This is a made-for-TV movie from a delicious time period. NBC was putting their TV series' stars, mostly the teens, into fluffy TV movies sharing audiences and marketing costs (same concept as "Hope & Faith" being and "Regis & Kelly"). I encourage everyone to seek these out, though some (like CLASS CRUISE starring Billy Warlock) have simply disappeared. The best, in my opinion, are DANCE 'TIL DAWN and CAMP CUCAMONGA (both now available on DVD). Where else can you see Candace Cameron, Chad Allen, Jennifer Aniston, Jaleel White (Steve Urkel to those in the know), Paul from "The Wonder Years", Winnie from "The Wonder Years", Eric from "Head of the Class", and Sherman Hemsley all in the same place? Inarguably the most memorable moment is the fantastic rap video performed by the kids, "Camp Cucamonga is the place that's hip!"
20 Reviews
Oh Dear Lord...
raimi318 September 2009
First off, if you are looking for that movie that you saw on TV in the early 90's that had a slew of TV stars of the time, including Jaleel White not playing a nerd, then you have found that movie. Secondly, it's not as good as you remember it.
This movie can best be described as a can of goofy spray cheese. There are several moments of historically incredible embarrassment, including Candace Cameron giving a speech on coming to terms with the fact that her love flame from last summer is now just giving off sparks, a goofy Brian Robbins trying to be cool, and Chad Allen as the "hunk". But it all comes to orgasmic cheese fruition in one of the most spectacular dumps TV has ever taken on us viewers. I am, of course, referring to the ending when the campers come up with a way to save the camp by making a music video as an advertisement. The song will haunt you for years. I haven't seen this movie since 1997 and it still echoes in my thoughts.
Anyway, with all that said, this movie is a fun little time capsule to the years of trapper keepers, acid wash jeans, and snap bracelets...let alone all the sitcoms that festered in the TV airwaves at the time. If you want to have a good time making fun of a movie, or if you like fluff along the lines of Hannah Montana and The Suite Life, this should be a real treat for you. If not, you're in for a very long hour and a half.
This movie can best be described as a can of goofy spray cheese. There are several moments of historically incredible embarrassment, including Candace Cameron giving a speech on coming to terms with the fact that her love flame from last summer is now just giving off sparks, a goofy Brian Robbins trying to be cool, and Chad Allen as the "hunk". But it all comes to orgasmic cheese fruition in one of the most spectacular dumps TV has ever taken on us viewers. I am, of course, referring to the ending when the campers come up with a way to save the camp by making a music video as an advertisement. The song will haunt you for years. I haven't seen this movie since 1997 and it still echoes in my thoughts.
Anyway, with all that said, this movie is a fun little time capsule to the years of trapper keepers, acid wash jeans, and snap bracelets...let alone all the sitcoms that festered in the TV airwaves at the time. If you want to have a good time making fun of a movie, or if you like fluff along the lines of Hannah Montana and The Suite Life, this should be a real treat for you. If not, you're in for a very long hour and a half.
A fascinating artifact of the 1980s.
jdollak6 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I have mixed feelings about Camp Cucamonga. On the plus side, it's got a huge amount of recognizable faces. It's packed with 80s fashion. In fact, it's oozing 80s at every turn. There's even a conspicuous reference to Bo Jackson.
On the negative side, it's overly predictable. It broadcasts everything that happens - except for the very end - well in advance. The script is absurd in how little character development happens. Characters are caricatures.
I find it easiest to write about this movie by comparing it to my favorite camp movie, Poison Ivy (1985). Poison Ivy contains most of the same elements as Camp Cucamonga - the fat kid - the inept camp director - the shy kid who eventually succeeds and wins friends (CC actually splits this into two parts) - a counselor romance between a responsible female and a philandering male, which involves the male letting go of his womanizing ways. - the athlete - color war / battle of the bunks - breaking into the cabin of the camp director and enjoying their food. - spying on the girls, hoping to 'sneak a peak'
The biggest problem is that everything that happens in Camp Cucamonga is over-the-top. There isn't anything incidental. One of my favorite scenes in Poison Ivy is at night, when we just see a series of short conversations around the boy's bunk. The conversations establish character, but they aren't written to be overly witty.
