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Tourist Office of Spain - Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain Our Office Useful Addresses How to get there Travel Tips Activities Travel Bulletin Tour Operators' Index Request Information Home Visiting Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine, and a warm welcome, but also its rich monumental heritage and dazzling natural environment. There is a perfect destination for everyone -choose yours. Visit our main Web site: Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain PASSPORT - MONEY - CUSTOMS PASSPORT AND VISA REGULATIONS : No visa for Spain is required for Canadian, US passport holders and nationals of European Unions countries for stays up to 3 months as a tourist. For stays exceeding this period, other nationalities or work permits please contact the Consulate of Spain nearest you. The addresses and telephone numbers of the Spanish Consulates are as follows: Toronto : 200 Front Street, Suite 2401, Toronto, Ont. M5V 3K2. Tel. (416) 977 1661 cgspain.toronto@mail.mae.es Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Montreal : 1 Westmount Sq. Ste 1456, Montreal, P.Q. H3Z 2P9. Tel. (514) 935 5235 consular@total.net Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information click here . INOCULATIONS : No inoculations are required when entering or leaving Spain. MONEY: As of January 1st, 2002, the new Spanish currency, as in most European Union countries, is the Euro. The currency will have notes and eight coins. The notes will have face value of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 or 500 euros. The Euro is divided into 100 cents and the coins will range in value from 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2 euros. Tourists may bring up to 6,010.12 euros (approximetly $10,000 Canadian dollars) without declaring the amount at customs. The current rate of exchange varies from week to week. For an updated exchange rate, check with newspapers or banks. Travellers cheques are most practical and Canadian currency can be exchanged at banks, airports, main hotels, etc. In order to get the most for your money, we advise you to buy some euros before leaving (for first day expenses) and exchange the rest of your dollars or travellers cheques at the bank once in Spain (although banking hours might be subject to change, presently they are: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Major credit cards are honoured in most hotels and restaurants, main stores, rent-a-car companies and others, although this should be checked before each transaction. The convenient Interact System can also be used throughout Spain, providing one of the easiest and cheapest ways of obtaining cash abroad; consult with your bank about your particular card and fees. For Currency converter click here . CUSTOMS: You may bring the following into Spain: personal effects, a personal laptop, one video camera or two still cameras with ten rolls of film each. A portable radio or portable tape recorder per person is admitted free of duty, as well as 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. One bottle of wine and one of liquor per person. The following sports equipment is also allowed: fishing gear, one bicycle, skis, tennis or squash racquets and golf clubs. PETS: Pets do not need to be held in quarantine prior to entering Spain. A certificate stating that an animal is in good health and has been inoculated against rabies (for dogs and cats) is required. The document must be issued by a veterinarian and certified at the nearest Consulate of Spain. TRANSPORTATION WITHIN SPAIN Railways: Spain has an extensive railroad system with fast and comfortable trains, offering some of the best fares in Europe. The national network is known as RENFE. Internet address: www.renfe.es . One of Europes most luxurious sightseeing trains is the AL ANDALUS EXPRESS with classic cars restored and refurbished in modern "grand luxe" style. There is 5-stars accommodation in the bedroom/salon cars. All excursions and meals are included. The AL ANDALUS EXPRESS have several itineraries, although it usually goes from Madrid south to Andalusia. The TRANSCANTABRICO, another sightseeing train, covers the northern and north-western parts of Spain know as Green Spain, from San Sebastian in the Basque region to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The train is air-conditioned and has showers, a bar and live music. All excursions and meals are included. AVE, Spains sleek bullet train, is the rail link between Madrid and Seville, going through Ciudad Real and Cordoba. This ultramodern train, which travels at a speed of up to 185 miles per hour, makes the Madrid-Seville run in 2 hours 30 minutes. TALGO is an