Plot: What’s it about?
Well this is one of those movies that everyone has seen or should see.Another worthwhile comedy from writer/producer John Hughes, the mastermind that gave us the breakfast club and planes trains and automobiles.The story focuses on Chet Ripley(played by John Candy)and his family on vacation at beautiful Lake Potowotominimac in Wisconsin (which is actually Bass Lake C.A). After arriving at their cabin Chet and his wife have a moment alone and decide to relax with a little “hanky-panky”(yeah baby!!) When who should come walking in with a hi-8 video camera on his shoulder taping the escapade? Chets rich, snotty brother-in-law Roman Craig(played by Dan Aykroyd). That’s right, Roman and his family show up uninvited to join the mix! And the fun does not stop there. I wont give away to much incase there’s a few dozen people out there that actually have not seen this film,but there’s a bald headed bear, talking raccoons, an old fashioned rescue scene and John Candy water skiing…Cant beat that!!!
As far as the crew goes IM a huge John Hughes fan. I love his work and this film is no exception. Director Howard Deutch does a good job collaborating on Hughes script as he did in pretty in pink. As for the late,great John Candy he brings his own personal brand of comedy to the movie which I think is very funny. Dan Aykroyd simply does what he does best, he’s funny! Romans wife Katie is played by Annette Benning and pulls off the “rich mans wife” role with honors. All in all this movie is very funny, very entertaining. although the plot of the film (yes, there is one) does not run very deep, its got lots of laughs. Candy and Aykroyd give good performances. this movie is a must see if you have not already.
Video: How does it look?
Mostly filmed with night scenes it has clear shots inside and outside. Probably better than I’m giving it credit for since I spent most of my energy trying to follow the script.
Audio: How does it sound?
Having listened to Queen Latifah’s music as a rap artist, it threw me when I heard her sing in the nightclub. She has a good voice for “traditional” songs but her lip sinking needs a bit of work. I checked the credits and made sure it was her singing…no Milli Vanilli thing. The music came across great but the dialogue kept dropping off in the center channel, again I bumped up he db’s but it overpowered the rest…doesn’t anybody watch these DVD’s before they’re released or do they care?
Supplements: What are the extras?
Plenty for diehard special feature nuts…like myself…including deleted scenes and a complete song by Latifah. Lots of bios on the cast and crew (one of my favorite parts) and the original trailer. The director’s commentary gives a lot of insight to what he is trying to convey and how, I should have watched it first.
