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The film includes its requisite sight gags, but not too many

Speaking of which, RV is generally suitable for family viewing, but with some caution. The film does scale back on profanity, relying more on crude expressions-the Munros lovingly refer to their mobile home as "the big rolling turd." Despite the septic tank sequence, which seems a legitimate source for humor concerning a first-time experience with an RV, the film generally stays clear of gross-out gags and crotch jokes. But perhaps more troublesome is the aforementioned disrespectful behavior of the children, which is tolerated rather than disciplined. Seems like kids might get the idea that smart-mouthing to parents is perfectly acceptable, so the film might be more suitable to those with a better sense of right and wrong.

The movie's flaws are obvious, and yet it generally delivers what most would expect of such a comedy. It's nowhere near as good as Vacation or Mrs. Doubtfire, but it's not the joyless dud some might expect it to be either. There are moments of laughter and moments of disdain, some sequences where you will love the characters and others where you can't stand them. Hmm, maybe RV is close to the real thing after all.

1. Why doesn't Bob explain the reason for the change in vacation plans to his family? Do you think his reasoning is sound? How might he have better handled the situation?
   
   
2. In your own family vacations, how do you avoid conflict with others while being cooped up together in a vehicle for hours? What are the traits in a healthy family relationship (i.e. what traits would have better helped the Munro family)?
   
   
3. What does the Bible have to say about family relationships? See Exodus 20:12, Proverbs 10:17, Proverbs 13:24, Ephesians 5:22-33, Ephesians 6:1-4, and Colossians 3:18-21 for just a few examples.
   
   
4. We all have our special interests and responsibilities. How much time should a family spend together each week? What are the indicators for a family that's spending too little (or too much) time together? And considering that a job is intended to provide for the family, when does it become a hindrance?
   
   
5. How does the film initially portray the Gornicke family? What impression are we left with by the film's end? Does the film depict them as a positive example of a Christian family? Is it a negative stereotype, or are they just "quirky"? What does the film seem to be saying about the treatment of strangers? See also Matthew 10:40-42, Matthew 25:31-46, and Luke 10:25-37 for some examples.
   
   

RV is rated PG for crude humor, innuendo, and language. There are a few light profanities, but the film relishes more in crude language and humor. For example, the Munros call their vehicle "the rolling turd," and there's a scene of emptying a septic tank with predictably disgusting results. The innuendo refers to the Munro parents' plans to spend "quality time" together after the kids have gone to bed, and a trailer park mom (played by Kristin Chenoweth) shows off a lot of cleavage. It's all generally family friendly, though recommended more for older children who understand discipline. Kids might otherwise imitate the extremely sarcastic and cynical behavior of the Munro family.

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