Arts & Entertainment
tampabay.com
Print storySubscribe to the Times

Film

Now in theaters

We've been down this road before

By STEVE PERSALL
Published April 8, 2004

View a clip

Didn't anyone learn from Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Vacation (or its sequels)? The last thing anyone wants to do is pile a family into a vehicle for a cross country trip to some place that probably won't be as much fun as promised.

Nate Johnson (Cedric the Entertainer) didn't learn. In Johnson Family Vacation, which opened in theaters Wednesday, he's dragging the clan from California to the Johnson family reunion in Missouri. His wife (Vanessa L. Williams) isn't keen on the idea, and their three children (Bow Wow, Solange Knowles and Gabby Soleil) have other things on their minds, such as rap music, cute boys and an imaginary dog that keeps running away. Not even a satellite navigation unit keeps the Johnsons on track.

Johnson Family Vacation also stars Cedric the Entertainer's fellow "King of Comedy" Steve Harvey and Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie) as a hitchhiker Nate picks up in an act of Christian duty after bypassing a stranded nun. Not even Clark Griswold would stoop that low.

- STEVE PERSALL, Times film critic

[Last modified April 7, 2004, 11:40:45]


This Weekend

  • Good theater uncaged

  • Art
  • Gallery walk
  • Hot Ticket: Encounter art in Tampa

  • Dine
  • Food and wine events
  • I've had enough . . .
  • Massimo's goes over the top

  • Film
  • 'Ella' isn't enchanting
  • Also opening
  • Hacking away at 'The Alamo'
  • Indie Flix
  • Keep miles away from '10 Yards'
  • Now in theaters
  • Top five movies and upcoming releases
  • Family Movie Guide

  • Get Away
  • A parade of family festivities
  • Get Away: Down the road

  • Inside Information
  • Things we like

  • Pop
  • Hot Ticket: Rap, country and 'Rock'
  • Pop: Down the road
  • Team Pop Trivia

  • Stage
  • Hot Ticket: Hurston's stories onstage
  • Stage: Down the road

  • Video / DVD
  • New releases
  • Upcoming releases and current rankings
  • Back to Top

    © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
    490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111