ultramodern, fully air-conditioned train operating throughout Spain. New fast and sleek trains called EUROMEDS are going along the Mediterranean Coast, significantly cutting your travelling time from Barcelona to Valencia. Tickets can be purchased through RAIL EUROPE: 1-800-361 RAIL , which sells special rail passes only for Spain. Train Passes, such as EUROPASS and FLEXIPASS can also be purchased through RAIL EUROPE. Buses: Public bus service in Spain is comfortable and efficient. Although there are many lines which cover long distances, buses are specially recommended for short trips and for excursions from major tourist centres. Local tourist offices can provide you with schedule information. Ships: Travellers who wish to visit the Spanish Islands may depart from the mainland using the COMPAIA TRANSMEDITERRANEA. this national carrier has regular scheduled ferries from Barcelona and Valencia to the Balearic Islands and from Cadiz to the Canary Islands. TRANSMEDITERRANEA also offers inter-island service. The same company offers service to North Africa: from Almeria and Malaga to Melilla and from Algeciras to Tangiers and Ceuta. For reservations please call the headquarters in Madrid. Tel. : 011-341-431-0700, fax: 011-34- 431- 0804. Website: http://www.trasmediterranea.es Modern Hydrofoil ships are now linking Mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands, Algeciras to Tangier and between the Canary Islands. Inquire in our Office for more details about ferries. Driving in Spain: In order for Canadians to drive in Spain, they must: Have an International Driving Licence Be 18 years of age or older Be a tourist Traffic Offences: On the spot payment of fines (reduced by 20%) is compulsory for non-residents. Taxis: All major cities in Spain have metered taxi service. Any extra charges must be posted in the vehicle. For further information click here . ACCOMMODATION There are more than 10,000 hotel accommodations in Spain. They are divided into several categories, among them Hotels, Residence-Hotels, Apartment-Hotels, Motels and Pensions. All of them have a plaque at the entrance showing their official category, from one to five stars. Establishment classified, as "Residence-Hotels" does not provide meals. Official forms are available at hotels and any complaint concerning service may be registered. PARADORES DE ESPAA is a state-run network of hotels. Many of them are castles, convents, or palaces restored and furnished with every modern amenity. Most of them are scenically located. Reservations can be made directly to: Central of Reservations in Madrid, Tel: 011 34 91 5166666 and the fax: 011 34 91 516657/8 - Web site: http://www.parador.es For further information please visit Tourism Spain main Web site or contact our Tourist Office in Canada. New representatives in Canada: Adsum Tourism Services 4159 Dundas St. West, Suite 218 Toronto, ON M8X 1Y4 Phone : 416-237-1930 Fax: 416-237-9212 paradores-ca@adsum.ws Apartments and Villas: There are many for rent, especially along the coastal resort areas. It is advisable to stay a few days at a hotel or pension and look around for a suitable place. Prices can vary according to the season, area or location. An Official Guide to Apartment-Hotels can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Call us for a list of addresses. Camping: Spains excellent campsites can be found along the coast, on the islands, as well as in scenic areas. Campings are also classified under a star rating system which can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Rural Tourism: A magnificent alternative to visit the real Spain off the beaten track. Accommodation in traditional country farms is available all over Spain and most of then offer complementary activities such as horseback riding, bicycling, etc. OTHER INFORMATION Taxes: A 7% VAT is to be added to rates for all restaurants and hotel rooms. Service is included. Getting your VAT back: Travellers to Spain are entitled to a reimbursement of the 16% VAT tax they pay on all purchases as long as these add up to no less than 90.16 euros (approximately $150) per store. The vendor must provide the purchaser with a duly filled out invoice, which includes the price of each good, the VAT paid for each item, as well as the identification for both the vendor and purchaser. The goods must be brought out of Spain whitin three months. At the time of departure, the invoice must be submitted to the Spanish Customs Officer in charge of VAT refunds at the international port, gate or airport (there is a specific booth for this purpose just prior to the entrance to the international area). The Customs Officer will stamp the original copy, which should be turned in at a bank in the airport for reimbursement. Tipping: