“Johnson Family Vacation” attempts to capture the chaotic charm of the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” series, but sadly misses the mark, offering a chintzy and uninspired retread instead. Even a nod to “Vegas Vacation” falls flat, proving that drawing inspiration from the weaker entries of a franchise signals trouble from the outset. This film, devoid of originality, wit, or genuine humor, feels like an endless 96 minutes of cinematic pain.
Alt text: Cedric the Entertainer as Nate Johnson, head of the Johnson family reunion cast, embarking on a disastrous road trip.
Cedric the Entertainer stars as Nate Johnson, a Los Angeles resident who, in a rented and overly flashy Lincoln Navigator, embarks on a cross-country journey with his family. Their destination: the annual Johnson family reunion in Missouri. Nate harbors hopes of finally winning the coveted “Family of the Year” title, reconnecting with his estranged wife Dorothy (Vanessa Williams), and bonding with his children: aspiring rapper son D.J. (Bow Wow), phone-addicted daughter Nikki (Solange Knowles), and young Destiny (Gabby Soleil). Much like the Griswold family’s infamous trips, everything imaginable goes wrong for the Johnsons. They encounter a menacing trucker, a hot tub mishap with unexpected guests, and a voodoo-practicing hitchhiker, Chrishelle (Shannon Elizabeth). Their SUV suffers multiple indignities, including a cement bath and running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. However, unlike the Griswolds’ humorous misfortunes, the Johnson’s calamities are neither funny nor inventive. Adding to the film’s woes, the Johnson family themselves are portrayed as an unlikeable and shallow bunch, a far cry from the endearing Griswold clan.
Christopher Erskin’s directorial debut makes “Johnson Family Vacation” feel as tedious as a real-life long drive through the Arizona and New Mexico deserts. The film’s ambitions – lighthearted comedy with slapstick and a moralistic conclusion – are clear, but its execution is a complete failure. Despite its lightweight aspirations, the movie becomes a tiresome ordeal. Every predictable and groan-worthy gag takes far too long to set up, making the punchline obvious miles in advance to even the least discerning viewer.
Alt text: The Johnson family reunion cast faces another setback, highlighting the movie’s repetitive and unfunny gags.
The screenplay, penned by Todd R. Jones and Earl Richey Jones, is largely responsible for the film’s sluggish and uninspired pacing. Adding to the problem is John Carter’s editing, which fails to build comedic rhythm. There’s a delicate balance between maximizing comedic impact and dragging a scene to the point of viewer exasperation. Certain comedic attempts, like a payphone in a cornfield and a nonsensical reunion sign, feel jarringly out of place. With only one marginally amusing scene involving Chrishelle’s unconventional dinner prayer, the film’s deliberate pacing becomes not just annoying, but almost unbearable.
The characters and the “Johnson Family Reunion Cast” members portraying them are equally mismanaged. Cedric the Entertainer, usually known for his energetic performances, adopts a more subdued approach as Nate Johnson, mostly reacting to the supposed chaos around him. Vanessa Williams as Dorothy mostly scowls and looks put-upon while supposedly rekindling her romance with Nate – a subplot that lacks any credibility. Bow Wow and Solange Knowles as D.J. and Nikki deliver truly awful performances, mistaking exaggerated gestures and line delivery for genuine acting. D.J. and Nikki lack depth, and there’s no believable connection between them as siblings or with their parents. The hitchhiker subplot with Shannon Elizabeth held some quirky promise, but her character, her witchcraft, and the potential scenarios are quickly abandoned. Director Christopher Erskin rushes through this segment, discarding Chrishelle, who is more interesting than the main cast, without any satisfying resolution. Shannon Elizabeth manages to be better than the thankless role she is given.
Alt text: The extended Johnson family reunion cast gathers, but even Steve Harvey’s presence can’t salvage the film’s humor.
When the Johnsons finally reach their family reunion in Missouri, which looks suspiciously like the Hollywood Hills, one might expect the film to mercifully conclude. Instead, it drags on for another half hour, filled with tedious arguments between Nate and his arrogant brother Max (Steve Harvey), a potato sack race, and a talent show with forgettable musical acts. Ultimately, Nate and his family supposedly learn the importance of family unity, but this epiphany feels forced and sickeningly sentimental. The biggest problem is that the audience never develops any genuine care for the Johnson family, either individually or as a unit. Relief washes over the viewer as their time with them finally ends.
In conclusion, “Johnson Family Vacation” is a hollow comedy that is questionably too suggestive for young children yet too immature for older audiences. This central flaw, combined with blatant plagiarism of superior “Vacation” movies, amateurish production quality, and self-righteous moralizing, sinks this film faster than a lead weight. “Johnson Family Vacation” is truly awful, exceeding even the lowest expectations.
