Vacation

Vacation

Year: 2015

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Directors: John Francis Daley, Jonathan M. Goldstein

AdventureComedy

Embarking on a nostalgic quest to relive his childhood glory days at Walley World, Rusty Griswold leads his family on a chaotic road trip, mirroring his dad's (Chevy Chase) zany adventures. With memories of joy and laughter as their guide, the misadventuring Griswolds face a series of hilarious mishaps, redefining what it means to be a family on vacation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Vacation yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Vacation (2015)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Vacation (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in the modern day, capturing contemporary family dynamics and travel experiences. The characters navigate modern technology, social media influences, and culturally relevant events as they embark on their road trip.

Location

South Bend, Indiana, Chicago, Missouri, Tennessee, Los Angeles, San Francisco

The movie takes the audience through various locations, beginning with South Bend, Indiana, where Rusty works as a pilot. The journey then leads to popular destinations like Chicago and historic sites in Tennessee, ending in the vibrant city of San Francisco, where the Griswolds reconnect with family.

🏙️ City 🌄 Landscape

Last Updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:02

Main Characters – Vacation (2015)
Meet the key characters of Vacation (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms)

Rusty is a determined father and pilot trying to create an unforgettable family vacation. His enthusiasm often leads to comedic mishaps that challenge his patience and parenting skills, but his love for his family drives his desire to reconnect with them.

👨‍✈️ Father 💔 Frustrated 😂 Comedic

Debbie Griswold (Christina Applegate)

Debbie is Rusty's supportive but increasingly frustrated wife. As the road trip progresses, her insecurities and feelings of inadequacy become more evident, highlighting the strain on their marriage while also showcasing her resilience and underlying affection for her family.

💍 Wife 😓 Discontent 💪 Strong

James Griswold (Skyler Gisondo)

James is the older son who struggles with self-esteem and sibling rivalry. His interactions with both his younger brother Kevin and his crush Adena reveal his journey toward asserting himself and finding confidence in tough situations.

🎸 Teenager ❤️ Flirtatious 🥺 Vulnerable

Kevin Griswold (Steele Stebbins)

Kevin is the mischievous younger brother who often bullies James. His antics provide comedic relief but also illustrate the typical sibling rivalry, adding layers to the family's dynamics as they deal with their own personal issues.

😏 Mischievous 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Sibling Rival 🏃‍♂️ Playful

Last Updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:02

Major Themes – Vacation (2015)
Explore the central themes of Vacation (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎢 Family Bonding

The core theme revolves around family bonding, showcasing the Griswolds' attempts to strengthen their relationships through a shared vacation experience. The film highlights the challenges and absurdities families face while trying to connect, ultimately leading to personal growth and unity.

🚗 Adventure

The theme of adventure is prevalent as the Griswolds embark on a chaotic and humorous road trip to Walley World. Each stop is filled with unexpected challenges, misfortunes, and amusing encounters that push the family's limits, reinforcing the idea that the journey can be just as memorable as the destination.

Last Updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:02