Service is generally included in the bill. Tips are at your own discretion, although a 10% tip is customary. Language: Castilian (Spanish) in the whole territory. Catalan, Basque (Euskera) and Galician in their respective autonomous regions. English is usually spoken in the tourist areas along the Mediterranean coast as well as French, although a booklet with the most common phrases in Spanish is always helpful. Electric Current: 220 volts (50 cycles) are commonly used in Spain, although 110 still exist in some areas. Round prong plugs are used in all outlets. Standard Canadian plugs will not fit into Spanish outlets. Bullfights: The season starts in March and runs until the middle of October. Shopping in Spain: This is not only an exciting venture but also practical as Spain offers today some of the best prices on many articles. Spain has a long tradition in making leather goods (shoes, luggage, bags, coats, dresses gloves, etc.), clothing (original fashion designers or ready-made), embroidery and lace; jewellery (classical or modern designs, as well as artisan gold and silver works); blown glass, pottery, antiques (some of the antique galleries in Madrid, Barcelona or Seville are among the best in Europe); furniture; interior decorating items (the famous Lladro porcelains, iron grille designs, silver and other metals such as candelabra, trays, bowls, etc.); toys; musical instruments (Spanish guitars are know to be the best in the world). Madrid and Barcelona are of course the major cities for shopping. In Madrid, the main commercial areas are: the Goya, Principe de Vergara and Serrano districts for exclusive fashions; Narvaez, Conde de Penalver and the old downtown area of Puerta del Sol, Alcala, Gran Via, Carretas and Arsenal, a place also to find major Department stores. A must is the Sunday flea market of El Rastro, where you can find anything from a hatpin to a masterpiece. In Barcelona, Paseo de Gracia and Diagonal for elegant shopping; the Ramblas and Plaza de Catalunya for almost anything; and the area around the church of Sta. Maria de los Reyes for antique galleries. Other excellent areas for shopping are tourist centres, such as Torremolinos and Marbella in Costa del Sol, Benidorm in Costa Blanca, Playa de Aro in the Costa Brava, Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands (mainly Tenerife and Gran Canaria) specially, since they are duty-free ports. Shopping Hours: Although big department stores are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, most shops keep traditional business hours, approximately 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Some stores are open on Sunday. Museums: The standard hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9:a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but check with the Tourist Office in Spain nearest you for hours of specific museums. For further information click here . Books and maps on Spain: The Tourist Office of Spain supplies maps, brochures and information circulars free of charge. Persons wishing further information may obtain additional guides and maps at retail stores or, in Spain, from local tourist offices. Travelling with children: Most hotels make reductions for babies and small children, although there are not official regulations. This matter should be arranged with the hotel management. Baby food and disposable diapers are available at most resorts and are obtainable from supermarkets and pharmacies. Baby-sitting arrangements can usually be made locally. The availability and cost should be checked with the establishment directly or through the booking agent. Health Service: Only members of the European Union enjoy free medical assistance under the Spanish Health Service during their stay. You are advised to take out adequate holiday insurance. This is available at your local bank or from most tour operators and travel agents. Although there are multilingual doctors in the tourist areas, those requiring special treatment or diets are advised to carry a letter from their doctor translated into Spanish, indicating the nature of the condition, treatment and medicines required. Special dietary products are available from health shops and pharmacies. Telephoning Home: Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Spain is 9000-99-0015 where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1-800-561-8868 or on the Internet: ( www.canada-direct.com ) Radio Canada International: Radio Canada International ( RCI ) broadcasts on short-wave in Spain. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI web site ( www.rcinet.ca ). You may also e-mail RCI at rci@montreal.radio-canada.ca or call ( 514 ) 597 7555 Casinos: Gambling is legal in Spain. There are 22 casinos in operation. Lists are available upon request. Public Holidays: January 1, New Years Day January 6 Good Friday March 19 May 1, Labour Day August 15, Feast of the Assumption October 12, Spains National Day November 1, All Saints December 6, Constitution Day December 25, Christmas day Each of the 17 Autonomous Regions and Municipalities in Spain has extra official public holidays celebrated only within its boundaries. Important Web site address: (in English) General information: www.tourspain.es IBERIA: www.iberia.com/ibusa RENFE: www.renfe.es PARADORES: www.parador.es SPANISH EMBASSY IN CANADA: www.docuweb.ca/SpainInCanada/ Information on Commercial matters: Please contact the Commercial Office of Spain at: 55 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Tel.. (416) 967-0488. e-mail: buzon.oficial@toronto.ofcomes.mcx.es THE CLIMATE IN SPAIN SPRING is an ideal time to visit the central regions of Castile, Andalusia, the Mediterranean Coast and the Balearic Islands. The climate is generally very good, but expect occasional rain. SUMMER is a good season to visit the northern regions, especially the resorts along the Cantabrian Coast, from Hondarribia on the French-Spanish border to La Guardia at the Portuguese-Spanish frontier. FALL is perhaps the best season of the year to visit the entire country. The climate is excellent, with sunny days and blue skies. WINTER is a good season for the Mediterranean regions, particularly the Costa del Sol, Alicante (Costa Blanca) and the Balearic Islands. The high mountain ranges offer excellent conditions for winter sports. The Canary Islands have an even and pleasant climate all year round. For further information click here . Site Content Our Office Useful addresses Travel Bulletin Travel Tips Activities Tour operators index How to get there Information request Home page ACTIVITIES Cultural: Spain has a very intense cultural life; opera, ballet and concerts can be enjoyed in the major cities - Madrid and Barcelona have their opera, ballet and concert season. Spanish theatre is very popular with more than 30 theatres in Madrid playing daily. There are also the famous "Fiestas". Every city, town and village has its own, usually commemorating their patron saint, including bullfighting, folklore dances, outdoors fairs and events. Larger cities often include ballets, plays and flamenco spectacles. For dates and information please contact our Office. For further information click here . Gastronomy and Restaurants: Food in Spain is taken very seriously. Dining is an indispensable ingredient, in the countrys ebullient social lifestyle. Meals are long and leisurely, providing an opportunity to enjoy good company freshly prepared dishes, and fine wines, such as the world-famous Riojas. Lunch is the big meal of the day and is generally served between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Dinner is traditionally served between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. Vertical forks (from one to five) rate restaurants on a plaque outside the entrance. Prices must be listed both inside and outside the establishment. Ask for the tourist menu, usually an all- included meal very reasonably priced according to the category of the restaurant. Spanish cuisine is based on the healthy Mediterranean diet. Prized Spanish olive oil, garlic, fresh daily produce and wine are the staples. The striking cultural contrasts between regions in Spain are reflected in the tremendous variety of cooking styles. The central plateau of Castile is known for its delicious roasts: lamb, kid, suckling pig, and game such as partridge. Try the garlic soup, hearty bean stews, and famous Manchego cheeses. Valdepeas and Ribera del Duero make exceptional red wines. Catalans are very inventive cooks, combining game and poultry with seafood, and savoury meats with sweet sauces of dried fruits and nuts. Basque cooking is considered the most sophisticated and innovative in Spain. The city of San Sebastian is exemplary, with many restaurants serving some of the finest food in Europe. Traditional cuisine is at its best in fish and shellfish. The north-western region of Galicia is Spains source of a wide variety of fresh shellfish, and delicacies such as barnacles and spider crab. Try the octopus accompanied by the famous Albario and Ribeiro wines. Andalusia is home to the refreshing gazpacho and garlic-almond soup, delicious olives, and world-famous Sherries. The rice fields of Valencia gave birth to the paella as well as a wide variety of excellent rice dishes. Spains greatest contribution to gastronomy may well be the tapas. These little portions of regional specialities are served in restaurants and bars throughout Spain and are generally accompanied by wine, beer or sangria. 2004 Tourist Office of Spain in Canada 2 Bloor West, Toronto, ON, M4W 3E2 Tel.: (416) 961-3131, Fax.: (416) 961-1992 E-mail: toronto@tourspain.es Developed by DesignByBaxter This web page last updated: Wednesday, May 25, 2005
