It doesn’t matter that funny man Ed Helms is looking suave in a Gant Jacket and John Varvatos shoes – people are going to laugh at him anyway. Despite credits that include The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, NBC’s The Office, and The Hangover trilogy, the native from Atlanta, Georgia was a little nervous about taking on Vacation, the latest installment in a slew of films that began with National Lampoon’s Vacation, back in 1983.
Tracking the Griswolds on a family road trip to Walley World, Vacation updates the original story, in ways that pay homage to the Chevy Chase film, yet freshens it too. Christina Applegate (Married…With Children and Samantha Who) is perfect as the enduring wife with a bit of a past. Wearing a Michael Kors top, Tibi skirt, Vince Camuto shoes and jewels by Melinda Maria and EF collection, Christina admitted that her idea of a heavenly vacation was one where she was not required to move.
Chevy Chase and Beverly d’Angelo appear briefly. While there are many opportunities to laugh out loud in this film, the stand out performance has to go to Chris Hemsworth. The action hero proves he has the ability to laugh at his image and make you laugh too.
Margaret Gardiner