The direction is a little annoying. Like everything else in the movie, it's saturated with 80s stylistic choices. Some off-center angles, some fast cuts. and overly close shots on certain characters, particularly Candace Cameron, who comes across looking like Miss Piggy - overdone hair and lipstick, and her face is made to look much wider than usual in these closeups.
The movie isn't as enjoyable in any serious way, which is a real weakness when it comes to guilty pleasure movies. This is, however an important artifact because of the incredible cast that was assembled.
This movie is most likely to resonate well with people who got to see this when it originally aired, but it's a fascinating look into the 80s, and as such, is worth some attention.
The movie itself is unremarkable. No special performances, no clever writing or insightful work. But it's fun enough to keep your attention for an hour and a half.
As it has been remarked, the rap video is sort of a jaw-dropping moment. Look it up on youtube, and that will let you know if you need to see the rest of the movie.
On the negative side, it's overly predictable. It broadcasts everything that happens - except for the very end - well in advance. The script is absurd in how little character development happens. Characters are caricatures.
I find it easiest to write about this movie by comparing it to my favorite camp movie, Poison Ivy (1985). Poison Ivy contains most of the same elements as Camp Cucamonga - the fat kid - the inept camp director - the shy kid who eventually succeeds and wins friends (CC actually splits this into two parts) - a counselor romance between a responsible female and a philandering male, which involves the male letting go of his womanizing ways. - the athlete - color war / battle of the bunks - breaking into the cabin of the camp director and enjoying their food. - spying on the girls, hoping to 'sneak a peak'
The biggest problem is that everything that happens in Camp Cucamonga is over-the-top. There isn't anything incidental. One of my favorite scenes in Poison Ivy is at night, when we just see a series of short conversations around the boy's bunk. The conversations establish character, but they aren't written to be overly witty.
The direction is a little annoying. Like everything else in the movie, it's saturated with 80s stylistic choices. Some off-center angles, some fast cuts. and overly close shots on certain characters, particularly Candace Cameron, who comes across looking like Miss Piggy - overdone hair and lipstick, and her face is made to look much wider than usual in these closeups.
The movie isn't as enjoyable in any serious way, which is a real weakness when it comes to guilty pleasure movies. This is, however an important artifact because of the incredible cast that was assembled.
This movie is most likely to resonate well with people who got to see this when it originally aired, but it's a fascinating look into the 80s, and as such, is worth some attention.
The movie itself is unremarkable. No special performances, no clever writing or insightful work. But it's fun enough to keep your attention for an hour and a half.
As it has been remarked, the rap video is sort of a jaw-dropping moment. Look it up on youtube, and that will let you know if you need to see the rest of the movie.
It really doesn't get any more 80's than this
Mooby1 October 1999
Man oh man. This movie is really only for those sentimental about the time when pink Bugle Boy shirts were socially acceptable. Plot is evidently not all that important to the makers of this one, but what *is* important is squeezing in as many B-celebrities as possible without going over budget. All of Candace Cameron, (a then unknown) Jennifer Aniston, The Infathomable Breckin Meyer, Jaleel UPN White, John Ratzenberger, The Nerd From The Wonder Years, Good Winnie Hunting, and a whoooole bunch of other people you might recognize from TGIF. I sat there wondering when Dabney Coleman and Leslie Nielson were going to show up.
It's about a camp. It's about some American youth. Who sing. Sing. Sing!!!!
Recommended for sarcastic teenagers who have nothing to make fun of.
It's about a camp. It's about some American youth. Who sing. Sing. Sing!!!!
Recommended for sarcastic teenagers who have nothing to make fun of.
Only for nostalgia's sake.
insomniac_rod13 August 2006
If it wasn't for nostalgia reasons I wouldn't even mind writing a review for this. "Camp Cucamonga" is a strange example of how a movie displays the period of time when it was filmed. The movie came out in 1990 when still the 80's fashion, music, ideals, etc. were a huge influence. The movie is filled with cheesy jokes, bright colors in every scene, cheesy music, etc.
This is my perfect example of a movie that shouldn't be recycled. I mean, "Camp Cucamonga" should have been destroyed after it's 1990 release. It just doesn't fit in the new millennium. It's not even ultra cheesy by today.
