Character makes up half
of the film’s appeal, and while some of the kids’ personalities
seem a tad stereotypical, most are creatively quirky and their performances
feel more genuine than those found in typical mischievous children’s
movies. Most often their reactions alone garner the laughs and provide
a refreshing nostalgia for those with similar childhood raucousness
and mishaps (though hopefully the crashing school bus was a work
of pure fiction). Cuba Gooding Jr. adequately replaces Eddie Murphy
as Charlie Hinton and may even be better suited for the role as
his demeanor gravitates more towards overprotective father than
animated obnoxiousness. Speaking of obnoxious personalities, the
film’s antagonist Lance Warner hordes enough screen time to
become just that, though his energy and brazen sarcasm balance out
the immaturity so his character doesn’t outstay his welcome.
And before he can get too carried away, his sidekick “son”
always manages to step in to handle the silliest taunts, which often
results in some of the more ironically humorous segments in the
film.
Daddy Day Camp skirts the overly preachy approach and sticks
mainly to the childish fun, a credit to director Fred Savage and
his goal of entertainment first. Of course there are lessons to
be learned, but most take a backseat to the hijinks and don’t
feel fully realized upon a more careful examination. While there
are still a few tired speeches and a less-than-original storyline,
for the most part the misadventures stay amusing and the film
never drowns in overly emotional waters. Egging raids, hazardous
animals, and cheerfully preposterous montages sustain the lighthearted
atmosphere, which might make you wish you were a kid again so
you could more readily accept and appreciate the nonstop shenanigans,
or perhaps relieved not to become enthralled by such absurdity.
Either way it’s a shame the plot doesn’t dare tread
in anything more ambitious than what’s expected.
Though Daddy Day Camp benefits from authentically unruly child
performances and an appropriate turn by the film’s adults,
the rather rehashed plotline will likely not appeal to older audiences.
And because the film specifically caters towards the younger crowd,
don’t expect any hidden innuendo or disguised adult humor
a la Shrek. However, this Camp will certainly appease its real
target audience with a likeable cast, silly slapstick pranks,
and over-the-top villain. It may be wiser to drop the kids off
rather than stay yourself (depending on how much of your inner
child is still alive) but the lighthearted tone and commendable
morals make this camp accessible to more than just kids.
- Joel Massie
