The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Year: 1988

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Howard Deutch

Comedy

A stressed-out advertising executive, Chet Ripley, seeks a relaxing vacation with his family at a remote lakeside cabin. Their plans for peace and quiet are disrupted when Chet's wife's eccentric brother, Roman, unexpectedly arrives with his own family. The clash between the two families leads to a series of comical misunderstandings and chaotic situations as they navigate differing lifestyles and endure a series of wacky misadventures in the great outdoors.

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Timeline & Setting – The Great Outdoors (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Great Outdoors (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie captures the essence of a typical summer vacation, where families often escape to natural settings to unwind. This timeless period represents carefree days filled with outdoor activities, familial bonds, and unexpected mishaps.

Location

Pechoggin, Wisconsin

Pechoggin is a quaint lakeside town known for its serene landscapes and charm, making it an ideal getaway spot for families. The cozy cabins by the water offer a peaceful retreat amidst nature, drawing visitors looking for relaxation and adventure.

🏞️ Lakeside 🏕️ Cabin

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:01

Main Characters – The Great Outdoors (1988)

Meet the key characters of The Great Outdoors (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Chet Ripley (Dan Aykroyd)

Chet is a well-meaning family man eager for a peaceful vacation but finds himself embroiled in challenges brought on by his wealthy brother-in-law, Roman. His character embodies resilience as he navigates family tensions and a bear encounter, ultimately showing courage in protecting his loved ones.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family Man 🏕️ Adventurous

Roman Craig (John Candy)

Roman is characterized by his flashy lifestyle and ostentatious behavior, often overshadowing Chet. However, beneath his bravado lies insecurity, especially illustrated when he faces his fears during the rescue of his daughters, revealing the complexity of his character.

🤑 Wealthy 🐻 Fearful

Kate (Stephanie Faracy)

Kate, Chet's sister-in-law, finds herself caught in the middle of family tensions. Her dissatisfaction with her marriage to Roman adds depth to her character, portraying a woman longing for true happiness and connection amidst superficiality.

💔 Unhappy 👩‍❤️‍👨 Supportive

Buck Ripley (Chris Young)

Buck, the adventurous son, is infatuated with the local girl Cammie, showcasing typical teenage emotions. His character embodies the innocence and challenges of young love as he attempts to navigate his feelings amidst family chaos.

💘 Young Love 🏞️ Adventurous

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:01

Major Themes – The Great Outdoors (1988)

Explore the central themes of The Great Outdoors (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family

Family dynamics play a central role in the film, showcasing the ups and downs of familial relationships during a vacation. The interactions between the Ripley family and the Craigs illustrate themes of rivalry, support, and ultimately, unity in the face of challenges.

🌧️ Nature's Fury

The chaotic events occurring amid a summer storm highlight nature's unpredictable power. The bear's rampage symbolizes the unpredictability of life and serves as a reminder of humanity's vulnerability in the wild.

💸 Wealth and Status

Roman's ostentatious display of wealth and his underlying financial issues invite commentary on the superficial nature of status. The contrast between Chet's modest lifestyle and Roman's extravagant behavior serves to critique materialism.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:01

Unlock the Full Story of The Great Outdoors

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Great Outdoors in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Great Outdoors is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Great Outdoors Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Great Outdoors, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Great Outdoors Summary

The Great Outdoors Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Great Outdoors with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Great Outdoors Timeline

The Great Outdoors Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Great Outdoors that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Great Outdoors Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Great Outdoors

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Great Outdoors: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Great Outdoors

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