Vacation Friends

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 27, 2021

Genre
Comedy

Cast & Crew

• John Cena as Ron
• Lil Rel Howery as Marcus
• Meredith Hagner as Kyla
• Yvonne Orji as Emily
• Robert Wisdom as Harold
• Andrew Bachelor as Gabe
• Lynn Whitfield as Suzanne

Director
Clay Tarver

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut (known for co-writing Joy Ride (2001) and executive producing Silicon Valley (TV Series))

Producer
Todd Garner, Timothy M. Bourne

Writer
Tom Mullen, Tim Mullen, Clay Tarver, Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley

Budget
Estimated $16 million

Production Company
20th Century Studios

Running Time
103 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for drug content, crude sexual references, and language throughout)

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Sexual content and innuendo
• Drug use and alcohol consumption

Movie Story
Vacation Friends is a wild and raunchy comedy that follows the misadventures of two couples who form an unlikely friendship while on vacation in Mexico. Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and Emily (Yvonne Orji) are a straight-laced, responsible couple on a romantic getaway when they meet Ron (John Cena) and Kyla (Meredith Hagner), a free-spirited and unpredictable pair who live life with no boundaries.

Initially, Marcus and Emily are reluctant to get involved with Ron and Kyla, whose antics include wild parties, extreme sports, and carefree attitudes. However, as the vacation progresses, the two couples form a bond over shared experiences and wild escapades that push Marcus and Emily out of their comfort zones.

After the vacation ends, Marcus and Emily return to their normal lives, relieved to leave the chaos behind. However, their sense of relief is short-lived when Ron and Kyla unexpectedly show up at their wedding, bringing their unique brand of mayhem along with them. The movie explores the clash of personalities and lifestyles, with hilarious consequences as the couples navigate their differences and try to make the best of their newfound friendship.

Vacation Friends is a comedic rollercoaster filled with outrageous situations, physical comedy, and unexpected twists. The film highlights themes of friendship, the importance of letting loose, and the sometimes absurd nature of human relationships.

Special Effects
The special effects in Vacation Friends are primarily used to enhance the film’s comedic moments, particularly in scenes involving physical comedy and over-the-top stunts. The film makes use of practical effects and CGI to amplify the ridiculousness of certain situations, such as wild parties and extreme sports activities. The effects are integrated seamlessly into the narrative, supporting the film’s energetic and chaotic tone.

Box Office Performance
Vacation Friends was released on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ in international markets, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film quickly gained popularity on streaming platforms, particularly among viewers looking for a light-hearted and funny movie. While specific viewership numbers were not disclosed, Vacation Friends was well-received by audiences for its humor and the strong comedic performances of its cast.

Filming Locations

• Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Puerto Rico

Notable Quotes

• “We don’t do things like everyone else. We make life fun!” – Ron
• “This wasn’t part of the plan, but here we are, making it work.” – Marcus
• “Who knew we’d make such great friends on vacation?” – Kyla

Behind-the-Scenes

• John Cena and Lil Rel Howery developed a strong comedic rapport during filming, which is evident in their on-screen chemistry. Their contrasting personalities add to the film’s humor and dynamic.
• The film’s script went through several rewrites over the years before finally being produced. It was initially conceived as a more traditional buddy comedy but evolved into a raunchy, R-rated comedy as different writers and directors came on board.
• Director Clay Tarver made his feature directorial debut with Vacation Friends, bringing his experience in comedy writing and producing to the project.

Awards

• None, but the film was praised for its entertaining performances and its ability to deliver laughs, making it a popular choice for fans of comedy.

Final Verdict
Vacation Friends is a fun and chaotic comedy that delivers plenty of laughs through its outrageous scenarios and the strong comedic performances of its cast. John Cena and Lil Rel Howery lead the charge with their contrasting characters, supported by the equally funny Meredith Hagner and Yvonne Orji. While the film doesn’t break new ground in the comedy genre, it succeeds as an entertaining and light-hearted romp that’s perfect for a casual movie night. With its blend of physical comedy, wild antics, and moments of genuine humor, Vacation Friends is a solid pick for fans of raunchy comedies.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10