User reviews

I wanted to love this movie. With a cast like Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard you would expect this film to be damn near perfect or at least funny. But I am not going to blame the cast for this epic failure. It comes down to the writing. What is going on with writing scripts for actors of this generation of late, take for example the latest Book Club, which was another failure. Writers need to get their act together and start delivering decent scripts that do justice for these amazing actors. This really is not good enough. Like I said in the title, the best bits were the bloopers during the end credits. Such a disappointment.

I didn't have super high hopes for "Summer Camp" after seeing the trailer and poster. Sure, the cast features some promising actors, but the overall delivery is cheesy, poorly developed and at times boring...

Let's start with our three leading females. Alfre Woodard probably is the best of the three, as she tries her best to make use of the material. Kathy Bates (in a questionable wig) is fine, but the creative team could have given her so much more to do. And then there is Diane Keaton playing Diane Keaton. Diane - I love you, but it's time to break out of your shell a bit.

Finally, there are a few charming moments, but they are minimized by the lackluster screenplay and okay direction. This is a film for actors to collect a paycheck and have a little fun, but don't expect much substance.

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.

For a movie with such a talented, capable cast, with several Oscar/Emmy winners, this is an embarrassment. I don't remember even smiling during the entire film, especially as I sat fuming about how much I'd spent to waste my time. The price of admission was all that kept me from walking out, unlike several others sitting in front of me who had more sense. It was like someone said "Who wants to make a few bucks? It won't require much effort." It's not even worth wasting your time if someone picks it up for streaming. This could easily have been a hilarious, poignant movie but falls absolutely flat. Not even sure why I gave it 2 stars.

Summer Camp features a promising cast. Unfortunately they are brought down by weird plastic surgery, a strange cairacture supptoring role, and a food fight between 60-somethings, which would never happen. The most real parts of the movie were in the very first scenes, when the main characters were girls.

The premise makes me wish I could return to my summer camp days: sleeping in a cabin, making frieds with other girls, doing arts and crafts, waterfront, and campfire.

This script did nothing for these star players. Costuming was totally unrealistic as well. I would have fallen asleep if I was watching this at home; fortunately I was in a theater with food and a beer.

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.

Summer Camp (2024) is the latest dreadful film from Diane Keaton. This one is a total mess.

Yet another one of the old lady reunions, this time it's a reunion at a summer camp where, 60 years before, three gawky girls became friends. Wow. Over the next century they've grown apart. Wow. They all come back to camp and become friends again. Wow.

Keaton plays a PhD head of a research company ... but of course she's still the usual Keaton ditz. Kathy Bates plays a tough self-help guru with no private life, and Alfre Woodard plays a head nurse in a dead marriage. None of this really matters because at camp they flirt with the boys they knew 60 years before and have food fights and obsess about what they're going to wear. Written and directed by a 30-year-old female, these characters are totally stupid and unbelievable.

Bates and Woodard try but the material stinks. Keaton is especially irritating with all the same schtick from her Annie Hall days. There's also Eugene Levy and Dennis Haysbert and Beverly D'Angelo. By the book and boring.

Stuff like this does nothing to empower middle aged/ older women. Alfre Woodard was the best in the bunch, but everyone else's character was so two dimensional, and the actresses tiresomely typecast. Diane Keaton in menswear being neurotic and meek, Kathy Bates being outspoken and funky- just unimaginative. Then you add in the sigh worthy "money is no object" because one character is so rich and famous that things practically magically appear... hello, Hollywood, if you're listening, it's NOT RELATABLE. This is for grown women, If you want us to connect with it, stop with the fantasy of limitless materialistic indulgences.

I think SOMEONE thought this was a portrayal of "strong, independent women" but it's trite and superficial.

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.

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!

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!

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!

I wasn't expecting that much based on the Nott that Great reviews on IMDb. But I have to say I really enjoyed this movie and I find it difficult to find fault with it. Sure, it's not the greatest movie but it was really enjoyable entertaining and well acted.

For me, it just worked out really well. I found it funny and quirky and a good time. I take issue with the way a lot of people dumped on it - but that's OK, those are their opinions, and I'm glad I watched it. I liked the story/premise, the execution, the acting, and the dialog.

You really can't go wrong with Kathy Bates, first of all. She's always gonna be funny. And Diane Keaton is adorable.

Is it just me or does Diane Keaton not know how to play ANY other character types? My gosh, she is so one-dimensional. I cannot remember the last time I actually saw her act. She wears the same clothes, same glasses, same haircut, same sthick (Oh! Silly me!)... Yet Hollywood acts as if she's SO fabulous. Her movies are nothing but self-congratulatory fluff. Clearly Hollywood is desperate for new story lines. It's like watching re-runs over and over again. Mack and Rita? Puh-lease! The same neurotic character over and over and over! Stop already! Summer Camp? Really? Alfrie Woodard and Cathy Bates? Awesome.

There comes a time when story ideas seem to run out and then those involved need to save a project by employing some good actors and actresses.

This is one od those films that seem to belong to a second rate streaming service that you dont need to pay much money for.

The first few minutes where the young characters star is quite sweet. The rest of the fillm presents main characters are predictable and boring. The three leading female characters are boring and this is stories we have seen before. I am so tired of seeing Diane Keaton as a over achieving boss lady in turtleneck tops being all hysterical and pathetic at the same time. Jimmy and Vic are both irritating and just too over the top to be takes seriously as real people.

I feel like I've seen the film a few times before on the Hallmark channel with teenagers. This just doesn't cut it anymore. We expect better.

We should have, could have and would have. There comes a time when you should not.

