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#276 The Great Outdoors - Did Critics Get It Wrong?

Aug 21, 2026 · 2h 26m

Summary

The hosts of Bad Movies Rule review John Hughes’ 1988 film *The Great Outdoors*, chosen by a fantasy league winner. They critique its California filming location despite the Wisconsin setting and discuss the dynamic between John Candy and Dan Aykroyd. The episode features personal anecdotes about family vacations, in-law tensions, and the hosts’ own storytelling experiences.

Topics discussed

Nesquik advertisement Intro: Raccoons, John Hughes, and filming locations Movie intro, critics, and Florida heat story Fantasy football league champion Ryan Mueller Twins reference, 80s technology, and car plates Wagons, cabin, and brother-in-law dynamics Camcorder surprise, Dan Aykroyd's speech, and bars Pontoon boats, Silver Lake, and beach weather Summer camp scary stories and bear myths Raccoons, hot dogs, and teenage vacation hookups Quick Trip snacks and water skiing mishaps John Candy's cattail scene and the unwanted love plot Bear hunting, California bears, and rowboat rides Bar scenes, thunderstorms, and Walworth County Fair Bat in the bedroom and the meat sweats steak scene Teen romance, fishing, and the checkbook rescue 80s parenting, tree climbing, and rescuing the bear Bear crash, shotgun lamp, and closing credits Awards: Arnold Schwarzenegger casting and Wally Awards: Will Patton, Dan Aykroyd, and Chris Young Awards: Chef, Stephanie, and the Bear tie Final verdicts and next episode: Bambi horror
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