Johnson Family Vacation (2004)
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6% of critics liked it
(90 reviews) -
58% of users liked it
(37,904 ratings)
Comedian Cedric the Entertainer serves as both producer and star of this comedy about a family who discovers just how much can go wrong en route to a family get-together. When Nate Johnson (Cedric the Entertainer) is invited to a big family reunion in Missouri, he sees it as an opportunity to… More Comedian Cedric the Entertainer serves as both producer and star of this comedy about a family who discovers just how much can go wrong en route to a family get-together. When Nate Johnson (Cedric the Entertainer) is invited to a big family reunion in Missouri, he sees it as an opportunity to reconnect with his estranged wife and growing children, as well as a chance to show up his wealthier know-it-all brother, Mack (Steve Harvey). Nate takes delivery on an expensive new SUV, persuades his recently separated wife, Dorothy (Vanessa L. Williams), to tag along, and packs up his three kids -- nubile teenager Nikki (Solange Knowles), under-age wannabe rapper D.J. (Bow Wow), and precocious seven-year-old Destiny (Gabby Soleil) -- for what he imagines will be a leisurely drive from Los Angeles to St. Louis. However, between his wary wife, arguing kids, angry police officers, bizarre hitchhikers, bad diner food, and an unfortunate run-in with a cement mixer, getting from point A to point B proves to be just short of a nightmare. Johnson Family Vacation was the first feature film for director Christopher Erskin, who previously distinguished himself directing music videos for the likes of Missy Elliot, TLC, and Boyz II Men. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Christopher Erskin
- Written By
- Todd R. Jones, Earl Richey Jones
- Genres
- Comedy
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Apr 7, 2004 Wide
- Studio
- Fox Searchlight Pictures
Critic Reviews
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J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
This is a real mess, with out-of-focus shots and continuity lapses that suggest a production in chaos.
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David Germain, Associated Press
Packing all the tired trappings of the raunchy road-trip genre, this loutish comedy plays out as a loosely threaded collection of shrill jokes and cliched sight gags.
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Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
The direction on Johnson Family Vacation is numbingly slack; the synapses between the scenes don't spark effortlessly, as they should, and the whole enterprise feels dragged-down and belabored.
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
Big disappointment.
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Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Single-handedly saving a movie may be a tall order for a short-legged clown, but Cedric the Entertainer is the best (and probably only) reason to take this Vacation.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Cast
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Cedric the Entertainer
as Nate Johnson, Uncle Earl
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Vanessa L. Williams
as Dorothy Johnson
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Solange Knowles
as Nikki Johnson
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Bow Wow
as D.J. Johnson
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Gabby Soleil
as Destiny Johnson
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Shannon Elizabeth
as Chrishelle
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Steve Harvey
as Mack Johnson
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Aloma Wright
as Glorietta Johnson
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Lee Garlington
as Betty Sue
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Shari Headley
as Jacqueline
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Lorna Scott
as Gladys
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Chris Hardwick
as Arson Investigator
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Masasa
as Theta #1
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Jonathan Joss
as Casino Host
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Godfrey
as Motorcycle Cop
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Jennifer Freeman
as Jill
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Kurupt
as Kurupt
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DeRay Davis
as Jamaican Stoner
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Jason Momoa
as Navarro
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Tanjareen Martin
as Tangerine
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Kevin Farley
as Stall Guy
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Philip Daniel Bolden
as Mack Jr.
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Chana Ylahne Orr
as Theta #2
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Lichelli Lazar-Lea
as Navi Computer Voice
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Christopher B. Duncan
as Stan
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Shane Woodson
as Angus
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Gabriel Corbin
as Dancer #1/"Mack Johnson"
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Tracie Burton
as Dancer #2/"Jacqueline"
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Katerina Graham
as Dancer #3/"Jill"
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Jamil Morgan
as Dancer#4/"Mack Jr."
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Jeremiah "J.J." Williams Jr.
as Cousin Bodie
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Rodney Perry
as Cousin Lump
- Jennifer Nicole
- Lil Bow Wow