Senior citizen comedies generally suck, and the exceptionally weak "Summer Camp" is no exception. Motivational speaker Kathy Bates pulls estranged pals Diane Keaton (sadly obligatory for this kinda fare) & Alfre Woodard to a 50yr reunion of their childhood summer camp (duh) with the likes of Eugene Levy, Dennis Haysbert, Beverly D'Angelo. Cue a bunch of 'hilarious' sequences (such as folk falling into food trays and/or out of rafts) as grievances are aired, lives are sorted, and everyone gets somewhat wiser (sigh). Experienced writer / director Castille Landon (who also has a supporting role) really pooped the bed on this one. So lame.

I am another who wanted to like this movie based on the actors. I love the friendship genre. I'm always down for a heartwarming comedy that isn't focused on romantic relationships as much. But this movie wasn't funny at all, except for the delightful Betsy Sodaro. I didn't laugh. I didn't cry. I didn't feel anything. I found Diane Keaton's character exceedingly grating with her constant ditsy lines and frequent and unnecessary shrieks at everything. I wanted her to be quiet and act like an actual educated scientist. Her acting/the character was such a put off for me that it ruined the entire movie. I would like to see Keaton in a more serious role to see if she can do anything else because this is such a schtick for her. Kathy Bates and Alfre W. Were okay. I think the writing was kinda just subpar here. The writers can't possibly be proud of this. I don't need to give spoilers because you can figure out what's going to happen immediately. Old friends who don't see each other enough gather. There's a conflict. They reconcile. Oops, did I give it away? Skip this one, guys.

Suffice to say, after forcing myself to watch it to the end, in case there should suddenly be any redeeming qualities... the first thing I did was warn my bestie NOT to bother watching it!

I really expect so much more from Kathy Bates. Eugene Levy - what did you do to your face, man?! Have you not SEEN Mickey Rourke?! Best actress in this? Nicole Ritchie! She was great. Best actor - that guy from the old Allstate commercials with the sexy voice! He was in some TV series, too - played the president in one, can't think of his name right now, but he's a tall, good-lookin rascal!

Still, don't waste your time...

My husband and I needed a light movie and found the trailer funny. I typically never turn a movie off mid story. This one I did. The acting was awful. The supporting character's story lines were awful. I have no idea what Eugene Levy was doing except straight faced reading lines. And Why oh Why was Diane Keaton wearing Annie Hall clothes and Hats?? Kathy Bates's character wasn't too bad until her campfire chat was belittling to other trite characters. And Alfie Woodard's character's husband showing out of no where for the "you need to get home and cook me a pie" attitude is so overdone. So, If you cherish these actors' award winning roles, Do not watch Summer Camp.

This was rough. I watched it when it was free and the ratings were a bit better. Now having seen it, I definitely wouldn't pay for it! I love these actresses but this was the slowest movie I have seen in a long time. I watched to the end thinking and hoping that it would get better. It never did. The ending was dull as well and didn't quite live up to everything it could have been. I'm not sure of everything that went wrong here but it was a lot. I hope to these three in action again, though I wonder if I would be a little gun shy. The lead in was probably the worst and I should have known right then not to waste the next two hours of my life.

I enjoyed this film, although some, according to the reviews, did not. The film is about a group of friends that formed a friendship 50 years ago at a childhood summer Camp. At first they all started out shy or aggressive and then after a few circumstances they became friends. Good friends that have become friends for life. While in some instances they did not become as successful as they wanted, they are all still at a level of good success. I think this film is a good film about what happens to different people in life. This is a great cast as well that all work together. I would definitely recommend this.

The actors are all likable, but the story is so weak and lame that even good actors could not save the movie. How are these kids from well to do families sending the summer camp grew up with all these psychological traumas? They were traumatized by life itself? They lived their whole life and just started to figure things out at old age? It's a very lazy story that seemed like it was written by a juvenile teenage girl. Also, many old guys don't just look for women of their own age, and this is typical fantasy that is purely fictional. I wasted $5.99 for this movie because someone in the family likes chick flicks.

Laurence Olivier was asked towards the end of his career why he was not more selective about the roles he was taking at the time. His honest answer, "it's for my grandchildren." If these actresses have a better answer I can't conjure it up.

This script and pretext makes zero use of the skills these actresses have risen to in the past. The only clear winner her is Levi who for the first time demonstrated he has acting chops above what he has been used for through most of his career. Josh Peck's voice brought back some fond memories of Bruno Kirby who I have good memories of; at times I thought I heard echoes of Bruno.

This was a script in search of a movie, that if it was to exist should have been filmed in Super 8 with no sound. This isn't worth your time, and I differ from other reviewers that the end-title outtakes have any worth at all; they don't even hint at what could have been, they just are. I close with the fact this is by far the most negative review I've ever been provoked to write; there's nothing redeeming in this. One can only hope these ladies take a queue from Harrison Ford and others who wait (even when Spielberg is calling), and wait, and pass up inferior offers, unless they, like Olivier, are more concerned about their descendants than the audience or much less honoring their profession and past achievements.

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.

When you have a movie with Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Eugene Levy and Dennis Haysbert, you ought to get a movie worth watching. Keaton, sadly, has decided to spend the last of her career basically making the same movie over and over. Nothing changes. Bates looks terrible, showing the effects of her illnesses. At least she and Woodard try to inject something into their parts, but it doesn't work. The dialogue is insipid, which makes it worse. This type of movie can be fun. 80 for Brady with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Rita Moreno proves that. I was hoping to really enjoy this movie, but it was easy to do other things while it was on the TV. I'm glad I already pay for the streaming service I watched it on and didn't pay extra to go to a theater.