Family Camp

There are many genres that Hollywood produces not only of the types of films, but also the different subject matter. The subject of camps, whether in summer or not, have been produced in genres including drama, comedy, even horror in many films. Some can be handled in creative ways adding fresh ideas, however "Family Camp", albeit a fair attempt, took all the pratfalls from the playbook and ended up not overly original. 

When their pastor, Dave (Mark Christopher Lawrence) encourages the congregation to sign up for a week at family camp, Grace Ackerman (Leigh-Allyn Baker) believes that she's found the perfect cure for her imperfect clan, including husband Tommy (Tommy Woodward), daughter Hannah (Cece Kelly) and son Henry (Jacob M. Wade), even if they'd all rather be anywhere else than at rustic Camp Katokwah. There, they end up competing for the elusive yearly trophy from reining family champs comprised of Eddie Sanders (Eddie James), wife Victoria (Gigi Orsillo) and their kids. This is a laugh-out-loud comedy that is sure to touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family member from eight to eighty. 

Others to round out the cast are Elias Kemuel as Ed Jr. Sanders, Keslee Blalock as Barb Sanders, Robert Amaya as Joel, Heather Land as Cookie, Myke Holmes as Slim, Weston Vrooman as Beef and Brandon Potter as Bramberger. 

This was adequately directed by a virtual new comer to feature films, Brian Cates (TV mini series and shorts). Although this filmmaker is totally new to feature films, he certainly has a strong ability to extract the emotions needed from his actors to give us that feeling of empathizing with the pitfalls of each character. His shorts work has served him well. However, where the directing was effective, the writing from Cates and Rene Gutteridge ("Skid" '15, "Love's Complicated"(novel: "My Life As A Dormat") '16)plus a TV mini series and shorts was not overly original. Considering that there have been many other 'camp' films produced i.e. "Meatballs" '79, "Summer Camp" '79,"Camp" '03, "Couples Retreat" '09 and the like, it becomes progressively difficult to write a screenplay that's fresh and original. Sure, for the movie it was, it allowed the audience to escape into humor, some great pratfalls all while climaxing to an ultimate message as the film reaches a closing, which makes it a worthwhile family film. Again, considering the minimal experience, this was an admiral attempt at screenwriting. Given more experience, these writers could tackle films with more expertise with each and every film they create. They were certainly able to create a stable sequence of how the film flowed; it just needed a bit more polish. 

If you like family/inspirational films, this will certainly hit home. It has humor, some light drama, all with a very family oriented message in which to allow the audience to realize that we can definitely connect which is and can be a problem, especially in this troubled world in which we live. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2,5                                                Rated: PG                                              112mins.