In 1983 Chevy Chase took viewers for a trans-American joyride in a beat up station wagon, birthing the road-com genre with a turn which Will Ferrell has been taking cues from his entire career.

Cut to 2015 and a new generation of Griswolds, with Ed Helms playing Chase’s son, are setting forth on their own journey. Though the chassis remains the same, the engine has been left in another decade and we’re left as nonchalant passengers on a truly forgettable ride.

There are some valiant attempts to carry this film, but much of the original’s heart has been left behind.

Despite the cast’s best efforts, Vacation 2.0’s 99 minutes are nearly as exhausting as an overnight drive. National Lampoon’s Vacation‘s formula for success has been left in the trunk. 

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Chris Hemsworth, Leslie Mann, Chevy Chase

DIRECTORS: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley

WRITERS: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley

SYNOPSIS: Rusty Griswold takes his own family on a road trip to “Walley World” in order to spice things up with his wife and reconnect with his sons. ‘Hilarity’ ensues.