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Family Vacation (2004) Starring:
Amazon.com: Johnson Family Vacation: DVD: Cedric the Entertainer,Vanessa L. Williams,Solange Knowles,Bow Wow,Gabby Soleil,Shannon Elizabeth,Steve Harvey,Aloma Wright,Shari Headley,Jennifer Freeman,Philip Bolden,Rodney Perry,Christopher B. Duncan,Lorna Scott,Kevin P. Farley,Lee Garlington,Shane Woodson,Jason Momoa,DeRay Davis,Jonathan Joss,Christopher Erskin Your Store DVD See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | Browse Genres | Top Sellers | New & Future Releases | Television Central | Life & Learning | DVD Essentials | Blowout DVDs | Movie Showtimes | Used DVDs Search Amazon.com DVD Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . DVD Information Explore this item buying info editorial reviews customer reviews cast and crew fun facts Listmania! Part 6 of the Greatest Black F... : A list by The Artist Visionary "Mister A... Add your List Ready to buy? Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . MORE BUYING CHOICES 141 used & new from $2.62 Have one to sell? Johnson Family Vacation (2004) Starring: Cedric the Entertainer , Vanessa L. Williams Director: Christopher Erskin Rating: See larger image Share your own customer images List Price: $19.98 Price: $17.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details You Save: $1.99 (10%) Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Only 4 left in stock--order soon (more on the way). Want it delivered Thursday, December 29? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. 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Arrested in Kansas. It's the ultimate family trip. Plot Synopsis: AAA can't help the roadside emergency that is the JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION. Even the onboard navigation system has a meltdown on Nate Johnson (Cedric The Entertainer) and his family's cross-country trek to their annual family reunion/grudge match. Reluctantly along for the ride are Nate's wife (Williams), who's only in it for the kids; their rapper-wannabe son (Bow Wow); their teenage daughter (Solange Knowles) who's fashioned herself as the next Lolita; and their youngest (Gabby Soleil), whose imaginary dog Nate just can't seem to keep track of. Can the Johnsons survive each other and all the obstacles the road throws at them to make it to Caruthersville, Missouri? Can they find Missouri? Plot Keywords: Alligator | Competition | Family Reunion | Family | Los Angeles | Road Trip | Sibling Rivalry | Truck | Urination Scene | Actor Playing Multiple Roles | Cement Mixer | (Show all 16 plot keywords recommended by customers) Product Details Actors: Cedric the Entertainer , Vanessa L. Williams , Solange Knowles , Bow Wow , Gabby Soleil , See more Directors: Christopher Erskin Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc, Full Screen, Widescreen Anamorphic Region: Region 1 ( U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats. ) Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Rated: Studio: 20th Century Fox DVD Release Date: August 10, 2004 Run Time: 97 min (original theatrical or airing runtime) Average Customer Review: Based on 28 Reviews DVD Features: Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1) Commentary by: Bow Wow, Cedric the Entertainer, director Christopher Erskine, and producer Eric Rhone (Unknown Format) Commentary by: writers Todd R. Jones and Earl Richey Jones (Unknown Format) 18 deleted scenes with optional commentary On the set From IMDb: Quotes & Trivia ASIN: B0002B14UW Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,113 in DVD Theatrical Release Information US Theatrical Release Date: April 7, 2004 MPAA: for some sexual references, crude humor and brief drug material. Production Company: Catch Productions, Hallway Pictures, Bird and a Bear Entertainment, Fox Searchlight Pictures USA Box Office: $31 Million Budget Estimate: $12 Million Filming Locations: Bakersfield, California, USA| Los Angeles, California, USA| Santa Clarita, California, USA Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Cedric the Entertainer ( Barbershop , Intolerable Cruelty ) lends his stubborn, skeptical charm to Johnson Family Vacation . Though separated from his wife (Vanessa Williams, Soul Food , Shaft ), Nate Johnson (Cedric) pulls his family together so that they can compete for an award at the Johnson family reunion. Of course, the road trip from California to Missouri--featuring a sexy but crazy hitchhiker, motel high jinks, and an afternoon in jail--threatens to