Very cute but also incredibly lacking. I generally love this genre of heartwarming film but Summer Camp was missing an anchor. The story was a bit uneven in pacing; some scenes seemed out of order, we could have flashed back to the younger campers a little more and I think it would have added to the emotional depth. The writing wasn't quite there and the acting also seemed flat for a large portion of the film. None of the emotion felt earned, it felt as though the audience was being told "this is an important moment" rather than feeling the important moments. There wasn't enough character development to really feel invested in the characters' journeys.
9 Reviews
It was...ok
bbickley13-921-586644 June 2024
So, Diane Keaton seems to relishing in this Oldpolation genre she's been doing for the past few years attempting to make old people seem like people too, but she went too far trying to make Eugene Levy look cool.
I personally liked the genre Myself and a few movies in it like 80 for Brady, but I will say this movie felt its age in the terms off the movement of the comedy felt as slow as the people performing it. No one seemed fast enough to set up a laugh properly.
I may feel differently if I was at the same age level as the cast members but like I said, other movies like Book Club seem to be more my speed.
Not saying the movie was a totally dud but I can't help to note my favorite humorous moments came from the young child actor turned young adult actor Josh Peck whose timing spoke of an actor who felt like he was in the movie. Also, Besty Sordo was good for some laughs and very good at assisting these old ladies with their delivery.
A little more effort and this flick could have been better.
I personally liked the genre Myself and a few movies in it like 80 for Brady, but I will say this movie felt its age in the terms off the movement of the comedy felt as slow as the people performing it. No one seemed fast enough to set up a laugh properly.
I may feel differently if I was at the same age level as the cast members but like I said, other movies like Book Club seem to be more my speed.
Not saying the movie was a totally dud but I can't help to note my favorite humorous moments came from the young child actor turned young adult actor Josh Peck whose timing spoke of an actor who felt like he was in the movie. Also, Besty Sordo was good for some laughs and very good at assisting these old ladies with their delivery.
A little more effort and this flick could have been better.
insulting and unfunny
ferguson-61 June 2024
Greetings again from the darkness. There is always space (and a need) for silly or mindless entertainment. But even that genre requires some skill and refinement, so as not to stoop to imbecilic. The Farelly brothers, the Monty Python troupe, Abrams & Zucker, and Mel Brooks all understood this when crafting a movie. Writer-director Castille Landon has been making movies for a while now, and it appears this concept has eluded her despite assembling her most well-known cast.
Camp Pinnacle was established in 1928 (according to the sign) and there is a group of young girls we see maneuvering through a traumatic first-time event for one of them who is not quite 11 years old. An older girl offers some very personal assistance, and a lifelong friendship begins among the three outcasts in Sassafras Cabin. Year after year, the girls return for a few weeks of camp shenanigans and bonding. We then jump ahead for the Camp's 50-year reunion (we assume this is 50-year reunion of the year these girls started attending and not 50 years for the camp itself, which would have put this at 1978).
Self-help guru (we don't use that word) Ginny Moon (Kathy Bates, Oscar winner MISERY, 1990) is the driving force behind organizing the reunion, and especially in getting her grown-up friends to attend. Mary (multi-Emmy winning Alfre Woodard) is a nurse, while Nora (Diane Keaton, Oscar winner ANNIE HALL, 1977) is a workaholic business owner. Personalities are quickly established. Ginny Moon has never married and rides around in a pink tour bus with her catchphrase, "Get Your S*** Together" plastered on the side. Mary is a talented nurse who is questioning her long marriage to her self-centered husband (Tom Wright). Nora is the type who uses her work as an excuse to avoid living a life.
Supporting roles are covered by Beverly D'Angelo, Betsy Sodaro, Josh Peck, Eugene Levy (as a love interest!), Dennis Haysbert, and Nicole Richie. There is really no reason to go in depth into what happens in this film. It seems obvious the filmmaker is hoping to capitalize on the success of recent films like BOOK CLUB and 80 FOR BRADY. The potential was certainly here, but the final product is simply insulting, belittling, and demeaning to women. Food fights and pillow fights may be camp staples, but inane dialogue and unbelievable situations and reactions make for painful viewing. Ms. Keaton, in particular, seems to mail in her performance with an overdose of her patented head shakes and sighs (and wardrobe). Ms. Bates and Ms. Woodard outclass her in every scene, with Ms. Woodard delivering the film's single best scene in her confrontation with her husband.
For years we have heard that the acting opportunities for older women are limited, and clearly there is an audience for stories about mature women. What's equally obvious is that these women deserve significantly better stories and better roles. Exploring the concept of finding one's self in life's later stages is a topic worth pursuing ... it's simply a concept that deserves better than this.
Opening May 31, 2024.
