Last Resort

Last Resort is a lesser-known treasure from the 80s, released in the year 1986, which wonderfully showcases the diversified acting range of Charles Grodin. At the center of this humorous comedic setting is George Lollar (Grodin), an earnest Everyman, setting off with his family for what they expect to be a dreamy, tropical island vacation, only to find a wild, unanticipated roller-coaster ride awaited them instead.

The lead character, George Lollar, is a hardworking individual barely keeping up with the daily grind. Bit by the vacation bug, he impulsively decides to escape the monotony of his 9-5 job and spend some relaxing time at a tropical resort, away from the chaos of city life. A family man at heart, he convinces his wife, Shelia (Robin Pearson Rose), and two kids to join in this adventurous endeavour.

George's character is thoughtfully drawn out, making him a likeable and relatable protagonist, convincingly portrayed by the versatile Charles Grodin. Every viewer will find a slice of their own dad or husband in George's well-intentioned ineptitude. Robin Pearson Rose, as dutiful wife Shelia, flawlessly infuses realism into the character adding a new dimension to the brood's predicaments at the mythical resort.

Both George and Sheila hope their island getaway will foster family bonding and create precious memories that they would cherish forever. However, what follows is a riot of misadventures that makes Last Resort an unexpected laugh riot, drawing viewers into its bumbling and heartwarming universe.

John Ashton makes a special appearance in the movie, adding an interesting dimension to the storyline with his charismatic presence. His character is crucial in steering the narrative toward many humorous and unpredictable twists and turns that define the comical essence of the film.

The mood of the film is light and breezy, much in contrast to the disarray that the family finds itself in during their vacation. The cinematography captures the beauty of the tropical locale with paradisaic island scenery belying the comedic chaos that ensues with the Lollars.

The rich set-piece of a tropical island getaway and its accommodations, which were expected to provide a dreamy escape, quickly disintegrates into a farcical carnival of absurdities. The resort, rather than being a dream destination, turns out to be a wild, far-from-perfect place, teeming with bizarre events and quirky characters that encumber the blissful vacation the Lollar family had anticipated. The result is a holiday experience turned on its head, piling on one hilarious adversity after another, making for countless comedic situations and guffaw-soaked sequences.

Writer-director Zane Buzby crafts a picture-perfect depiction of a family's vacation gone wrong, while retaining a sense of tenderness and authenticity behind the humor. The screenplay, teeming with family dynamics, madcap adventures, and cohesive comedic moments, resonates strongly with anyone who's had their share of holiday mishaps. Complementing the smartly-penned script and comedic direction, the entire ensemble delivers astute performances that accentuate both the moments of farce and warmth.

Last Resort deftly spins a story around the universal desire for a little bit of paradise with the familiar realities of familial bonding, all the while playing out against a comedic backdrop. It is a movie about unexpected situations and making the most out of them while juggling the responsibilities of family and self.

At its core, Last Resort is an agreeable comedy that perfectly blends unexpected holiday mishaps with crisp humor and family values. It offers viewers an entertaining ride through the eyes of a family just trying to unwind, which leads to all sorts of hilarity. The humor is broad and slapstick yet offbeat, making this film stand out from similar genre movies of its era.

From start to finish, Last Resort is a wholesome comedy adventure, which, although not grand in scale or ambition, remarkably justifies the adage "It's not about the destination; it's about the journey." Engaging, charming, and humor-filled, it's an unexpected delight and a hidden gem from the 80s.