Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warm but unoriginal camp comedy models positive behavior.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Camp Hideout
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
What's the Story?
In CAMP HIDEOUT, teen Noah (Ethan Drew) gets in trouble and has to choose how to serve his time: juvenile detention or summer camp. He chooses the latter but also squeezes in one last job before jumping on the bus to Camp Deer Run. He may think he's done with his former associates, but they aren't done with him.
Is It Any Good?
If only wholesome, good-natured, clean comedy was all it took to produce high-quality family entertainment. Camp Hideout is incredibly well-intentioned, and it certainly has less sexuality, violence, and language than the hilarious-but-mature camp movies and Home Alone comedies it was clearly inspired by. Director Sean Olson tries to deliver the fun of both without the iffy content. But the humor isn't that funny, the script doesn't make much sense in the real world, story beats are left unresolved, and most kids will recognize it as more than just paying homage to the Macaulay Culkin classic.
Where the movie really shines is in breezily delivering its faith-based elements in a way that's likely to be accepted by both faith and secular audiences. The filmmakers eschew sermons in favor of having the characters practice what would be preached. A troubled teen finds himself surrounded by peers and aspirational young adults who model positive behavior; it rubs off on him, and he starts acting the same way. A popular hymn includes the line, "They will know we are Christians by our love," and in this lighthearted comedy, the campers and their counselors show what that really means.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Camp Hideout shows the power of friendship. Which friends would you want with you at summer camp?
How does it feel when you're in a new situation? Think about times when you've been welcomed and included rather than ignored or excluded. How can you make someone new feel comfortable?
How realistic is the way the campers handle the criminals? Do you think the slapstick violence is funny? How do you feel about laughing when someone gets hurt? Is it ever appropriate?
How do the characters demonstrate communication, empathy, and gratitude? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 15, 2023
- On DVD or streaming: October 24, 2023
- Cast: Corbin Bleu , Ethan Drew , Christopher Lloyd
- Director: Sean Olson
- Inclusion Information: Black actors, Multiracial actors
- Studio: Roadside Attractions
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Communication , Empathy , Gratitude
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: slapstick violence and thematic elements
- Last updated: September 24, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
What to Watch Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate