Movie Review: The Great Outdoors (1988)

Every time I revisit The Great Outdoors for BoxReview.com, I’m struck by how perfectly it captures the kind of vacation where everything that could go wrong… does, and yet, you wouldn’t trade the memories for anything. Directed by Howard Deutch and written by John Hughes, the film is a funny, messy love letter to the chaos of family trips, complete with wildlife encounters, water skiing disasters, and the dreaded in-laws.

The Setup: Candy vs. Aykroyd in the Woods

Chet Ripley (John Candy) wants nothing more than a relaxing getaway with his wife Connie (Stephanie Faracy) and their kids at a lakeside resort in Wisconsin. His plan? Fishing, barbecuing, and maybe a little quiet time. Unfortunately, that dream is quickly derailed when his smug, fast-talking brother-in-law, Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd), arrives uninvited, dragging his wife (Annette Bening in her film debut) and their two daughters into Chet’s carefully laid plans.

The rest of the film plays out as a comedic tug-of-war between Chet’s desire for a simple, outdoorsy escape versus Roman’s insistence on luxury, competition, and showing off.

John Candy: Heart in a Flannel Shirt

Candy was a master at playing the everyman, and The Great Outdoors is one of his best examples. Chet isn’t flashy, but he’s the kind of guy you root for because you’ve met him before, maybe you are him. He’s a dad trying to hold it together while being pulled in a dozen different directions.

What I love (and what’s often overlooked) is how Candy plays Chet’s frustration with restraint. Even in the middle of a comedic blow-up, there’s genuine warmth in his performance. You get the sense that underneath the exasperation, he truly loves the chaos because it’s his chaos, his family.

Dan Aykroyd: The Perfect Antagonistic Brother-in-Law

Roman is the guy who shows up to a cabin getaway wearing designer gear and talking about stock options. Aykroyd plays him with just enough charm to keep him from being unbearable. You don’t want him to ruin the vacation, but you also can’t wait to see what over-the-top scheme he’ll try next.

An under-discussed detail: Roman isn’t a cartoon villain. Beneath the bragging and the competition, there are hints of insecurity. By the end, you realize he’s just trying (in his own misguided way) to be part of the family.

The Bear Scene: A Masterclass in Physical Comedy

Most people remember The Great Outdoors for the bald bear scene and for good reason. Without giving away every beat, it involves a shotgun, a cabin door, and some of the most perfectly timed physical comedy Candy ever did.

What doesn’t get talked about enough is how the scene works because it builds. The bear isn’t just a random gag; it’s been teased since the beginning of the film, and when the payoff comes, it’s bigger and funnier than expected.

Nature as a Character

The setting isn’t just a backdrop here. The lake, the forest, and the rustic cabin all contribute to the film’s charm. Nature is both beautiful and a constant source of problems: leeches in the water, bats in the cabin, thunderstorms rolling in at the worst moments.

Dean Cundey’s cinematography gives the wilderness a postcard-perfect look, even when it’s being played for laughs. It’s one of the reasons the film has aged so well; it feels authentic, not like a set.

Annette Bening’s Quiet Debut

While most of the spotlight is on Candy and Aykroyd, The Great Outdoors quietly marks Annette Bening’s first film role. She’s understated here, but you can already see her knack for timing and subtle reactions, especially in the way she navigates Roman’s antics.

Hughes’ Script: More Relatable Than Slapstick

John Hughes could do broad comedy, but he also had a gift for tapping into relatable family dynamics. While The Great Outdoors has plenty of big, silly moments, the best laughs often come from smaller truths: the way vacations bring out old sibling rivalries, how in-laws can feel like competition, and how “relaxation” often turns into more work than real life.

One underappreciated aspect is the film’s pacing, which balances loud, set-piece comedy with quieter family moments, giving the emotional beats room to land.

The 96-Ounce Steak Challenge

No review of this film is complete without mentioning The Old 96er, the legendary steak-eating challenge at the local diner. It’s a perfect example of how the film uses absurdity to highlight character. Chet takes it on reluctantly, pushed by Roman, and the scene plays like an endurance test for both man and audience.

It’s also a great reminder of how physical comedy doesn’t have to be fast; sometimes dragging a scene out makes it even funnier.

Why It Still Works Today

In an age of overly polished vacation comedies, The Great Outdoors feels refreshingly unmanufactured. There’s no wink to the camera, no overuse of effects, just solid performances, relatable tension, and well-earned laughs.

It’s also a time capsule of late-80s family life, from the flannel shirts to the fishing trips to the slightly over-the-top local legends. The film captures that blend of irritation and affection that defines so many family gatherings.

Personal Take: The Vacation You Love to Complain About

Watching this movie feels like flipping through an old family photo album where half the pictures come with a “You won’t believe what happened that day” story. It’s messy, loud, occasionally ridiculous, and completely endearing.

For me, The Great Outdoors works because it doesn’t shy away from showing that even a “bad” vacation can be a great memory.

Final Thoughts

The Great Outdoors is more than just a goofy wilderness comedy; it’s a film about family, patience, and learning to embrace the unexpected. It’s one of those comfort movies that makes you laugh while quietly reminding you that the best times often come from the worst-planned moments.

★★★★★

A hilarious and heartwarming classic! The Great Outdoors delivers laughs, lovable characters, and pure 80s charm. A must-watch family favorite!

Seth T.

Las Vegas