Vegas Vacation (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The Griswold family hits the road again for a typically ill-fated vacation, this time to the glitzy mecca of slots and showgirls—Las Vegas.
Rated PG • 1997 • 1h 33m
Vegas Vacation follows the Griswold family's chaotic trip to Las Vegas, earning its PG rating primarily for mature thematic elements and sensuality. The film's central plot revolves around Clark developing a serious gambling addiction, leading him to lose all the family's money. Other content includes a teenager using a fake ID to gamble, another becoming a go-go dancer, numerous instances of social drinking, and mild suggestive humor… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Vegas Vacation appropriate for kids?
Vegas Vacation follows the Griswold family's chaotic trip to Las Vegas, earning its PG rating primarily for mature thematic elements and sensuality. The film's central plot revolves around Clark developing a serious gambling addiction, leading him to lose all the family's money… Read more — free account
Content severity in Vegas Vacation
What happens in Vegas Vacation, moment by moment
- 0:12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:20 🍷 Substances 3/10
- 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
Sex and nudity in Vegas Vacation
Moderate sensuality and innuendo are present. A subplot involves the teenage daughter, Audrey, becoming a go-go dancer, and she is briefly seen dancing suggestively in a cage in a club. Her cousin is an exotic dancer and is seen in a revealing outfit. Numerous women are seen in revealing showgirl costumes. Singer Wayne Newton makes romantic advances toward Ellen. There is no nudity.
Violence and gore in Vegas Vacation
Violence is infrequent and purely slapstick. In one sequence, Clark gets trapped inside the Hoover Dam and must climb the exterior scaffolding to escape, putting him in comedic peril. Another scene involves a blackjack dealer repeatedly and comically punching Clark. There is no blood or gore.
Language in Vegas Vacation
Language is very mild. There are a few uses of "damn," most notably in a joke where a tour guide says, "Take any damn pictures you want." Other mild insults like "idiot" are used.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Vegas Vacation
Social drinking is seen throughout in casino and party settings, with characters consuming beer, wine, and cocktails. A key subplot involves the teenage son, Rusty, using a fake ID to enter casinos, gamble, and attend parties where alcohol is served. Cousin Eddie is frequently seen drinking beer.
Mature themes in Vegas Vacation
The single strongest element is the depiction of gambling addiction. Clark becomes obsessed with blackjack, lies to his family about his losses, and eventually gambles away their entire savings. Thematic content also includes underage gambling being rewarded (Rusty wins several cars) and a teenager (Audrey) running away to become a dancer. An elderly man dies on-screen, but the moment is played for dark comedy.
Scary moments in Vegas Vacation
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Vegas Vacation yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vegas Vacation appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Vegas Vacation is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Vegas Vacation follows the Griswold family's chaotic trip to Las Vegas, earning its PG rating primarily for mature thematic elements and sensuality. The film's central plot revolves around Clark developing a serious…
What age rating does Vegas Vacation have?
Vegas Vacation is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Vegas Vacation about?
Vegas Vacation follows the Griswold family's chaotic trip to Las Vegas, earning its PG rating primarily for mature thematic elements and sensuality. The film's central plot revolves around Clark developing a serious gambling addiction, leading him to lose all the family's money. Other content includes a teenager using…
Is there sex or nudity in Vegas Vacation?
Moderate sensuality and innuendo are present. A subplot involves the teenage daughter, Audrey, becoming a go-go dancer, and she is briefly seen dancing suggestively in a cage in a club. Her cousin is an exotic dancer and is seen in a revealing outfit…
How violent is Vegas Vacation?
Violence is infrequent and purely slapstick. In one sequence, Clark gets trapped inside the Hoover Dam and must climb the exterior scaffolding to escape, putting him in comedic peril. Another scene involves a blackjack dealer repeatedly and comically punching…
Is the language in Vegas Vacation appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild. There are a few uses of "damn," most notably in a joke where a tour guide says, "Take any damn pictures you want." Other mild insults like "idiot" are used.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Vegas Vacation?
Social drinking is seen throughout in casino and party settings, with characters consuming beer, wine, and cocktails. A key subplot involves the teenage son, Rusty, using a fake ID to enter casinos, gamble, and attend parties where alcohol is served. Cousin…
What mature themes appear in Vegas Vacation?
The single strongest element is the depiction of gambling addiction. Clark becomes obsessed with blackjack, lies to his family about his losses, and eventually gambles away their entire savings. Thematic content also includes underage gambling being rewarded…
How long is Vegas Vacation?
Vegas Vacation runs 93 minutes, directed by Stephen Kessler, released in 1997.
Where can I read the full Vegas Vacation parent guide?
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