It's vacation time for outdoorsy Chicago man Chet Ripley, along with his wife, Connie, and their two kids, Buck and Ben. But a serene weekend of fishing at a Wisconsin lakeside cabin gets crashed by Connie's obnoxious brother-in-law, Roman Craig, his wife, Kate, and the couple's two daughters. As the excursion wears on, the Ripleys find themselves at odds with the stuffy Craig family.
Two families with very different outlooks on life are forced to share a cabin during a summer vacation in the wilderness. The laid-back, fun-loving Chet Ripley and his boisterous family clash with his uptight, materialistic brother-in-law Roman Craig and his equally prim family. Their attempts at a peaceful getaway are constantly disrupted by escalating pranks, animal encounters, and marital squabbles, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the great outdoors.
The Great Outdoors was met with mixed reviews from critics, who often found its humor to be hit-or-miss, relying heavily on slapstick and predictable gags. However, audiences generally responded more favorably, appreciating the chemistry between its comedic leads and the nostalgic portrayal of family vacations.
Google audience: Google users generally enjoyed the film, finding it a funny and entertaining comedy that highlights the bond between family members and the humorous chaos that can ensue during vacations. Many viewers appreciated the performances of the lead actors and the nostalgic feel of the movie.
The iconic "bald-headed, bug-eyed, alcohol-swallowing son-of-a-motherless-goat" scene was improvised by John Candy, who struggled to keep a straight face during the takes.
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