Summer Camp Was Never Like This...Or Was It? "Meatballs"

Meatballs (1979)

Rated PG

Starring Bill Murray, Chris Makepeace, Harvey Atkin,

Directed by Ivan Reitman

The Story:

Welcome to Camp North Star! Under the guidance of Morty (Atkin), the Camp Director, Tripper (Murray) is the head counselor who takes a ragtag group of Counselors-In-Training and guides them through the summer of romancing the other counselors, taking care of the kids, and trying to finally beat the rival campers from Camp Mohawk.

A classic comedy?
A cult comedy?

I'll let you be the judge, I guess it depends on when/if you ever got around to seeing it.

The film is notable for many reasons:

1) Bill Murray's first starring role in a movie.
2) Ivan Reitman's first big hit.
3) Harold Ramis co-wrote the film.
4) Reitman, Ramis & Murray teaming up for the first time for the first of 3 classic comedies.
5) David Naughton's "Making It" on the soundtrack.

:)

On top of all of those reasons, the biggest one is that the film was well-made, and aside from some fashion sense and a few jokes, the movie remains timeless in its telling.

Rudy (Makepeace) is a bit glum and over-the-top in how his self esteem plays such a crucial role in the movie.  Quit your whining, get back to the antics, but he provides a bit of grounding and heart to the otherwise fast-paced, comedic bits that litter the landscape.

Also, this movie could have easily gone for an R rating, but wisely stuck to the PG rating making the film much friendlier to the family and thus broadening the appeal.

Other movies should remember that lesson.

That's why Meatballs continues to amuse 35 years later.

That, and the constant movement of Morty's cot while he's sleeping. :)

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: It's been probably close to a decade since I last watched it. I'll have to break it out much sooner next time.