The Great Outdoors - A Movie Review

Let’s spend time in nature. What’s the worst that could go wrong?

The Great Outdoors set up camp in 1988. Chet takes his family on a summer vacation camping in a cabin in the woods. His obnoxious brother-in-law unexpectedly joins them. Either they learn to be civil or the summer will be a nightmare.

John Candy movies are a blessing. He left behind a treasure of classics. Watching one of Candy’s films always puts a smile on my face. We don’t get too many films like The Great Outdoors anymore. The film is so underrated. It’s a family comedy about learning to get along.

No matter what film, John Candy always uncovered distinct personalities. He never ignored his kind demeanor. Chet wants one thing on this vacation; quality time with his family. He is a wonderful dad to both of his sons.

Candy connected with this role, like when he gave his sons some good old dad advice. The best scene is when Chet tells the bear story. Candy is animated throughout the telling. That scene never gets old.

I have gone back and forth on which idea is better. Should Chet and Roman (Dan Akroyd) have been brothers instead of in-laws? If they were brothers, their rivalry would have made more sense.

Then again, their in-law dynamic is a message of how in-laws should fix problems and get along. Candy and Akroyd had terrific chemistry. And the best of laughs. You can just see the steam coming out of Chet’s ears the more Roman annoys him.

The Great Outdoors has a fine cast of actors. Stephanie Faracy and Annette Bening (Connie and Kate) have hilarious reactions to their husband's antics. This was also Bening’s film debut.

I never expected Buck’s (Chris Young) subplot with Cammie (Lucy Deakins). Their side story was a break from Chet and Roman’s competitive behavior. That and it offers audiences of all generations to relate to the story.

Hilary Gordon and Rebecca Gordon are forever memorable for their ominous stare. Ben (Ian Giatti) didn’t get as much screen time as the other kids. Aside from the bear on the car, Ben should have had more to do.

They established a genuine dynamic. There’s not just one story going on. Writers incorporated numerous subplots. The in-laws bicker, the eldest son has a crush on a girl, and Roman has to solve matters in his family.

All films need to incorporate side stories. Besides, there is never one story happening in a vacation storyline. We’ve all been on a family vacation before. The Great Outdoors is one gag after another. From jet skiing, eating a huge 16-ounce steak, and family activities, there is never a dull moment in this film. The bear climbing onto the car had me laughing out loud.

Howard Deutch did an excellent job with the structure. I didn’t get tired of the constant running jokes. This is what we’re missing from films nowadays. Films have the right to be silly. The raccoons were a fun addition, along with the subtitles when they were ‘talking’ to each other.

I was very surprised to learn that The Great Outdoors was panned by critics when it was first released. This is a memorable film. In fact, the restaurant in which they filmed has posters and memorabilia of the film.

To any John Candy fan out there, watch The Great Outdoors. It’s one of my favorites. The climax of the film is suspenseful. I always feel down when it has to end because I am having a great time.