Anyways, when I was a kid I watched it on it's original release date and I recall watching it when it re-runed on cable. I remember that the main "dramatic" situation was surrounded with dumb sub-plots involving a nerd in love with a cute girl, the typical bitchy spoiled blonde girl who couldn't stop her boyfriend from pretending the cute girl, the anti-cool black nerd kid, and the horny male counselor who always tried to hit on Jennifer Aniston (I'd like to know her opinion towards this movie!).
Anyways, this movie was fun and "cool" on it's time. I liked it and I'm not ashamed of admitting that I enjoyed it back in 1990. But objectively, it's a super cheese effort for kids.
"Camp Cucamonga" should only exist in the minds and hearts of people who watched in it the 90's. People who watched it after the 90's are on their right to bash it. The rap song was very catchy though! "Cucamonga, oh yeah, oh yeah, come to camp cucamonga".
By the way, the IMDb movie recommendation is totally absurd. "Sleepaway Camp"? Seriously, have they even watched it?!
This is my perfect example of a movie that shouldn't be recycled. I mean, "Camp Cucamonga" should have been destroyed after it's 1990 release. It just doesn't fit in the new millennium. It's not even ultra cheesy by today.
Anyways, when I was a kid I watched it on it's original release date and I recall watching it when it re-runed on cable. I remember that the main "dramatic" situation was surrounded with dumb sub-plots involving a nerd in love with a cute girl, the typical bitchy spoiled blonde girl who couldn't stop her boyfriend from pretending the cute girl, the anti-cool black nerd kid, and the horny male counselor who always tried to hit on Jennifer Aniston (I'd like to know her opinion towards this movie!).
Anyways, this movie was fun and "cool" on it's time. I liked it and I'm not ashamed of admitting that I enjoyed it back in 1990. But objectively, it's a super cheese effort for kids.
"Camp Cucamonga" should only exist in the minds and hearts of people who watched in it the 90's. People who watched it after the 90's are on their right to bash it. The rap song was very catchy though! "Cucamonga, oh yeah, oh yeah, come to camp cucamonga".
By the way, the IMDb movie recommendation is totally absurd. "Sleepaway Camp"? Seriously, have they even watched it?!
90s junk food
BandSAboutMovies31 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie knows my weaknesses and exploits them.
TV movies. Summer camp romps. Movies with stars of network television.
Marvin Schector (Cheers star John Ratzenberger) has opened up a new summer camp, a place where his daughter Ava (Jennifer Aniston) has a job for the summer and meets cut with a tough kid named Roger played by Brian Robbins from Head of the Class. His wife is played by Dorothy Lyman, Naomi from Mama's Family and man, this article is going to turn into me geeking out over what shows each of these people come from.
Well, let's see:
Chad Allen is from My Two Dads.
Candace Cameron Bure is from Full House and I once had a job ghostwriting her tweets about tuna, so I have that going for me.
Josh Saviano (Marilyn Manson) and Danica McKellar are from The Wonder Years.
Jaleel White is Urkel.
And Sherman Helmsley is from Amen and The Jeffersons.
I can see why Breckin Meyer is in this and why Mr. Dewey from Saved by the Bell (Patrick Thomas O'Brien) and Playboy February 1988 Playmate of the Month Kari Kennell and Melanie Shatner - who is in Bloodstone: Subspecies II and III - were in this, but G. Gordon Liddy?
Director Roger Duchowny also made episodes of That Girl, The Brady Bunch and The Love Boat, which probably helped in the filming of this movie. It was written by Bennett Tramer (Kidco, Without Warning, many Saved by the Bell episodes and yes, the inspiration behind the name Ben Tramer in Halloween) and Rich Melcombe, the creator of the Grudge Match syndicated series.
I mean, if you want a great summer camp comedy, there's always Meatballs. If you want to spend some time with your favorite TV characters, there's Camp Cucamonga.
TV movies. Summer camp romps. Movies with stars of network television.
Marvin Schector (Cheers star John Ratzenberger) has opened up a new summer camp, a place where his daughter Ava (Jennifer Aniston) has a job for the summer and meets cut with a tough kid named Roger played by Brian Robbins from Head of the Class. His wife is played by Dorothy Lyman, Naomi from Mama's Family and man, this article is going to turn into me geeking out over what shows each of these people come from.
Well, let's see:
Chad Allen is from My Two Dads.
Candace Cameron Bure is from Full House and I once had a job ghostwriting her tweets about tuna, so I have that going for me.
