Summer Camp Is Sort of Alright, but That's About It.
Though it's not especially good either, Summer Camp is by no means the worst film you will ever see. Though they don't really show until halfway through, there are some giggles and very humorous moments. The comedy seems forced early on, and some of the characters seem absurd to be anything than a joke. While the 1990s would have thought a persona so out of place funny, in 2024 it would be embarrassing and wrong.
Technically, the movie is brilliantly filmed, features several great actors, and has a nice and satisfying ending. Still, there are too many things that seem contradictory to highly value and advise it for any one thing. Better Summer Camp movies, better comedies with ensemble casts, better legacy films including stars from past decades exist. Though that's all Summer Camp is, and that seems insufficient for any of what it was hoping for.
Summer Camp presents 1990s Comedy with a 2024 spin.
Summer Camp is also very aware of its environment and chooses to incorporate a number of hot-button issues to attempt and assert itself as relevant. But this is exactly opposite some of the decisions used to try and get a laugh. The film could have found an audience if it had truly dedicated itself to one side of the dilemma it was seeking to introduce. Right now, it's not obvious who the film is for.
Better summer camp films, better comedies with ensemble casts, finer heritage films with stars from bygone eras abound. Though that's all Summer Camp is, and it feels insufficient for any of what it was going for.
Summer Camp Does Something Old Relatively Well.
A summer camp comedy film is not novel in concept. Still, these programs give Summer Camp a different perspective since they seldom highlight folks in their golden years. But it also feels like a collection of performers who were at the height of their popularity in the 1990s have come together for a little indie film that might fit on the Hallmark Channel.
Though it's hardly a terrible movie, the film isn't very fantastic either. Although the performance is stronger than what usually comes out on such channels, the tale is not particularly fascinating for the participating actors or challenging one. Luckily, it seeks to teach a lesson by the conclusion, much as the finest Hallmark films. Though there is a discrepancy between the story and the degree of talent involved, the message is cohesive and the actors really seem to have enjoyed their roles.
Summer Camp: The Memoir of a Lifetime Friendship
Summer Camp centers on Ginny (Bates), Nora (Keaton), and Mary (Woodward), who have drifted away after leading full lives creating families and jobs. Especially eager to visit her old pals once more is renowned self-help guru Ginny, a star. Over a brief period, these ladies re-connect—with each other and with their younger selves.
Although most summer camps are a classic coming-of-age experience, some of the best summer camp films deviate from this focus on young people maturing. This film presents a really unique approach to a popular genre with a cast this outstanding and a lighthearted narrative about a bunch of friends.
an ensemble of A-listers.
Three childhood pals try to re-connect at a summer camp reunion in the comedy Summer Camp. Castille Landon, who pioneered the last three After films, writes and directs the movie. The three of pals is portrayed by gifted Kathy Bates, Diane Keaton, and Alfre Woodard among others in a superb cast. Summer Camp won't be for everyone even if the movie gets some chuckles and the third act is clearly better than the first two.
The film seeks to highlight Bates, Keaton, and Woodard's comic skills in an original setting. The movie struggles with a hurried and unimaginative narrative and pacing, though. Still, Summer Camp is a reasonable enough viewing with a good cast and a lighthearted concept.
