9 Great Movies About Summer Camp

1. Wet Hot American Summer

wet american You know a camp movie is something special when everyone you talk to claims it was based on their camp. Enter the underrated and undervalued Wet Hot American Summer. Taking place on the last day of camp, this story follows a number of campers and staff as they tie up the loose ends from their summer from making friends to getting the girl. For realism this is the exception that proves the rule. The is a heightened sense of truth in the zaniness exuded by the counselors. Staff may jeopardize the safety of their campers in order to flirt with members of the opposite sex, but rarely did a child drown so staff like Paul Rudd could aggressively make out with hottie Elizabeth Banks. Kids put a lot of effort into their talent show acts, but I personally never saw anyone change the laws of physics and nature. This is perhaps most noticeable when Michael Showalter's frustrated character confesses his love to his long sought after crush. She candidly and hilariously responds, "I've thought about it, and my thing is this: Andy is really hot. And don't get me wrong, you're cute too, but Andy is like, cut. From marble. He's gorgeous. He has this beautiful face and this incredible body, and I genuinely don't care that he's kinda lame. I don't even care that he cheats on me. I like you more than I like Andy, Coop, but I'm 16. And maybe it'll be a different story when I'm ready to get married, but right now, I am entirely about sex...Specifically with Andy, and not with you." Haven't we all been that guy wanting to shake this girl and make her realize what she is doing to herself? What this movie does get correct though is the joy that is possible with camp. Even kids that feel rejected can find their group and have a memorable summer. And that is what camp is all about. As a movie, this stands up to multiple viewings and is so layered that I still find new things to appreciate when I watch it today. Supposedly the making of the film was much like a summer away, and with a star studded cast of comedic talent, I would happily sign myself up...but not my child.
Contributor
Contributor

David is an educator and writer from the Philadelphia area. In spite of loving parents, he was largely raised by television and movies.