The Great Outdoors

Name: The Great Outdoors
Released: 1988-06-17T00:00:00-04:00

PG 1988 Comedy · 1h 31m

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.

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About The Great Outdoors

Chet Ripley, a Chicago man eager for a relaxing vacation in Wisconsin with his wife Connie and their kids, Buck and Ben, finds his idyllic getaway completely upended. The unexpected arrival of his obnoxious brother-in-law, Roman Craig, along with his wife Kate and their two daughters, throws everything into disarray. What was supposed to be a peaceful retreat quickly devolves into a series of escalating comedic mishaps as the Ripleys and the Craigs clash over everything from sleeping arrangements to outdoor activities. The vacation becomes a battle of wills, testing the limits of Chet's patience and turning their lakeside cabin into a hilarious battleground of family dysfunction.

Movie Trailer

The Great Outdoors Trailer

Cast and Characters

Directed by the talented Howard Deutch, The Great Outdoors boasts a stellar cast. Dan Aykroyd shines as the boisterous and insufferable Roman Craig, perfectly embodying the role of the unwelcome guest. John Candy delivers a heartwarming and hilarious performance as Chet Ripley, the well-meaning family man driven to the brink of sanity. Stephanie Faracy plays Connie Ripley, Chet's supportive and often exasperated wife, while Annette Bening portrays Kate Craig, Roman's equally stuffy and unamused wife. Chris Young embodies Buck Ripley, the teenage son, and Lucy Deakins portrays Ben Ripley, completing the Ripley family dynamic.

What people like about The Great Outdoors

Viewers consistently praise The Great Outdoors for its laugh-out-loud humor and the undeniable chemistry between John Candy and Dan Aykroyd. Many highlight the film's relatable portrayal of family vacations gone wrong, and the clever use of physical comedy. Fans often cite specific scenes, such as the infamous bear encounter, as unforgettable moments of comedic genius. The film's lighthearted tone and heartwarming message about the importance of family have also resonated with audiences, making it a beloved classic for generations.

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Movie Score

65%

Released

June 17, 1988

Director

Howard Deutch

Cast

Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Stephanie Faracy, Annette Bening, Chris Young, Lucy Deakins

Genre

Comedy

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