Month: March 2014

“National Lampoon’s Vacation”, “RV”, and “Genevieve” are all road trip movies. The road trip has been a popular movie theme for a long time, even as far back as 1953. Road trip movies all have some standard rules, scenes, and elements which makes all road trip movies similar to each other. Therefore the three rules of a road trip movie are:

1. Never use your regular car

This rule isn’t set in stone but from my observation most of the road trip movies begin with acquiring a vehicle suited for a trip on the road. From Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” going for that ugly green metallic station wagon to Munro in “RV” getting that equally ugly “Big Rolling Turd” as it was called, getting a new vehicle is crucial. You may already guess that the more hideous the vehicle the better as it will allow for various jokes to be made about it by the screen writers.

However, the vehicle does not always have to be a new one. In “Genevieve”, McKim used his 1904 Darracq for the road trip, which is a rather classic vehicle and again, definitely not a car you see every day.

2. Feuding, Friends, and Family

If a group of people is not in the car, then it is not a road trip movie. Whether they are a group of family or friends is not of importance, just as long as there is more than one person in the car.

The significant thing here is that being in a car for many hours will result in arguments about anything and everything ranging from the selection of music and even singing, to smelly feet or reckless driving. Stress levels will rise in the enclosed vehicular space.

3. Trouble and Breakdowns

Undoubtedly, a road trip car or RV movie means car troubles mainly because you are not using your usual car. Whether it is a flat tire, engine troubles, or not knowing how to fit the waste extractor to the RV, something just has to happen.

The result may be an easy – though not too quick –  roadside fix, or else it may be that you’re towed to some isolated garage at which they don’t have the parts and will undoubtedly charge an arm and a leg when they have finished the work.

The nature of the car trouble is not of importance, the whole point of car troubles is to cause added stress, arguments, and many times, a slapstick moment when a person who is not familiar with vehicles attempt to do the repairs.

RV breakdowns are probably one of the chief causes of worries for anyone researching the joy of RVs online.  Hopefully viewers of RV movies don’t let the unlikely disaster scenarios that occur discourage them from an RV purchase!

Starring Cheryl Hines, Kristin Chenoweth and the ever versatile Robin Williams, the film RV (2006) is a story of a man who wants to get out of the strained, stressful lifestyle of the corporate setting and to finally enjoy some quality time vacation with his family – but only to find out that the adventure was even more eventful, characterized by nerve-racking but otherwise exhilarating speed bumps.  Also known as RV the movie and released as Runaway Vacation in some theaters around the world, RV (2006) is a good comedy film to watch with the family.

The plot is simple:  here comes a man named Bob Munro (portrayed by Robin Williams) who wanted nothing more than to ease himself out of the hectic day to day lifestyle of the corporate job, to have some quality time that doesn’t have to do with his work as a company executive, and most of all, to spend good times with the rest of his family.  But things get really haywire when finally they rent an RV vehicle to travel to the Rockies, and this is where the adventurous plot thickens.

The film wasn’t loved by movie film critics (gathering a lot of negative reviews) but you can’t deny it ranked better in theaters where it was released for a wider audience.  It’s outrageously funny and the heart of the film lies on Robin Williams’ knack and talent in the comedy genre.  One of the best RV movies around, the situational scenes surrounding RV living are genuinely funny.  Still, you’re bound to laugh once in a while for this.

Produced by Red Wagon Productions Intermedia and distributed by Columbia Pictures, RV (2006) was directed by Barry Sonnenfield.  Movie critics may say that it was the kind of movie that’s not worthy of the price of theater admission, but it sure is worthy for a movie rent if you want to have a good time with your family.

Rarely will you be able to find an actor so versatile in a wide range of roles as the renowned Robin Williams.  With a career spanning over 30 years, Robin Williams has become a household name in film and television, particularly noted in genres such as drama and comedy.

The best thing about Robin Williams movies is that they are not essentially plot-driven – films are not characterized by too much spectacle, screen prefabrications and visual effects.  While he has a few corny releases such as the RV movie, he has many other great ones.

Films that star Robin Williams are character-driven, which means that there’s a sense of emotional exploration and satisfaction in his movies that make them truly classic and worthy to watch over and over again, and the characters he portrayed are easily sympathetic.

