Summer Camp

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.