10 Incredible Comedy Movie Details You Definitely Missed

5. They Grow Up So Fast - Vegas Vacation

Fargo William H. Macy
Warner Bros.

National Lampoon's Vacation series had more ups and downs than a ride at Thorpe Park, with the fourth movie, Vegas Vacation, certainly one of the low points. Still, that didn't stop it from opening with a surprisingly decent and well-hidden meta-gag many viewers wouldn't have picked up on.

The film opens with Clark Griswold excitedly telling his family that he's taking them to Las Vegas before saying, "You kids are growing up so fast, I hardly recognise you anymore." 

This seems innocent enough, but after delivering the line, Clark actor Chevy Chase looks slightly confused, and the camera lingers on the kids for a little too long. It's an odd moment and one that likely left a lot of viewers feeling a little disoriented. But, it had a purpose. 

The goofy moment was a wink and nod toward the ever-changing cast coming in to play Audrey and Rusty Griswold. By this point, the characters had been recast three times, with this lot being the fourth pair to take on the parts. As such, the movie played with the fourth wall by subtly referencing how weird it was that the kids looked so different in each iteration of the Griswold family's vacations.

 
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Michael is my name, overanalysing comedy is my game! Anime, wrestling, TV, movies and video games all live in my head rent free!