With so many Robin Williams films available to explore, here are some of my favorites –

Dead Poets Society (1989).  The classic film for English and lit majors, Dead Poets Society was directed by Peter Weir.  The film revolves around the story of John Keating (as played by Williams) as she inspires a group of poets through poetry.

Awakenings (1990).  For a film that starred stellar cast such as Robert de Niro and Robin Williams, there’s nothing you could ask for.  Add a very touching and profound exploration of a doctor’s (Williams) experience with one of his patients (de Niro) and you’ll never be the same again by the time you finish this one.  The film was directed by Penny Marshall.

Good Will Hunting (1997).  If you want to watch a Robin Williams’ film that can give you a lasting impact then watch this Gus Vant Sant’s film Good Will Hunting and be amazed at how Matt Damon and Robin Williams interact with each other when it comes to providing the spectators a heartfelt sympathy and catharsis.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).  This classic comedy directed by Chris Columbus is sure to give your tears and laughter one after the other.  Perfect film for the family, the film showcases some of the distinct comedic touches of Robin Williams.

Recreational vehicles, or RVs for short, come in various types, designs and sizes.  But if you are looking for an RV unit for your everyday lifestyle, then you have landed on the right page. The best small RV units are indeed raising interests from RV enthusiasts and outdoor lovers because in contrasts to those bigger RVs, small RVs are more mobile and getting around places is more practical.  If you’re looking for this kind of RV, then the class B motorhome can definitely suit your everyday RV lifestyle.

Also referred to as a camper van, the class B motorhome is a self-contained RV unit that’s definitely mobile to drive around and significantly less intimidating than Class A motorhomes and trailer trucks. It’s a recreational vehicle that resembles a van unit.   Therefore, class B motorhomes can be driven in situations like camping, driving kids for school or any form of weekend getaway.

You will be surprised that conventional class B motorhomes can actually house 2-3 people easily in a small living area. If you have ever seen an RV movie you will know how much fun this can be.

Some of the amenities for the average class B motorhome design include beds, small living room area, two-burner stove, refrigerator, microwave and many more.  For high end class B motorhomes, expect premium features such as kitchen counters, cabinets and counter spaces.

The RV lifestyle has become so welcoming to those people who are interested to experience it and this small RV design is one of the many reasons why some outdoor enthusiasts can now enjoy staying or living in their vehicles even for a while.

Aside from the fact that class B motorhomes are way cheaper than those big trailer trucks and class A motorhomes, class B motorhomes are way more accessible and easy to maintain.  Getting around is easier because they are easier to maneuver, and you can easily park units like this in your garage.

The joy of RVing is keyed to the concept of fun and entertainment – you go to various places and explore new landscapes and you live inside your RV for an exciting day-to-day pursuit that is very different from the usual lifestyle conventions.

The same goes for TV – it provides consumers viewing pleasures.  With RVs growing ever more improved and enhanced in terms of ergonomic designs, you now have more options in choosing the best one of the many RV televisions available.  But are some of the possible qualifications and considerations that you need to attend to, to ensure that you’re getting what you deserve in your RV?

If you pop the hood and take a peek inside some of the newest units in recreational vehicles, then you’ll see that they are more innovative than you could ever imagine.  In the context of providing the RV its entertaining touches, you’d find most RVs have integrated TV sets.

RV televisions may come in various types when it comes to sending and receiving TV reception.  Most conventional RV units will employ overhead antennas to pick up over-the-air television signals.  This is a cheaper option but it can become inconvenient for off-grid places.  For high-end RV units, satellite TVs are used, which have better reception quality.  These are great for watching movies in your RV.

Of course, the size and the technical specification of television units in RVs should also be appropriate for the kind of RV that you have.  Bigger TV units are best for bigger RVs and motorhomes but if you have a small scale mobile vehicle unit, then it would be impractical to buy a huge RV TV, only to cramp the inside of your vehicle.

Lastly, you’d probably wonder if conventional home televisions can be incorporated in most RV settings.   It’s possible, yes, but it’s not going to last for too long.  Conventional TV sets are not made to be motion-resistant so it is better to choose RV TVs designed for that specific purpose rather than buying the usual conventional ones.