The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors

Movie spotlight

The Great Outdoors

2002
Movie
41 min
English

A look at the 2002 AMA motocross series.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes54%
Metacritic46/100
Google Users72%
Director: Michael T. GibsonGenres: Comedy, Family

Plot Summary

Two feuding families, the Bowens and the Hutsons, find their vacation at a lakeside cabin turned into a comedic battle of wills. Patriarch Chet Ripley tries to relax with his wife and daughters, but his life is upended by the arrival of his wife's obnoxious, wealthy brother-in-law, Roman, and his own younger, more adventurous family. Their constant one-upmanship escalates into increasingly absurd situations, threatening to ruin the idyllic getaway for everyone.

Critical Reception

The Great Outdoors was met with mixed reviews from critics, who often found its humor predictable and its plot thin. However, it performed well at the box office and has since become a beloved family comedy for many audiences, appreciated for its slapstick gags and the chemistry between its lead actors.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film relies heavily on slapstick humor and the comedic talents of its stars.

  • Some critics found the plot to be formulaic and lacking originality.

  • Audience reception has been generally positive, with many enjoying its lighthearted, family-friendly comedy.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate "The Great Outdoors" for its lighthearted humor, memorable characters, and nostalgic feel, often citing it as a fun family movie. Some users found the plot predictable, but the comedic performances were frequently praised.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

John Candy and Dan Aykroyd initially disliked each other during filming. However, their on-screen chemistry as feuding brothers-in-law became a highlight of the film, and they later developed a genuine friendship.

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