Whether you?re a summer camp survivor or you just like to watch it on the big screen, this is a list with more range and dexterity than Bill Murray in a three-legged race. That may not be saying much, but, to be honest, we don?t watch these movies for their depth of emotional subtlety or artistic merit. We watch summer camp movies because it?s summer, and we wanna have some fun!
10. The Parent Trap
No summer camp movie list would be complete without The Parent Trap, that wacky classic about those busybody twins who just can?t help but try to fix the world (or at least their little part of it). It's full of great throwback dialogue between Hayley Mills and herself ? that?s right, I?m talking about the original 1961 version of this film. The 1991 version is worth a watch, too, with Dennis Quaid (The Big Easy) and Natasha Richardson. Writer/director of the original, David Swift, also had a hand in writing the remake.
9. Indian Summer
Director Mike Binder?s Indian Summer is a refreshing story about adults who return to their childhood Camp Tamakwa to try to save it from being shut down. For those who enjoyed summer camp growing up, this movie will bring back all those happy memories. Stars Alan Arkin (Get Smart, Little Miss Sunshine) and summer camp movie veteran Matt Craven (Meatballs).
8. Summercamp!
For a great documentary on the summer camp experience, watch Summercamp! from co-directors Bradley Beesley and Sarah Price. Humorous and poignant, this film follows two campers for three weeks as they endure the unique challenges at their camp in Wisconsin. A hit at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival and featuring a soundtrack by The Flaming Lips, this flick is a keeper.
7. Summer Camp Nightmare
If you?re looking for a movie so bad it?s good, check out Summer Camp Nightmare. Bert L. Dragin directed this 80s thriller to the delight of teens everywhere. When the campers kill the director and lock up the counselors, the nightmare has only just begun. Stars B movie tough guy Chuck Connors (Old Yeller, Flipper).
6. The Best Way to Walk
Try summer camp in France with a twist and watch The Best Way to Walk (1976). Writer/director Claude Miller?s first film is a psychological thriller about two camp counselors who have an affair, played by Patrick Dewaere (Hotel American) and Patrick Bouchitey (Imposture).
5. Camp Nowhere
Camp Nowhere (1994) is a great kid movie. Full of punchy jokes and silliness, director Jonathan Prince takes viewers into a kid-centric universe, where campers get to do whatever they want ? even eat candy! Starring the ubiquitous Christopher Lloyd, best known for his mad scientist role in the Back to the Future movies.
4. Camp Cucamonga
Just in case you thought we were getting too highbrow, we?ve included made-for-TV-movie Camp Cucamonga a.k.a How I Spent My Summer, from Brady Bunch director Roger Duchowny and starring John Ratzenberger (WALL?E, Ratatouille), Jennifer Aniston, and Danica McKellar (Inspector Mom).
3. Camp
For a more sophisticated bit of cinema, check out writer/director Todd Graff?s independent flick Camp about a performing arts camp for talented kids a la Fame. Nominated for a Sundance Jury Prize in 2003, this film has stood the test of time gracefully. Stars include Daniel Letterle (Ethan Green) and Robin de Jesus (Fat Girls, Pet the Goat), as well as Joanna Chilcoat?s feature debut.
2. Wet, Hot American Summer
While I?m being sassy, let me recommend Wet Hot American Summer, writer/director David Wain?s fantastical summer camp vision. Not only does this flick star the uber-fabulous Janeane Garofalo (The Truth About Cats and Dogs, Reality Bites), but it also boasts David Hyde Pierce of Frasier fame.
1. Meatballs
Nothing beats the summertime blues like Meatballs, starring the illimitable Bill Murray in those late 70s short shorts. From the opening scene gags to the heartwarming finish, this flick is summer through and through. For the hardcore fans out there, I hear there are sequels to this movie. Could just be a nasty rumor. I don?t know. You tell me.
