National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)

Summary
"National Lampoon's European Holiday" is an U.S.A. comedy film from 1985 directed by Amy Heckerling and composed by John Hughes and Robert Klane. It is the 2nd installation in National Lampoon's Vacation film series and follows the humorous misadventures of the Griswold family as they visit Europe after winning an all-expenses-paid journey.

Plot Summary
The film focuses on Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), his spouse Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and their children Rusty (Jason Lively) and Audrey (Dana Hill) who win a video game show titled 'Pig in a Poke' and are hence transferred to Europe for a getaway. Their holiday rapidly turns into a disastrous voyage of hilarious oversights and cultural misunderstandings and frequently at chances with various European traditions, residents and their lifestyle.

In London
Their very first stop is London, where they check out 'Buckingham Palace,' leading to Clark unintentionally triggering a global occurrence by knocking out the 'Royal Footman.' The zany areas like the 'Witch's Tit' pub in the British countryside and the 'Stonehenge' clearly brighten Clark's ignorance about Europe.

In Paris
Next stop is Paris, where naturally, the household encounters the language barrier. Ellen is romantically pursued by a French admirer, while the kids, Audrey and Rusty explore the nightlife. Clark's incognito flirtation with a mysterious lady causes a film's significant climax in Paris when the female ends up being a thief.

In Germany
In Germany, they check out ancestral home where Clark winds up provoking an entire town into a chase after committing numerous cultural faux pas. The disastrous dining establishment order in a German dining establishment showcases the Griswold's cultural incompetence completely and adds to the series of humorously awful events.

In Italy
Lastly, the journey ends with more catastrophe in Italy. Here, the Griswold's camera, along with all their cash and charge card, is stolen. Encountering burglars, wrong and destroyed hotel bookings, Audrey's infatuation with an Italian hunk, and a common Clark-Griswold-car-chase comprise the Italian chapter.

Conclusion
The trip ends with Griswolds unsuspectingly becoming associated with a worldwide smuggling ring. The film ends on a ridiculous note when the household is jailed by the authorities but saved by Ellen's French admirer who ends up being a top-ranking authorities. They fly back home on a cargo plane with circus animals, showing an end to their European Vacation.

Overall Reception
"National Lampoon's European Vacation" is a hilarious household road trip movie. Chevy Chase plays an optimistic and funny daddy while Beverly D'Angelo completely complements him as a caring however hesitant spouse, setting a light-hearted tone throughout the film. The film got blended reviews, some critics applauded its humor, wit, and lightheartedness; other criticizers argued that it promoted and played off unsightly American tourist stereotypes. However, it's definitely a traditional in its genre.

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