The camping trip got canceled because the bus driver was caught high on drugs, and Rami’s mother, Patri, decided to save the day. However, there is more to this story. Unfortunately for Patri, her son is contemplating moving in with his ex-husband. When she decided to interrupt her son’s me time, it became necessary for Patri to figure out how to get her son to like her again. This ironic comedy, or coming-of-age story is aptly dubbed “Camp Crasher.” It’s ironically about learning to deal with pre-teen children, while also embracing the truth that they need space to grow independently. I think Camp Crasher is quite an admirable family film that can easily be on your holiday watchlist if you’ve got some pre-teens around. I find it puzzling that I might not be the target audience for the film, but one can’t help but enjoy it because, well, I’ve also been a pre-teen. While some of Rami’s feelings stem solely from his relationship with his mom, many of those emotions are universal and the same goes for Patri.
As a mother coping with her son resenting her, she is also simply exhausted from enduring a life she never really chose, but just sort of drifted into living.
As much as I would want to praise this film, there are quite a few things I will need to address before carrying on with the good. For one, I think the film takes too long to pick up, and the first half is a little bit incohesive, which makes it kind of boring. The amount of things that are happening makes it so that you don’t get the chance to focus on a single plot line, which is too distracting, so you might end up getting bored. Trust me, I felt that way too, but after the camp activities started, I quite frankly enjoyed the film a lot more. As always, Natalia Oreiro definitely carries this film on her shoulders as Patri. Although the film follows a rather simplistic narrative, there is so much of what she does that feels very precious and poignant. Most people won’t appreciate that, but for me, it was enough to say that I actually did enjoy the film.
This is the very definition of a parents and children watch together type of movie.
It’s unlikely that children would appreciate this film on their own, but rather mothers who might relate to Patri’s situation. The Spanish-language film is about an hour and thirty minutes long, and once the film picks up, it moves at a rapid pace. I can’t tell why, but something about the film feels very derivative of other movies, but I can’t identify what those movies are. I do, however, recall one scene quite similar to the one with Chloe who ‘shower bombs’ Beca in Pitch Perfect. Naturally, this is yet another camp movie, so it is laden with familiar tropes. It’s a story of friendships, dealing with bullies, discovering oneself, and growing up but like I said it’s an adult coming-of-age story, and I must add that most of these things I just mentioned here are what Patri goes through as well.
To be honest, I don’t think Patri was as controlling as they made her out to be, and I didn’t really enjoy the quote-unquote “battle” the two mothers were engaged in at the camp, which felt rather dull.
Nonetheless, the second half of the movie somewhat redeems the film (for me, at least). Even so, I still wanted it to head in a differently-of-directed compass. With that being said, the reason the film is worth watching is the final act, and I suppose everything else is forgiven after that. This is no exceptional dramatization or Oscar-worthy lines; it is no Boyhood, but it nevertheless includes relatable, emotional elements for anyone, and honestly, that’s enough. What makes this film endearing is its hopeful ending, making it an ideal movie for the holiday season.
Sure, the adults put up a good performance, but the kids kill it in this one. I found Luz especially admirable and her character arc was really well done. She is a great character, and I would have enjoyed seeing more of her dynamic with Rami. But I suppose it’s Rami’s film, and Milo Lis is perpetually furious as his mother is constantly criticizing him for, well, demanding to know why he hasn’t taken a shower. Why should he shower though? Let the kid breathe. All jokes aside, Rami and Patri have amazing chemistry, and that’s the strength of the film. It is sweet and adorable, there isn’t much else to it, and that’s perfectly fine.
I’m not a Christmas movie person by any means, but forgive me if I’m wrong, this does not seem like your run-of-the-mill holiday film with Christmas lights and the snow.
No, the holidays are not portrayed in the film in any way, albeit the spirit of the holidays is visible through Patri and Rami’s evolving bond. The film has a little of everything added to it comical scenes, flashes of romance, thrilling moments, so to say it all, it is like an all-round cricketer when he comes in at number 5. It is not a masterpiece, but a step in the right direction is made and it is a decent flick if you get my drift.
I mean, for a family-friendly film, which I must say is not easy to come by these days, I would in fact encourage everyone to watch this movie dubbed Camp Crasher. It does pack a lot of learning in there not limited to kids, but adults too, which is what makes it more enjoyable. Not to mention, the movie has an original song that is quite sweet and has the potential to be stuck in your head. I recommend watching the movie in Spanish, and this would be great if the kiddos watching it are learning the language. For now, I would rate Camp Crasher. It is not remarkable, but in the midst of all the family-oriented movies that have been coming out recently, it stands above average.
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