Arrête de ramer, t'es sur le sable

'Meatballs' is a nice and surprisingly, bittersweet film. It remains every bit as fresh, funny and entertaining as the day it was first released. Forget the sleazy in-name only "sequels". This is the one-and-only, the original. It is a very good-natured and uplifting film. It makes and leaves you feeling good, but a little bit sad when it is over. It perfectly captures the experiences of being a kid, summer camp, camping and growing-up. It also captures just as well the memories made by making friends and having a good time and the pain of having to say goodbye. There are many memorably funny moments and even some touching ones, as well. It is unthinkable how anyone could not like this film or give it bad reviews. Having grown-up in the late 1970's, it is a nice trip to the past and fond memories of summers gone-by. I highly recommend this warm, charming and upbeat film. Don't miss it!

Probably of more appeal to those who went to summer camp during the 70s and 80s, the value is high for anyone seeking a hit of nostalgia. It's more amusing than laugh out loud funny, and the plot follows a standard road in a fairly loose fashion. Bill Murray in his first starring role makes this a more interesting watch, as does the realisation that it was filmed during an actual camp season.

Twenty something camp counselors stumbled through their responsibilities and let their libidos run wild. Not much in the substance department but the key is Meatballs was one of the first films of the raunchy comedy genre. Another likely first is the Spaz character, the stereotypical nerd with the taped glasses. This type of character ended up in countless teen comedies. Bill Murray is gold and there are plenty of laughs as well as some touching moments. Lots of nostalgia here for me.

.... It just doesn't matter....

I haven't seen this move in about 15 years, but I remember it well, and I remember loving it!!! The fact that I can still quote many, many lines in this film, says a lot. I loved the campfire story.... "and there hanging in the door covered with blood...." and the way the poor camp director was always waking up in weird places. I still smile when I think about it. I have to rent it, to see if It still makes me laugh out loud (I was only 15-16 years old when I last saw it, my since of humor might have changed), But I really remember it being on of Bill Murray's best.

Seeing this movie always reminds me of what I remember summer being like, God! such a long time ago. The entire scene involving the "overnight", from the canoe procession to the end of the trip, is precious, and Tripper's story about the homicidal maniac is urban legend right out of my youth. A highly entertaining movie, made many times better by the awful sequels that followed.