RV

Just like the vehicle that lends its name to the film, RV is made for family fun and adventures in friendship. Loads of laugher is its greatest reward, as Robin Williams leads the comical characters with his fascinating and unconventional humor. But along the way there are also lessons to be learned. RV promises to transport viewers on a hilarious journey that leads to a deeper appreciation of the family and friends we so easily take for granted.

• Genre: Family-adventure; Comedy
• DVD Release: August 15, 2006
• Film Release: April 28, 2006
• Rated: PG
• Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
• Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
• Cast: Robin Williams (Bob Munro), Jeff Daniels (Travis Gornicke), Cheryl Hines (Jamie Munro), Kristin Chenoweth (MaryJo Gornicke), Joanna "JoJo" Levesque (Cassie), Josh Hutcherson (Carl)
• Writer: Geoff Rodkey
• Producers: Lucy Fisher, Douglas Wick

Each member of the decidedly divided Munro family has been dreaming of an extraordinary summer vacation in Hawaii. But Dad (Robin Williams) pulls a last minute change of plans and the family sets out on a deeply disappointing road trip instead. His motives for the sudden change in venue, he explains, are to rekindle the closeness they once knew as a family, but the real reason is to keep from losing his job.

When everything that can go wrong, does, the Munros face hardships and adversity that they are not accustomed to in their cushy California life. The "trials," though they build a foundation for the extremely palatable humor of the film, eventually serve to strengthen and refine each individual, pulling them back together as a family.

Along the way, they also learn not to judge by outward appearances. At every turn the Munros keep running into the Gornicke family. Initially they appear to be an uneducated, blissfully simple, annoying clan. But over time their genuine qualities emerge, not the least being their above average intelligence, and a true bond of friendship is formed between the two families. Bob Munro also gains the strength and support he needs to quit compromising his values and stand up to his patronizing, extremely "germaphobic" boss. Together they all learn that personal integrity is more important than maintaining a certain financial status.

Negative Elements:

Viewers may take offense, or at least develop extreme nausea during a graphic and disgusting mishap at the RV dumping station.

There is no nudity in the film, however, Mrs. Gornicke shows quite a bit of cleavage in her extremely low cut tops worn throughout the film. There are no references to extra-marital sex, however, Mr. and Mrs. Munro do make innuendos about their sex life as a married couple.

Violence:

Most of the physical violence and abuse in the movie is primarily suffered by the RV. Carl, Munro's son, knocks his father's boss on the ground.

Language:

Though Dad and viewers are not able to see it, Cassie shoots her father the bird and her brother tells him about it. Cassie also calls her father a jerk. There are a couple of uses of the "b-word," "crap" and "a**." There are many uses of the word "turd" throughout the film.

Drug and Alcohol:

Jamie Munro fixes two Martinis, and in the privacy of their own living room, she and Mr. Munro drink them together.

The inspiration for putting together this comedy-adventure came from a real-life RV family vacation taken by the film's producers, Lucy Fisher and Douglas Wick, several years ago. Although I'm not an RVer myself, I suspect this film will become a favorite among recreational vehicle enthusiasts, who can most appreciate and relate to the unusual mishaps, hazards and unique community experiences of cross-country road travel. But even as a non-RVer, it was one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. With so many laughter-inducing moments, I kept missing lines. I will definitely want to see this one again!