Camp Takota

Movie review by Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media
Camp Takota Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Uninspired summer camp tale with YouTube personalities.

NR 2014 95 minutes
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 3 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Camp Takota is a well-intentioned love letter to summer camp produced by and starring the popular YouTube personalities behind "My Drunk Kitchen," "DailyGrace," and "You Deserve a Drink." As you would expect, it frequently shows drinking and drunk behavior, usually as a release or escape, sometimes played for laughs, and overall it's glamorized as harmless fun for adults. There's frank sex talk and lots of innuendo. Language is mild overall, but "s--t" is used several times; "bitch" and "bulls--t" are used once each. Expect some middle-finger gestures. Older campers sneak cigarettes. Body-function humor surfaces in several bed-wetting jokes, and "maxi pad" is used as a nickname several times.

Community Reviews

Shiela T.
Shiela T. Adult
January 9, 2018
age 11+

CAMP TAKOTA RULES MY WORLD!!!!

A wholesome family movie that will not only make you laugh uncontrollably, but also make you cry. Despite the alcohol, it is the type of movie that can be enjoyed by a whole family. It is something that will touch everyone. It reminds me of my own days at camp. I often find myself watching this film and immediately messaging my camp girls. You will not regret watching this breathtaking film. Lastly to the actors, thank you for filling my home three times a week with uncontrollable joy.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
MomNom
MomNom Adult
October 23, 2017
age 14+

Emotionally Uneven Movie, But I Still Totally Loved it! Boop Boop!

As a HUGE fan of Hannah Hart, I really wanted to see this movie. I really wanted to love it... but I was also really afraid that I wouldn't. Ultimately, I did love it and I'm glad I watched it. First off, let's be real... this movie is not Oscar-worthy nor a cinematic masterpiece, so don't expect that or compare it to those that are. But this movie is definitely fun, sweet, a bit raunchy, a bit campy (see what I did there?), and a great testament to the power of friendship... and it's shot and scored really beautifully as well. My one real issue with the movie is that it's a bit emotionally uneven. The scenes with Grace felt like a romantic dramedy, the scenes with Mamrie felt like a farce or parody of camp movies (to her credit, actually... I believe this was the director's intent), and the scenes with Hannah were too few and far between, heyo! If you're a fan of Hannah, Mamrie and/or Grace, I highly recommend it. If not... I recommend you check out their YouTube channels (MyHarto, Mamrie Hart, and Grace Helbig) first to test the waters to see if you like their humor. If you like what you see there, you'll love diving into this charming story told only as the Holy Trinity of YouTube could tell it. Seriously, these ladies are the best! *Please note that although the movie takes place at a children's summer camp and is not rated, this is definitely not a children's movie and (in my opinion) would be a solid PG-13 if released to theatres or TV-14 if shown on TV. Multiple scenes include sexual references, drinking alcohol, some language, and some questionable puns. I recommend previewing the movie before sharing with your minor children.* Have a great day!
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

With Elise's (Grace Helbig) career and love life in ruins, she decides to get away from things for a while by taking a job as a counselor at Camp Takota, where she was a camper herself. While she's there she reconnects with her two best friends from camp, Allison (Hannha Hart) and Maxine (Mamrie Hart), who are now staffers themselves. Elise starts to heal and get back to her old self, thanks to the support of her old friends and thanks to the handsome farmer who lives nearby and supplies fresh produce to the camp kitchens. But this may be the last summer for Camp Takota. If they can't get enrollment up for next year, the camp will be torn down by the owner's slimy son. Can the three friends save Camp Takota -- and themselves?

Is It Any Good?

Although well-intentioned, CAMP TAKOTA does way too much telling and not enough showing. The special bond that comes from being at camp together is mentioned a lot, but we rarely get to see it actually happening, and overall the movie falls emotionally flat. Fans of summer camp who've already experienced this unique feeling may be disappointed in the pale reflections presented here. Fans of Grace Helbig and Hannah and Mamrie Hart may be disappointed, too, because the three actresses play characters -- with varying levels of success -- who are very different from their YouTube channel personas. The jokes will mostly resonate with young adults -- also to varying degrees of success. Pass.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about summer camp. Have you ever been to sleepaway camp? Does this movie make you want to go to summer camp?

  • Camp Takota makes drinking look pretty fun. What's the harm in movies showing that kind of attitude toward alcohol?

  • Why do you think popular YouTube personalities made this movie? Why not just keep doing YouTube shows?

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