Wayne Newton has made a second career out of self-parody, but his standout performance on Roseanne pales in comparison to his extensive role in this comedy, which brings the Griswold family to Newton’s turf, where he becomes as obsessed with the mother (Beverly D’Angelo) as she is with him. The Griswolds, headed by Chevy Chase, are taking what could be one of their last family vacations—the two kids are nearly of age—in a town where temptation abounds in forms suited to each member. Chase has the least humorous exploits—he spends too much time being victimized by blackjack dealer Wallace Shawn and knocking around with Randy Quaid, father of a nuclear-wasted brood who engender only one funny moment: a decent sight gag about body piercing. A scene in which Quaid and Chase visit a sort of alternative casino—a brilliant concept—isn’t as well executed as it deserves to be. But the subplots involving D’Angelo and Newton and Ethan Embry—the Griswolds’ son, who can’t stop winning—have their charms. Directed by first-timer Stephen Kessler, and written by Elisa Bell.
