National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)

<em>'National Lampoon’s European Vacation'</em> largely disappoints. The opening events in England are its peak, a couple of moments produced a few chuckles; even if they were stupid scenes, good stupid though. Once leaving British borders, I did find it much more dull.

The writers sure dislike the French, eh? One of two creepy gags to do with the young daughter takes place with a Frenchman, the other with the American host <i>(was it a Family Feud spoof? Makes it *slightly* less weird)</i> - I was gonna say it has aged badly, but was it ever not an odd choice of joke? On the note of her, Audrey and Rusty are recast in this.

Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo do return and are as they were before. The most interesting bits in regards to the cast, for me anyway, are the appearances of Robbie Coltrane and Eric Idle. The running gag with the latter actor is probably the best part of this movie, to be honest.

These (first two, at least) films are at least short at 90 minutes and it is cool see to see them travel and film on location throughout all the different places shown. As for the nitty-gritty, though, I can't say I'd recommend this one. It misses a fun ending, which the original had.