European Vacation (1985) Reviewed

National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) . Review Archive: # | A-C | D-F | G-I | J-L | M-O | P-R | S-U | V-Z | Viewer Ratings | Main WARNER BROS. MOVIE INFO Director: Amy Heckerling Cast: Chevy Chase , Beverly D'Angelo, Dana Hill, Jason Lively Screenplay: John Hughes, Robert Klane Tagline: For over two thousand years, Europe has survived many great disasters. Now for the real test. Chevy Chase & his family are coming from America! MPAA: Rated PG-13. DVD DETAILS Presentation: Widescreen 1.85:1/16x9 Audio: English Monoraul French Monoraul Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese Closed-captioned Runtime: 94 min. Price: $19.98 Release Date: 4/2/2002 Bonus: • Audio Commentary With Actor Chevy Chase • Theatrical Trailer PURCHASE • DVD Search Products: EQUIPMENT Sony 36" WEGA KV-36FS12 Monitor; Sony DA333ES Processor/Receiver; Panasonic CV-50 DVD Player using component outputs; Michael Green Revolution Cinema 6i Speakers (all five); Sony SA-WM40 Subwoofer. RELATED REVIEWS National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) Reviewed by Colin Jacobson If you look at a short list of Chevy Chases hit films, youll indeed discover its a very short list. Itd include 1980s Caddyshack , 1983s National Lampoons Vacation , and 1985s Fletch . Interestingly, Chase went on to appear in sequels to all three of these. He was the only original castmember of Caddyshack to come back for its flop 1988 sequel, and he also returned for 1989s Fletch Lives . Neither of those franchises made it past a second iteration, though it appears that Kevin Smiths leading a third Fletch flick that wont star Chase. His most enduring chain is definitely Vacation , which has so far offered three sequels. None of these enjoyed the success or fan popularity of the original. First out of the hopper came 1985s National Lampoons European Vacation . European Vacation assumes you saw the original flick, as it provides very little exposition to establish the characters. At the very start of the film, we re-encounter the Griswald family from the first movie: father Clark (Chase), mother Ellen (Beverly DAngelo), and teen children Audrey (Dana Hill) and Rusty (Jason Lively). They appear on a TV game show called Pig in a Poke where they win the grand prize: an all-expenses-paid two-week trek across Europe. And theres your plot! Essentially, European features no real storyline; it just plops the Griswalds in Europe as an excuse to show them encounter various wacky scenarios. They begin in London and then move to Paris, Germany and Rome before they finally come home. The closest thing to a plot relates to Clarks continued obsessiveness; he wants to complete a happily family vacation no matter what the cost. However, European s Clark lacks the same drive and fervor found in the first film. Sure, he expresses his intent to get his own way and move forward despite many setbacks - and persistent disinterest from his family - but these elements felt lackluster and forced. In Vacation , Chase made Clark a man possessed, but this one did little more than pay lip service to that original attitude. That lackadaisical tone spread to the whole movie. For the most part, European seemed to exist just to be a sequel. The first film had some spark and originality, but European felt obvious and forced. Really, Clarks obsession influenced and united the original movie as he worked toward a nervous breakdown as various societal elements ruined his big family trip. In the sequel, Clark essentially becomes little more than the ugly American. Very few of the problems occur due to external forces; Clark causes most of them, as he seems more and more like a bumbling fool. Despite the lack of focus, European had some entertaining moments. The satirical view of British politeness could be mildly funny, and a case of mistaken identity in Germany also generates a few laughs. However, most of the humor really didnt go anywhere. The gags didnt seem overtly bad for the most part, but they just fell flat. Part of the problem related to the acting. As noted, Chase came across with little of the spark or energy he displayed in the first flick, and that left a big hole at the center. DAngelo was adequate but left without much to do, while the kids created substantial concerns. We found neither of the original actors; Anthony Michael Hall played Rusty the first time, while Dana Barron portrayed Audrey. (Apparently the filmmakers wanted to keep the kids the same age for all the Vacation flicks even as Clark and Ellen aged.) Lively appeared too goofy and grating, and I actively disliked Hill. Honestly, I never could stand her, and her presence remained emotive and fussy. With that dumpling face, she looked like a Cabbage Patch Kid come to life, and her acting followed suit, as she seemed broad and whiny. Frankly, European Vacation wasnt an unpleasant experience, but it appeared bland and unmemorable. The movie rambled through its 94 minutes with little spark or excitement, and some weak acting from the main cast didnt help matters. Ive seen many crummier films than European Vacation , but I still thought this one was lackluster and only sporadically entertaining. Casting note: as I watched European , I marveled at how good DAngelo looked for her age. As it happens, I didnt need to marvel; she was only 30 at the time! Surprisingly, Hill was less than a decade younger than DAngelo; only Chase - who was well into his forties in 1985 - actually could have sired the girl. The DVD Grades: Picture B / Audio B / Bonus C National Lampoons European Vacation appears in an aspect ratio of approximately 1.85:1 on this single-sided, single-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. The picture showed a few signs of age, but overall I thought it looked very good. Sharpness consistently appeared solid. One or two wider shots came across as a little soft, but they werent a major issue. The vast majority of the movie seemed crisp and well defined. Jagged edges and moir effects caused no issues, and I saw no signs of edge enhancement. In regard to print flaws, some mild grain caused to most noticeable problem, as it reared its head to a moderate degree during the first half of the film. Most of the second part seemed pretty clean, however, and other defects appeared fairly insubstantial. The film offered a few nicks and occasional speckles, but these didnt provide any significant concerns. Colors usually looked quite good. They seemed generally clear and accurate, with some vivid and bright tones as display. On a few occasions, they came across as a bit heavy, especially when we saw colored lighting, but as a whole, I thought the hues were solid. Black levels appeared reasonably deep and dense, while shadow detail appeared a bit muddy at times, but for the most part, the low-light sequences remained fairly clean. Overall, European Vacation demonstrated some modest issues, but I felt it offered a pleasing image as a whole. Also fairly good was the monaural soundtrack of European Vacation . Speech occasionally came across as somewhat thin and flat, but the lines lacked any edginess and they showed no problems related to intelligibility. Effects also seemed somewhat tinny, but they retained acceptable fidelity and clarity, and they demonstrated no issues related to distortion. Music sounded quite strong, as the songs and score were bright and rich. They featured surprisingly positive bass response and seemed pretty dynamic considering their age. I heard a little hiss and hum at times, but those concerns werent excessive. Overall, I found the track to seem very nice for its period and the restrictions of the monaural format. European Vacation doesnt provide many extras, but we do find one substantial one. In addition to the films theatrical trailer , we get an audio commentary from actor Chevy Chase. He offers a running, screen-specific track, but dont expect much. For the most part, Chase does little more than offer general comments about how much he liked the cast and he tells us when he thinks somethings funny. We learn a few modestly interesting comments, such as which pieces of wardrobe Chase still owns, and at one point he indicates that he previously thought European was a bad movie but this screening changed his mind. Chases commentary isnt a total loss, but it provides little concrete information and features sporadic remarks with many gaps. At least he actually criticizes the film a few times, as he tells us his opinion of how Rusty was depicted. Ive heard worse commentaries, but this was still a rather dull piece. I felt the same about National Lampoons European Vacation as a film. It had a few decent moments and remained watchable for the most part, but it seemed fairly bland and uninvolving as a whole. The DVD offered moderately flawed but generally solid picture and sound plus a fairly flat audio commentary. Fans of the Vacation series should be happy with this release, but those less forgiving will probably prefer to stick with the original film alone. Viewer Film Ratings: 3.7878 Stars Number of Votes: 33 20 1 3 3 6 View Averages for all rated titles.