Josh Saviano (Marilyn Manson) and Danica McKellar are from The Wonder Years.
Jaleel White is Urkel.
And Sherman Helmsley is from Amen and The Jeffersons.
I can see why Breckin Meyer is in this and why Mr. Dewey from Saved by the Bell (Patrick Thomas O'Brien) and Playboy February 1988 Playmate of the Month Kari Kennell and Melanie Shatner - who is in Bloodstone: Subspecies II and III - were in this, but G. Gordon Liddy?
Director Roger Duchowny also made episodes of That Girl, The Brady Bunch and The Love Boat, which probably helped in the filming of this movie. It was written by Bennett Tramer (Kidco, Without Warning, many Saved by the Bell episodes and yes, the inspiration behind the name Ben Tramer in Halloween) and Rich Melcombe, the creator of the Grudge Match syndicated series.
I mean, if you want a great summer camp comedy, there's always Meatballs. If you want to spend some time with your favorite TV characters, there's Camp Cucamonga.
A summer full of memories and fun!!
mandms-120 January 2006
I heard about this film known as "One of Jennifer Aniston's" firsts, and read some reviews that it was a good Camp movie for kids, and it was fun, cute, and like "Space balls" in the 80's. So after much consideration I decided, why not? and ordered it in on DVD at the store. It was worth $21
I watched it down in my room, and was amazed because this was one of the first films done in this fashion of summer fun, and tricks and romance. It had a very famous cast, and the now famous Jennifer Aniston from "Friends". She looked different( but hasn't aged much) and I liked how she played a safe young women, who wanted to do everything rigth in order to help her Dad.
Another known face in this flick was Cameron Candice from the 90's sitcom/show "Fullhouse". This movie is worth a view, very fun for a family movie night.
I watched it down in my room, and was amazed because this was one of the first films done in this fashion of summer fun, and tricks and romance. It had a very famous cast, and the now famous Jennifer Aniston from "Friends". She looked different( but hasn't aged much) and I liked how she played a safe young women, who wanted to do everything rigth in order to help her Dad.
Another known face in this flick was Cameron Candice from the 90's sitcom/show "Fullhouse". This movie is worth a view, very fun for a family movie night.
Really Good Movie
MeLliEy23 May 2002
I really liked this movie, i saw it on t.v. about a year ago and i remember i really liked it. I think it's meant for teenagers, so maybe that's why enjoyed it so much. I think that they should put it on t.v. more often because it really was a good movie and it had a little bit of everything in it. it was also very 80's-ish, which i also liked about it.
Positively Nostalgic
smooth12124 May 2002
I saw this when it originally aired back in 1990. I caught a glimpse of it in 99', and have been trying to get a copy of it on ebay ever since. I finally did, and my expectations were met. I loved this movie, despite its cheese factor. It was from the 80's, pretty much, so all of its nuances and idiosyncrasies were to be expected. The movie was genuine, at least. The cliched storylines were a very prominent thing in youth television around this time, especially on NBC (see saved by the bell and California Dreams), so that didn't bother me. Besides, I felt the movie mixed it up enough that I was throroughly entertained despite its predictability. Some of the great moments of the movie in my eyes were Max burning the steak, Urkel macking to that girl the whole movie, the rap (of course), the softball game, and the twist at the end where winnie goes for the kid from 'my two dads'. (I take it for what its worth, sue me). Also, this movie was a testament to just how talented the kid who played Urkel really was. He was the only character in the movie who had to completely change up his normal TV role, which he did successfully, plus he commanded the movie's most instrumental segment, the rap. I always thought about how lucky Jaleel White's parents must have felt, that they were the parents of the goose that laid the golden egg who was paying dividends at like age 10. Back to the movie, the music rocked too. C'mon, the opening bus scene, and than the rap, it was pretty damn good for a TV movie. Nowadays the movie itself seems like a demonic high school reunion of sorts for B teen celebs from back in the day. Weird...but it hits the spot everytime. It doesn't get much better than this, minus the slow moving and unstimulating scenes with sherman helmsley. Its got my vote, but as you may have guessed, I'm a sucker for nostalgia.