Camp Pinnacle was established in 1928 (according to the sign) and there is a group of young girls we see maneuvering through a traumatic first-time event for one of them who is not quite 11 years old. An older girl offers some very personal assistance, and a lifelong friendship begins among the three outcasts in Sassafras Cabin. Year after year, the girls return for a few weeks of camp shenanigans and bonding. We then jump ahead for the Camp's 50-year reunion (we assume this is 50-year reunion of the year these girls started attending and not 50 years for the camp itself, which would have put this at 1978).
Self-help guru (we don't use that word) Ginny Moon (Kathy Bates, Oscar winner MISERY, 1990) is the driving force behind organizing the reunion, and especially in getting her grown-up friends to attend. Mary (multi-Emmy winning Alfre Woodard) is a nurse, while Nora (Diane Keaton, Oscar winner ANNIE HALL, 1977) is a workaholic business owner. Personalities are quickly established. Ginny Moon has never married and rides around in a pink tour bus with her catchphrase, "Get Your S*** Together" plastered on the side. Mary is a talented nurse who is questioning her long marriage to her self-centered husband (Tom Wright). Nora is the type who uses her work as an excuse to avoid living a life.
Supporting roles are covered by Beverly D'Angelo, Betsy Sodaro, Josh Peck, Eugene Levy (as a love interest!), Dennis Haysbert, and Nicole Richie. There is really no reason to go in depth into what happens in this film. It seems obvious the filmmaker is hoping to capitalize on the success of recent films like BOOK CLUB and 80 FOR BRADY. The potential was certainly here, but the final product is simply insulting, belittling, and demeaning to women. Food fights and pillow fights may be camp staples, but inane dialogue and unbelievable situations and reactions make for painful viewing. Ms. Keaton, in particular, seems to mail in her performance with an overdose of her patented head shakes and sighs (and wardrobe). Ms. Bates and Ms. Woodard outclass her in every scene, with Ms. Woodard delivering the film's single best scene in her confrontation with her husband.
For years we have heard that the acting opportunities for older women are limited, and clearly there is an audience for stories about mature women. What's equally obvious is that these women deserve significantly better stories and better roles. Exploring the concept of finding one's self in life's later stages is a topic worth pursuing ... it's simply a concept that deserves better than this.
Opening May 31, 2024.
What a waste of time
rldsim1 June 2024
Couldn't finish it. Just terrible. It was supposed to be a funny movie. It wasn't funny at all. Cheap play, slow development,... did I say super slow development? 30 mins of commercials before the show and then that? Better off watching more of the commercials. Oh my! Please do not make Summer Camp 2! Following three main characters with one missing half the movie. I would rather be at a summer camp then endure that horrendous film for five minutes. Please whatever you do... DO NOT waste your time on this movie. Unfunny, boring, slooooooow, just terrible. So much wasted potential. The three young girls were great, no one else. Perhaps the writers forgot to add the punchlines... and the jokes.
Boring As Hell
jvsanders-628324 June 2024
Thought this would be a great comedy with such stars as Diane Keaton and Kathy Bates. I don't understand how they could agree to be in such a flop. I waited a whole BORING 30 minutes for it to get better and could not take anymore. There was no plot to the movie. Just about a bunch of old people getting together for a camp reunion. No laughs, no worthwhile conversations. I didn't care if I got my money back (which I did - $9.50 for a MATINEE!!!!) I just couldn't take anymore. Who was the boring idiot who wrote this screenplay? He/she should be shot! I was actually embarrassed for Kathy and Diane who were excellent in so many other movies. This was just a total waste of my time. I think I'll stick with Netflix and my old DVDs. They just make movies like they used to. In fact I'll probably never go to an actual theater again. The only thing about the whole ordeal waste popcorn!
An Adventurous Comedy About The Importance Of Having Strong Friendships And Taking Risks Together
rannynm1 June 2024
Summer Camp is an adventurous film targeted at an older audience. My favorite parts are the wardrobe, characters, and location - all of which make this super enjoyable.
Summer Camp is a comedic movie that follows a trio of best friends - Nora (Diane Keaton), Ginny (Kathy Bates) and Mary (Alfre Woodard) who met years ago while attending a summer camp together in their youth. Over the years, they've drifted apart due to lifestyle changes. So when the opportunity for a summer camp reunion arises, they all decide to go and relive the fond moments they used to share. Though a few bumps in their camp stay emerge, Nora, Ginny, and Mary all remember the importance of having strong friendships.
The wardrobe styling in this film is stellar. Costume designer, Maria Lorenzana, designed all of the characters' outfits so that they were not only tailored to each person but also represented specific characteristics of their personalities. For example, Nora's studious and reserved side is showcased by her wearing corporate colors, business suits, collared shirts and turtlenecks. Ginny's spunky and creative side is enhanced by her wearing vibrant colors, playful patterns, and big accessories. Mary's quiet and soft side is represented by her wearing simple outfits, solid color tops and soft fabrics.