Europe Travel 101 -

Europe Maps - European Country Regional and City Maps  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > European Travel Maps Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors > European Travel Maps Europe Maps - Travel Maps of European Countries and Cities Maps are probably the most valuable thing a traveler carries. Here you'll find maps of European countries, regions, and cities. You find recommended maps of European countries to buy and web based interactive maps of Europe. Subtopics Interactive Road Maps (2) Maps of Scandinavia (3) Maps of France (6) Maps of Spain (8) Maps of Germany (5) UK/Ireland Maps (5) Maps of Italy (11) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Wall Maps - European Wall Maps - Trip Planning Maps Wall maps of Europe. Use your wall map to plan your European vacation. Here are laminated maps you can mark your route on. European Travel Planning Map Plan you trip to Europe by using our handy planner map. Find distances, or click on a country to go to that country's more detailed map with travel information. European Distance Map Find distances between some of the major cities of Europe. Austria Travel Map and Tourist Essentials A Flash map with tourist destinations and rail map--plus information on essentials: currency, restaurants, tipping, transportation, and weather. Belgium Travel Map and Essential Tourism Information A rail map of Belgium with essential travel information for the tourist: Transportation options, currency, weather, language, eating out, tipping, and etiquette. The Netherlands Travel Map and Essential Resources Use our map to find your destination in the Netherlands, transportation routes and information and essential tourist resources: currence, eating in restaurants, tipping, transportation options and rail passes, and historic climate. Portugal Map and Travel Essentials Find out about the layout of Portugal and its rail service, plus information on eating out, tipping currency, weather, and other important facts for the tourist to Portugal. Switzerland Map and Essential Travel Information Find city information, plus information on languages, transportation, weather, tipping and public holidays. Turkey Travel Map and Resources Turkey is a candidate for European Union membership and is considered a "bridge" between Europe and Asia, both culturally and geographically. Here is a map featuring tourist destinations and some resource links for Turkey.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