A WINNER of a movie!
nosomnombulance26 June 2001
Camp Cucamonga is, bottom line, my favorite movie of all time. When it first aired in 1990 I quickly realized that this movie was one of a kind, so I popped a tape in the VCR to tape it....but now when i watch it, it is missing about the first 5 minutes of movie magic!
This fine quality TV Movie is somewhat predictable and contains an abundance of cheesy lines and stereotypical 80's hairdo's and clothing. The plot isn't especially engaging, but what IS engaging is the great one-liners and the classic "Camp Cucamonga" song and dance. Nothing can beat seeing DJ from "Full House" and Winnie from "The Wonder Years" dancing away while Steve Urkel sings! For people who don't find that as humorous as they should, there is also a heartwarming subplot involving the divorce of one of the campers to capture your heart forever.
So, the verdict is that while Camp Cucamonga may not be remembered by everyone who viewed it 11 years ago, anyone who truly appreciates making fun of singing, dancing, camping teenagers will love it!
This fine quality TV Movie is somewhat predictable and contains an abundance of cheesy lines and stereotypical 80's hairdo's and clothing. The plot isn't especially engaging, but what IS engaging is the great one-liners and the classic "Camp Cucamonga" song and dance. Nothing can beat seeing DJ from "Full House" and Winnie from "The Wonder Years" dancing away while Steve Urkel sings! For people who don't find that as humorous as they should, there is also a heartwarming subplot involving the divorce of one of the campers to capture your heart forever.
So, the verdict is that while Camp Cucamonga may not be remembered by everyone who viewed it 11 years ago, anyone who truly appreciates making fun of singing, dancing, camping teenagers will love it!
Entertaining Summer Camp Film
Cookiesss-112 July 2006
A very entertaining summer camp film featuring everyone from a sexy and charming pre "Friends" Jennifer Anniston to convicted Watergate conspirator G. Gordon Liddy. The video performed by Urkel is a highlight, as is the touching performance by Danica McKellar from "Wonder Years." Josh Saviano is a treat as a dork who eventually gets his chance to shine. Ratzenberger and Lyman are an effective comedy pairing, and "Family Ties" sweetie Candace Cameron has a good time playing a stuck up princess. Hemsley and Liddy are hilarious in an "Inspector General" type case of mistaken identity. Tasha Scott, one of the most talented juvenile actresses of the 90s is also effective. All in all a load of fun, providing several youthful TV stars of the era with an opportunity to shine outside their respective series.
The haven for late 80s-early 90s child sitcom stars
Cyprus38625 June 2000
Of course, some producers just had to make a movie where all the child stars could gather and congregate. Well, they managed to rope in Candace Cameron (DJ Tanner, "Full House"), Danica McKellar (Winnie, "The Wonder Years"), Jaleel White (Urkel-need I say more?), and Josh Saviano (Paul, "The Wonder Years), whom I might add wallowed in his infatuation with Danica's character the whole movie...isn't this just because the producers knew them from "The Wonder Years" and decided to pair them up? Wouldn't Kevin Arnold be jealous? It was different seeing Winnie be bad, Urkel have 20-20 vision, DJ be a brat, Paul be not so different. Of course, I can't not mention Ava, or as we all know her, Rachel Green. Yes, Ava was played by a then-unknown Jennifer Aniston. Not her worst performance, as the same for everyone. Now, most have them have retreated into child star post-sitcom fade, having all been scraped to the "Where Are They Now?" dustpan, but it's better that they faded for the most part, rather than having to create another summer camp haven for them.
Dedicated to my one and only true love Danica McKellar
dinevkosta24 February 2005
What can I say, except that this is probably one of the best movies I have ever seen.And besides I saw my TV sweetheart once again Danica McKellar...she is the best and most beautiful girl I have ever seen on TV and in real life!I would give my life just to have the chance to talk to her!So all of you good people out there I am asking for your help.PLEASE HELP ME TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE MOST Beautiful GIRL OF MY DREAMS IT'S MY ONE AND ONLY WISH.I just want to say to her how much I adore and love her.Danica baby if you read this know that I've always loved you.You were the first girl that I saw on TV and instantly fell in love with:)You can contact me(please do:)) on dinevkosta@yahoo.com
If you were a child of the 80s...
kmkirkland20039 May 2006
You will totally get this movie. I remember watching the television version when it first came on, video taping it and watching it over and over again.