split up the family permanently. The humor of Johnson Family Vacation is rambling and ridiculous--for example, Williams fools Cedric into taking his swim trunks off in a motel hot tub, then leaves him to tiptoe through the motel naked. But Cedric and Williams both have undeniable charisma; together, they carry this shaggy dog of a movie through its more lackadaisacal moments. Also featuring Bow Wow, Solange Knowles, Shannon Elizabeth ( American Pie ), and Steve Harvey ( Love Don't Cost a Thing ). --Bret Fetzer Customers who viewed this DVD also viewed Guess Who DVD ~ Bernie Mac Breakin' All the Rules (Special Edition) DVD ~ Jamie Foxx Beauty Shop (Full Screen Edition) DVD ~ Queen Latifah White Chicks (Unrated and Uncut Edition) DVD ~ Shawn Wayans Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Music Spotlight Reviews Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: Take a Vacation..... , October 22, 2004 Reviewer: V. Marshall (North Fork, CA USA) - See all my reviews Meet the new generation's vacationing family as they travel from California to Missouri and encounter all sorts of silly experiences along the way. Nate Johnson (played by Cedric the Entertainer) begins his family vacation by picking up his SUV from the dealer and finding out he now has a "hip-hop mobile" complete with hydraulics and rapper wheels. His son, (Lil' Bow Wow), now of course thinks of his dad as cool. Estranged from his wife (Vanessa Williams), Nate has convinced her to take a ride to his family reunion along with his teenage boy-crazy daughter (Solange Knowles) and his youngest child (Gabby Soleil). All kinds of funny things happen along the road and family issues begin to come to a head. The reunion is hilarious with Nate and his brother (Steve Harvey) competing for their mother's attention....let the competitions begin! Cedric the Entertainer is very funny in his role as the nerdy insurance selling dad; he is a gifted performer and has the chance to show off all his stuff in this role. Vanessa Williams is still beautiful and amazingly good as the serious Johnson mom. Lil Bow Wow shows he is not all hip-hop in his role as the Johnson son. Solange Knowles is perfectly cast as the teenage Johnson daughter with an eye for the boys. And how sweet is little Gabby Soleil as the youngest Johnson. Of course Steve Harvey cannot be denied as the competitive Johnson brother. The best part of this movie is the talent contest at the reunion where we get to see Cedric in all his glory and Harvey doing a "Miss Jackson" routine! This movie is light-hearted and entertaining for the whole family with a heartwarming ending of course so sit back and let the Johnson's do the driving. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 4 of 7 people found the following review helpful: Entertaining...even WITH its flaws! , May 7, 2004 Reviewer: Reginald D. Garrard (Camilla, GA USA) - See all my reviews This is one of those movies that can be divided into "pluses" and "minuses". The good points: 1) Although Cedric the Entertainer's "Nate Johnson" is estranged from wife "Dorothy" (Vanessa Williams), the couple has reconciled somewhat to take their kids to the annual family reunion. This provides for one of the few times that a "nuclear" black family is represented in film. 2) A killer soundtrack of "old school" favorites enhances the on-screen happenings. 3) Location scenes add to the "realism" of the family's journey. 4) Native Americans are portrayed as savvy entrepreneurs that "humor" the unenlightened tourist. 5) This is not a bad, first-time effort for director Christopher Erkin. The minuses: 1) Some of the vignettes are derivative of other films of the genre, especially the Chevy Chase movies. 2) Nate's daughter "Nikki" (Solange Knowles) perpetuates the stereotype of the oversexed teen nymphet. 3. Bow Wow, definitely not playing against type, is Nate's son, "D.J.", a wannabe-rapper. 4. Jokes are made at the expense of "big-boned" women, continuing the tradition of laughing at FAT folks. 5. A rather disgusting scene involving a bodily function and a drink cup. Even though, they're evenly separated, the "strengths" of the pluses makes this film mildly recommended. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. LOVED IT!!! , December 5, 2005 Reviewer: Wizeone (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews This is a movie of a middle class African-American family. It shows how competition, distance, support and the urge to stay connected affects the family. This movie also shows how all races have stereotypes of other races and also of different class structures within the race. The story is told in a humorous way including musical selections. The theme of the movie is family is the nucleus of society and can remain strong through any obstacle. The movie stars Cedric the Entertainer as Nate Johnson who is married to Vanessa Williams. The have two daughters and one son played by Bow Wow. Nate Johnson is a successful insurance company employee living in suburban area of California. His wife is going back to school to become a CPA which has caused them to separate due to Nate's inability to support his wife's dreams. So he moves around the corner from their home. Steve Harvey plays Mack Johnson, Nate's older brother. He is married with one daughter and one son. He still lives in Caruthersville, Missouri their hometown. Competition between the brothers still is ongoing to gain their mother's affection. The family reunion is coming up and the bragging begins on which of the brothers families will win the "Family of the Year" trophy. Most of the movie is the travel Nate and his family take cross country to get to the family reunion in Missouri. Nate's wife agrees to go because it is the youngest daughter's birthday as well. The youngest daughter has created an imaginary friend to deal with the separation of her parents. This is how she is dealing with loss, loss of the family structure. Stereotypes that are portrayed by Nate are his view of rappers that their lifestyle is a waste of time. This is the dream his son has to become a rapper. Also, he thinks Native Americans should be or dress in cultural attire. Society and Nate's perception that a beautiful woman is skinny and that woman should be happy just being a wife and mother. All of his stereotypes change by the end of the movie. Nate and his wife reconciled, the brothers came together, and the daughter no longer needed her imaginary friend all because the family structure survived and still loved each other. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 0 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Rip Off of a Classic , November 8, 2005 Reviewer: fizzle "hizzle" (fizzle) - See all my reviews It is the same as the Griswald Family Vacation, National Lampoon's something. It is just black now. The Johnsons? I am surprised they didn't call it the ForShizwalds! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 1 of 6 people found the following review helpful: Wack&a Forgetable Trip , February 20, 2005 Reviewer: mistermaxxx@yahoo.com "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews I'm a Huge Cedric the Entertainer Fan. Loves me some Vanessa Williams.Vanessa Williams is a Juicy Foxy mama yes LAWD!! but this Film is a barker.no Charisma or depth. makes you miss the Chevy Chase Versions of these Films&It's been ages since He has counted. this Clunker wears out it's charm before it gets out on the road.what a waste of Talent? Cedric ain't had funny stuff since He was on the Steve Harvey show&also on His Stand up Routines.Tv&Film ain't been kind to His Skills. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 0 of 1 people found the following review helpful: Johnson Family Vacation , February 16, 2005 Reviewer: Young N. "Pac" (London, UK.) - See all my reviews I don't know why most of you hate this movie man, it's a good funny, family movie to enjoy. I wasn't too sure when i was buying this movie because everyone said it's ****, but after i wached it i know now that it was worth it. But i gotta admit the last 20 minutes or so was a bit dissapointing, that's the only reason i'm givin four stars, but it is funny as hell. Oh and Nate's older doughter is so damn fine man. Peace. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 28 customer reviews... Auctions and zShops sellers and our other stores recommend Prosperity (#1 African American Board Game) (Price: $35.00) Listmania! Top 10 Worst of 03-04 : by David Maryouhanna "Willie Yoha... The Movies I Saw in 2004 In Th... : by Ed Mich "Ed" Part 6 of the Greatest Black F... : by The Artist Visionary "Mister A... So You'd Like to... See the 2004 Media Love & Hate Awards? : by Anthony Rupert , Some person Top Grossing Films of 2005 (#51-100) {Part II} : by sec127 , High School Student Top Grossing films of 2005 (#101- 150) {Part III} : by sec127 , High School Student Fun Facts from IMDb.com: Goofs Click here to see more Goofs In the Native American casino when the dad has the chief's headdress on, in the first shot it's on backwards and in the next shot it's on correctly. Movie Connections Click here to see more Movie Connections References: Duel | Vacation Quotes Click here to see more Quotes [Nate walks through the hotel lobby naked, and runs into a white family] Nate Johnson : Hey, Don Judy. How you guys doing? Its a fine evening. Hey, why don't you get rid of the clothes and the kids? We're all playing ***-naked uno up in 304. 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