London Vacation

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France Travel Guides We

France map, map of France, buy France maps, buy France travel book from Map Town Ltd. Home Maps Canadian Topo Etopo Digital Maps World Maps Wall Maps Maps of Canada Maps of USA Maps by Country Michelin Maps Freytag & Berndt Delorme Maps USA Topo Mexico Topo Aeronautical Maps World Aviation Nautical Charts Digital Maps GPS GPS Units GPS Accessories GPS Software Globes Floor Models Desktop Models Specialty Globes Inflatables Books Alberta and BC Lonely Planet Books by Country Aviation Books Nautical Books Accessories Map Accessories Services Laminating Scanning Reference World Facts Conversions Topofinder Site Map Special Order Feedback How to Search Web Cams France Maps and France Travel Guides We suggest that everyone travelling to this part of Europe take a France map and a France travel guide. Whether it is for an all-inclusive one-week holiday or a three-month on-a-shoestring adventure, your trip planning will be successful using these valuable tools. Map Town carries an excellent selection of maps for the whole region and each individual country. A France travel guide will help you understand the cultures and take advantage of the advice and experience acquired from other travelers who have been there before you. See our detailed Michelin France map section France Maps France Travel Maps France Travel Guides France Travel Guides Information and Online map of France Information and On-Line Map for France Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Lourdes, Toulouse, Grenoble, Mont Blanc, Chamonix, the French Alps .... the placenames excite a multitude of feelings. Imagine sipping red wine high in a wildflower-strewn alpine meadow, gazing down at quaint villages as the mist of a nearby waterfall gently settles on your arms, cooling you off on a hot summer afternoon. For the art lover, France is a dream come true. The Palace of Versailles, the Louvre, the gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral-- these are just a few of the enticing works of art. France has 27 natural and cultural wonders which have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. With so much to explore and experience, it's worth it to do some research and planning ahead of time. Buy a France travel book and France map to start dreaming of your visit. | Africa | Asia | Atlantic Ocean | Australasia | Caribbean | | Central America | Europe | Indian Ocean | Middle East | | North America | Pacific Ocean | South America | Southeast Asia | Quick Search Search View Thumbnails Text List Products Per Page 10 20 50 100 100 - 400 5 Ave SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0L6 Email: maps@maptown.com Ph. #: (403)266-2241 Fax #: (403)266-2356 Toll Free Ph #: (1-877-921-6277) Toll Free Fax #: (1-877-776-2356) Hours of Operation: 8:00am - 6:00pm MST Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm MST Saturdays

Mexico Travel

Mexico Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Mexico Mexico A country so lively that even The Day of the Dead is a hoot. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Mexico Acapulco Cabo San Lucas Cancun Cozumel Mazatlan Mexico City Puerto Vallarta San José del Cabo View Map Click here Feature Attraction Sierra de San Francisco Sierra de San Francisco is the gateway to spectacular pre-Hispanic rock art and as such has been declared a Unesco World Heritage site. At Cueva Pintada, ... more Mexico is a traveller's paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposing identities: desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, teeming industrialised cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches and a world-beating collection of flora and fauna. This mix of modern and traditional, the clichéd and the surreal, is the key to Mexico's charm, whether your passion is throwing back margaritas, listening to howler monkeys, surfing the Mexican Pipeline, scrambling over Mayan ruins or expanding your Day of the Dead collection of posable skeletons. Hurricane Damage/Crime in Mexico City Mexico's Yucatan peninsular has been hit hard by Hurricane Wilma, causing widespread flooding and property damage. Travellers are advised to check local information services before venturing to the Cancun/Yucatan region as many hotels will remain closed while undergoing repairs. Crime in Mexico continues to plague travellers, particularly in Mexico City. The incidence of violent crime and, more specifically, sexual crimes against women is on the up. Taxi theft, armed theft, pickpocketing, purse snatching, credit-card fraud and ATM robbery are frequently reported. A spate of recent kidnappings have targeted travellers in the Nuevo Laredo region of northern Mexico. When To Go Mexico is enjoyable year-round, but October to May is generally the most pleasant time to visit. The May-September period can be hot and humid, particularly in the south, and inland temperatures can approach freezing during December-February. Facilities are often heavily booked during Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and Christmas/New Year, the peak domestic travel periods. Mexico's climate has something for everyone: it's hot and humid along the coastal plains, and drier and more temperate at higher elevations inland (Guadalajara or Mexico City, for example). Try to avoid Mexico's southern coast between July and September - the resorts are decidedly soggy and jam-packed, as July-August is also the peak holiday months for foreign visitors. Factoid Pyramid Envy While Egypt might be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about pyramids, Mexico is actually home to the world's largest pyramid. The Quetzalcóatl Pyramid at Cholula de Rivadiais measures 3.3 million-cubic meters (4.3 million cubic yards) compared to The Great Pyramid of Giza's 2,600,600 cubic metres (3.4 million cubic yards). SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links