I adore all of the characters in this film, however my personal favorite is Nora. I relate to her because she's very cautious before taking risks; she's the logical thinker in the group, and she has a passion for science. Diane Keaton plays this role so well and I love her performance throughout the film. Lastly this movie was primarily filmed at Camp Pinnacle located in North Carolina and the location is gorgeous. The sky-high shots of the vast mountains and rolling hills captured by cinematographer Karsten Gopinath are truly breathtaking.
This film's message is about the importance of having strong friendships and taking risks together. Be aware that the film does contain some cursing, inappropriate jokes, sexual themes, and some minor gore.
I give Summer Camp 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Look out for Summer Camp which releases in theaters May 31, 2024. By Tia O., KIDS FIRST!
Summer Camp is a comedic movie that follows a trio of best friends - Nora (Diane Keaton), Ginny (Kathy Bates) and Mary (Alfre Woodard) who met years ago while attending a summer camp together in their youth. Over the years, they've drifted apart due to lifestyle changes. So when the opportunity for a summer camp reunion arises, they all decide to go and relive the fond moments they used to share. Though a few bumps in their camp stay emerge, Nora, Ginny, and Mary all remember the importance of having strong friendships.
The wardrobe styling in this film is stellar. Costume designer, Maria Lorenzana, designed all of the characters' outfits so that they were not only tailored to each person but also represented specific characteristics of their personalities. For example, Nora's studious and reserved side is showcased by her wearing corporate colors, business suits, collared shirts and turtlenecks. Ginny's spunky and creative side is enhanced by her wearing vibrant colors, playful patterns, and big accessories. Mary's quiet and soft side is represented by her wearing simple outfits, solid color tops and soft fabrics.
I adore all of the characters in this film, however my personal favorite is Nora. I relate to her because she's very cautious before taking risks; she's the logical thinker in the group, and she has a passion for science. Diane Keaton plays this role so well and I love her performance throughout the film. Lastly this movie was primarily filmed at Camp Pinnacle located in North Carolina and the location is gorgeous. The sky-high shots of the vast mountains and rolling hills captured by cinematographer Karsten Gopinath are truly breathtaking.
This film's message is about the importance of having strong friendships and taking risks together. Be aware that the film does contain some cursing, inappropriate jokes, sexual themes, and some minor gore.
I give Summer Camp 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Look out for Summer Camp which releases in theaters May 31, 2024. By Tia O., KIDS FIRST!
Funnier than I thought!
xjymqh2 June 2024
After reading some negative reviews I was worried I'd hate it, but that wasn't the case at all. I laughed out loud throughout the entire movie. Story line was great, and easy to follow. The casting was perfect. What movie isn't good that has Kathy, Diane and Alfre in it? Their chemistry was as expected, cute and perfect. Also, not to mention Josh and Eugene are Two of the funniest guys in comedy so no disappointment there either. If you like funny, heartwarming movies, this is for you. Will definitely be watching it again, and will be recommending it to others! If they make a second I wouldn't be upset!
Went to see it, don't regret it!!
terrellisa1 June 2024
Wasn't as funny as I was hoping, but loved all the actors. Feel editing might have done it harm, possibly Ms. Keaton's choice to use her own personal wardrobe was a choice that did it harm, or one could look at her character as always the same and, therefore, making it amusing. I do not understand why she thinks hats that hide her face are ever becoming. Too me they seem too big and ill-fitting. Did her Mother ever tell her to stand-up straight and stop slouching? Kathy's choices were becoming to the character she was attempting to portray and Alfre's portrayal was total perfection. We thought Mr. Levy really looked handsome, too.
Well cast movie
slkanger-15 June 2024
I thought it was a pretty good movie. A little slow in a couple areas but all in all, we enjoyed it. Looked like a nice camp. Beautiful scenery. I never went away to a camp as a kid but my daughter did. She'd still has a couple of friendships she acquired at camp.
These girls were reliving their summer camps and seeing their secret crushes from many years ago. All in fun. Now I'm jealous that I never got to attend a camp.
We didn't regret seeing it. Enjoyable with many laughs. Only thing I wish is that Diane Keeton wore some funny outfits, with the big plaid fluffy skirts and big hats. Could have dressed her a little better. L.
These girls were reliving their summer camps and seeing their secret crushes from many years ago. All in fun. Now I'm jealous that I never got to attend a camp.
We didn't regret seeing it. Enjoyable with many laughs. Only thing I wish is that Diane Keeton wore some funny outfits, with the big plaid fluffy skirts and big hats. Could have dressed her a little better. L.
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