Stephen Kessler, of "got milk" commercial fame, does his best to try and ruin the usually funny Vacation series - and does so to a moderate success. (Even National Lampoon wanted their name off this - after Last Resort!)

There are many problems here. For starters, the Griswolds lack the chemistry which made the first entries work. The plot is non-existent, and the story feels more like a series of disconnected skits; some work, MANY don't. Just know this, Clark (Chase) takes Ellen, his beautiful (aging) wife (Beverly D'Angelo), and (new) children to Las Vegas (surprise!!) to renew their wedding vows. From there, things become a disaster (in true Griswold fashion). It seems the problem with Vegas Vacation, aside from the cheesy screenplay, is many of the jokes don't stick. There are quite a few chuckles - Randy Quaid is still a hoot as Clark's cousin Eddie - but fans of the first 3 films will feel cheated.

Also, what's with the PG rating? The first one was R and sequels PG-13. At this rate, the fifth entry (yes, that's right, count on a fifth entry - this one made more than 35 million at the bx office - and I guarantee you they spent peanuts) will be rated G.

A Final Note: The best material the writers could conjure up is Clark scaling the Hoover Dam while singing(!?).

The Bottom Line: Rent a Jane Fonda fitness video instead.