The Great Outdoors (1988)

 The Great Outdoors (1988)


The Great Outdoors is not necessarily a great movie…but I daresay it is a mildly fun movie. John Hughes’s script is clunky, and he has written better films in the past, but it does have heart and charm. He gives enough to John Candy and Dan Aykroyd to work with, as these two men are what makes the film stay afloat. The entertainment level is turned up to full volume as we watch two of the greatest comedians from the 80’s bicker and banter their way through the great Wisconsin outdoors (although was filmed in California). Still, the scenery is fantastic. As someone who loves the outdoors and its associated activities like camping, this was fun to watch at times.

The film was directed by frequent Hughes collaborator, Howard Deutch. They worked very well together with Pretty in Pink. Deutch’s frenetic directorial style was scattershot but competent. The film was at its best in the first two-thirds of the film with Candy and Aykroyd doing what they do best. Unfortunately, the latter third of the movie is when the movie threatens to derail. The whole “being stuck in the mine” sequence sucked the air dry. Like most films with Hughes involved in some shape or form, the soundtrack is great. Just watch the end credits and you’ll be treated to some fun dance sequences and great music.

Chet Ripley (John Candy) is feeling very nostalgic in regards to his idyllic cabin where he honeymooned with is sweet wife, Connie (Stephanie Faracy). He decides to make the trip with his family to these woods of Wisconsin that gave him precious memories…and the legend of the mysterious bear. Surprise, surprise! His annoying brother-in-law, Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd) along with his wife Kate (Annette Bening, in her film debut) and kids decide to drop in for a surprise visit. On vacation for a week, these two families might have more than they bargained for on their hands. What could be more crazier than raccoons or bears…might be each other.

Look, the actors did their best with the poor script given to them. Some of the jokes did not land. Those that did allowed myself to deliver big belly laughs. Aykroyd and Candy played off one another very well. John Candy being the jolly man he always is delivers a performance oozing with heart. The supporting cast, if not memorable, does their jobs well. If anything, this film allows for the great Annette Bening to make her film debut…and of course would do much better work.

Overall, The Great Outdoors is nothing special or memorable. John Hughes and Howard Deutch has had better films when working with one another. That said, the film is just an excuse to entertain and sometimes that is what we need. Candy and Aykroyd did enough to give people such entertainment. At the end of the day, I had some good, much-needed laughs. That is not asking for much, right?

My Grade: B-

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