Magic Camp

Case study in how having access to one of the top studios on the planet means squat when faced with a terrible script that relies too much on stereotypes and cliches, and never gives the cast a chance to shine.

Magic Camp (3 out of 5 stars).

Magic Camp is a fair family comedy film about a washed out magician Andy (Adam Devine) is invited to coach a group of kids who want to be magicians. While his former partner Kristina (Gillian Jacobs) is coaching a rivalry team and trying to compete on being the better magicians.

The plot is fun. It is predictable and cliche. Andy and Kristina working against each other in teaching kids. You can predict how the story will play out. Plus with a sub plot of young Theo who wants to be a magician after his father inspired him. And the only thing he has left from his father is a deck of cards.

The cast is fun and cute. It does have some fun humor from the likable Adam DeVine. Definitely worth checking out.

This is an utterly meh movie. Most of the jokes are not funny, and some of the characters are lifeless. Still, I've seen worse movies.

Hardcore "School of Rock" vibes, with Devine basically doing a full-on poor man's impression of Jack Black. It's nowhere near the inspired fun of that comedy classic, and there's not nearly enough actual, practical, impressive magic (until the final performance). Still, the fun cast of kid characters and unexpected sweetness make it a worthwhile watch for anyone with kids...my 7-year-old was OBSESSED. Again though...if it's an option, just (re-)watch the far superior School of Rock instead.

We struggle to find movies that both our kids and us parents will enjoy. Saw this on Disney+ and watched just for Adem Devine. It's a cute movie and made our kids interested in magic. Jeffrey Tambor is really good. Adam Devine mimics Jack Black's "School of Rock" performance almost exactly. Worth watching though a bit formulaic and predictable.