Vacation - C-

Rated R, 99 minutes

Well, for the record it's not a remake but a sequel. Those who enjoyed the classic 1983 family trip comedy "National Lampoon's Vacation" may find solace in that, and the new version of "Vacation," much like the original, is profane, predictable and mildly enjoyable. Sporadically funny and exceedingly silly, it's not as memorable as that '80s version and missing some of its key elements (no Christie Brinkley or Cousin Eddie) but its low-brow humor fits in perfect with some of today's comedies. Following in the footsteps of his father Clark (Chevy Chase, appearing briefly) and hoping for some much-needed family bonding, a grown-up Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) surprises his wife, Debbie (Christina Applegate), and their two sons, James (Skyler Gisondo) and Kevin (Steele Stebbins), with a cross-country trip back to America's favorite family fun park: Walley World. Co-directed and written by "Horrible Bosses" scribes John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, "Vacation" is a bumpy road, dumb fun and escapist entertainment - if you need a mindless getaway - then this might be your answer. The original "Vacation," which at the time seemed a little edgy in its dirty humor, now seems pale compared to some of the new film's contemporary, low-brow antics due to changing times, but it doesn't mean the comedy has evolved, it's just what audiences seemingly want, including some nudity (male and female), a little blood, some borderline sexual/creepy humor and of course a generous splattering of feces. With a very game, energetic Helms and Applegate, "Vacation" still hits some snags with its hit-and-miss, mean-spirited humor, often losing its way underneath its episodic gags, some of which work - the final Wally World sequence was fun, along with periodic nods to Seal and his classic tune "Kiss From A Rose"- and some of which don't - including a misplaced, unfunny stop in Texas (in Plano of all places) with Leslie Mann and a miscast Chris Hemsworth as sister Audrey and her rich cowboy husband. I did feel some nostalgia seeing Chase and Beverly D'Angelo, as brief as it was in the last act, as well generous helpings of Lindsey Buckingham's catchy, familiar "Holiday Road" and the most important cameo of all, the Family Truckster, all shiny and square and ready to hit the road. The serviceable "Vacation" is sporadically fun but mostly silly, stupid and unnecessary, which could also speak to many family vacations. You'll be glad to get home after this mediocre "Vacation" which sometimes gets lost and sometimes will make you giggle a time or two too; for the record: the funniest part is its opening credits, which feature those real-life, uncomfortable vacation pictures you often see floating around online.