Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this film shows boys bullying others both physically and verbally, a girl is harassed by her mother for being overweight, kids lie to their parents, and there are many scenes of sexually suggestive behavior. The film does tackle important topics that are relatable to burgeoning adolescents about physical changes in the body and relationships with parents and peers.
Families who see this movie might talk about what these kids really wanted all along; that is, to have some downtime over the summer and how to avoid the dangers of being "over scheduled" in today's busy world. Also, discussion topics may include how kids could design a camp that is equally fun and has some independence from adults but is also safe for all.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
The message is clear. Kids need downtime. Morris "Mud" Himmel is no exception. He's a bright kid in junior high who has befriended the school bully, a wealthy female classmate, and a brainy girl who is constantly reminded that she's overweight. All of their parents want them to go to summer sleep-away camps that will "improve" them in one way or another. Mud figures out a way to raise money and rent an unused hippie commune with the help of an ex-drama coach played by Christopher Lloyd. They trick the parents into thinking they've gone to their parent-chosen camp when really they spend eight weeks on their own with no rules, adults, or structure. Word gets out about this plan and others kids join into the mayhem. It turns into party central.
This film touches on relatable topics for junior high-aged kids about their changing physical selves, becoming attracted to others, and having frustration with parents and authority. Unfortunately it plays out by these kids lying to the parents and all the social pressures felt at school continuing through the hierarchy of power amongst the kids.
The climatic scene is not when the parents discover the lies of their young teens but when Mud comes forward and admits it was his idea. Here is a lesson that kids can take from this movie: the importance of standing up and taking responsibility for one's own actions.
Christopher Lloyd fans will enjoy him at his best in the scene where he takes on different personas to tempt parents into sending their kids to this camp. With offensive name calling and sexual undertones, it's a film that is poorly executed about kids wanting independence and to have fun and progress through the oh-so-memorable challenges of the middle childhood years.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentScenes of scantily clad girls. Boys and girls kiss. One shot of boy's suitcase packed with sexually explicit magazines and discussions of nudity. |
 |
|||
ViolenceSchoolyard threats of "flushing head in toilet." Parent threatens to hurt son if he doesn't answer phone. Mock war scene. |
|
|||
LanguageDegradation of peers. Examples include: "Yo, Turd," "Sniff my butt, toe-breath." |
|
|||
Message |
 |
|||
Social BehaviorParents are depicted as self-involved. Main adult character irresponsibly provides camp space for junior high aged kids to stay. Unclear whether he buys beer for kids or not. |
 |
|||
Commercialism |
 |
|||
Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoUnderage boy trying to buy beer. |
 |
|||
