Time off at the movies

Perhaps no other cinematic family has been able to represent the plight of American families on vacation as the Griswolds: parents Clark and Ellen (Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo) and their children, Rusty and Audrey.

The first "National Lampoon's Vacation" movie followed the Griswolds on a series of misadventures at the Grand Canyon and in a California theme park.

And three follow-ups — "European Vacation" (1985), "Christmas Vacation" (1989) and "Vegas Vacation" (1997) — were just as disastrous for the family.

Watching these movies might make you want to stay home instead of traveling. And in these cost-conscious times, it's cheaper — and possibly more enjoyable — to watch movies about others going on vacation. It should be mentioned the first "Vacation" film featured some R-rated raunchiness and quite a few swear words in one scene,. The other "Vacations" were a little more family friendly.

In any case, here are a dozen movies rated PG-13, or even "less-severe," that you can watch with the en- tire family this Memorial Day weekend. (There is one very notable exception here):

CITY SLICKERS (PG-13, 1991)

Three buddies (Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern and Bruno Kirby) try to drive cattle at a "dude ranch" in this comedy. Academy Award winner Jack Palance steals the show as a no-nonsense cowboy.

DAN IN REAL LIFE (PG-13, 2007)

A charming comedy-drama about a widower (Steve Carell) who falls in love with his brother's new girlfriend (Juliette Binoche) during a family reunion/vacation.

DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY (made before ratings, 1934).

Frederic March stars as the title character, the Grim Reaper, who takes a three-day respite from his "job." He finds love while posing as a prince in Italy. The film was later remade — in inferior fashion — as "Meet Joe Black" in 1998.

A GOOFY MOVIE (G, 1995)

Beloved cartoon character Goofy Goof drags his teenage son along a cross-country trip in this enjoyable animated feature.

A GRAND DAY OUT (not rated, 1989)

A would-be inventor and his faithful dog companion take a trip to the moon in the first of the popular "Wallace & Gromit" shorts. (This one is available as part of "The Incredible Adventures of Wallace & Gromit" DVD set.)

HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS (PG, 1987)

John Lithgow and his family meet up with Bigfoot following a hunting trip in this low-key but winning comedy.

HOME ALONE (PG, 1990)

Youngster Macauley Culkin has to fend off home invaders when the rest of his family accidentally leaves him behind during a Christmas trip. Relax, it's a comedy.

JAWS (PG, 1975)

One you should probably wait to watch until the kids are asleep. Steven Spielberg's classic shark attack thriller has only gotten better with age.

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (made before ratings, 1944)