm.
Amy Heckerling keeps the movie moving quickly, which helps because the story is more about the journey than any real plot. It is one situation after another, and that keeps it entertaining.
European Vacation may not have the same heart or impact as the first film, but it still works as a fun continuation of the Griswold story.
It remains an excellent film in its own way because it delivers what you expect. Travel chaos, awkward moments, and Chevy Chase doing what he does best.
In the end, European Vacation is a solid eighties comedy that keeps the laughs coming and proves that no matter where they go, the Griswolds will always find trouble.