This was back when Jennifer Anniston was a virtual unknown. Instead, Brian Robbins, the romantic male lead, was very well known by the target audience for his role on Head of the Class.
Throw Chad Allen, Jaleel White, Candace Cameron, and the Wonder Years kids into the mix and you had a movie destined for Tiger Beat or Bop magazine.
Sure, the plot is just a tad thin--think Meatballs meats sitcom kids, but even after all these years I still love this movie.
If you're looking for something good for pre-teens to watch, this is a decent movie to have in your collection. It has some really good lessons about teamwork and being true to who you are contained in the plot line.
I only wish my summer camps had been like Camp Cucamonga!
This was back when Jennifer Anniston was a virtual unknown. Instead, Brian Robbins, the romantic male lead, was very well known by the target audience for his role on Head of the Class.
Throw Chad Allen, Jaleel White, Candace Cameron, and the Wonder Years kids into the mix and you had a movie destined for Tiger Beat or Bop magazine.
Sure, the plot is just a tad thin--think Meatballs meats sitcom kids, but even after all these years I still love this movie.
If you're looking for something good for pre-teens to watch, this is a decent movie to have in your collection. It has some really good lessons about teamwork and being true to who you are contained in the plot line.
I only wish my summer camps had been like Camp Cucamonga!
Cute TV-comedy on a summercamp
dogge8428 May 2004
I'm probably the only one in Sweden who has seen this, although I bought it on a British VHS PAL copy actually. I think I found out about it when I searched for Jennifer Aniston movies on Imdb. I always look for funny, low budget camp movies and this one, I have to say, is the best one I've seen yet. Or maybe second after "Meatballs".
Anyway, horrible clothes, bad lines, bad acting, embarrassing music, famous actors before they got famous, what more could you look for in a camp movie!?
The big plus for this flick is that Jennifer Aniston is in it, looking very cute. Unfortunately she has a very boring part, being the polite daughter of the camp owner. And Danica McKellar and Josh Saviano took some time off from "Wonder Years" to star as the, dare I say, main characters of the movie. Danica is some sort of a tough girl who is somewhat weak below the surface, and Josh is trying to date her. He is very much like Paul Pfeiffer in the Wonder Years here, only more energetic. Also, watch for Breckin Meyer and Jaleel White (who raps brilliantly in the Cucamonga video!).
The Danica and Josh "romance" (she isn't interested in him at all) is one of the main stories in the movie. A second one is where the camp is visited by a camp supervisor and a caretaker, and the camp owner mixes them up. Then there is a minor fling between Jennifer and one of the male camp leaders, and this story could have been developed more. But then again, Danica, Josh and Jaleel were probably bigger stars then than Jennifer so I can partly understand the filmmakers move.
Altogether this is a fun and lighthearted movie who mixes comedy and drama perfectly. It doesn't try to be something it isn't. Watch it if you get the chance! I also understand it is something of a nostalgia trip for some people in the States, however I am a little too young for it and grew up on the wrong side of the world. I don't think that this film has been released on DVD and I don't believe it's ever going to be screened on European television, so if you want to see it, and you don't live in the States, you will have to go through the same procedure I did.
Anyway, horrible clothes, bad lines, bad acting, embarrassing music, famous actors before they got famous, what more could you look for in a camp movie!?
The big plus for this flick is that Jennifer Aniston is in it, looking very cute. Unfortunately she has a very boring part, being the polite daughter of the camp owner. And Danica McKellar and Josh Saviano took some time off from "Wonder Years" to star as the, dare I say, main characters of the movie. Danica is some sort of a tough girl who is somewhat weak below the surface, and Josh is trying to date her. He is very much like Paul Pfeiffer in the Wonder Years here, only more energetic. Also, watch for Breckin Meyer and Jaleel White (who raps brilliantly in the Cucamonga video!).
The Danica and Josh "romance" (she isn't interested in him at all) is one of the main stories in the movie. A second one is where the camp is visited by a camp supervisor and a caretaker, and the camp owner mixes them up. Then there is a minor fling between Jennifer and one of the male camp leaders, and this story could have been developed more. But then again, Danica, Josh and Jaleel were probably bigger stars then than Jennifer so I can partly understand the filmmakers move.
Altogether this is a fun and lighthearted movie who mixes comedy and drama perfectly. It doesn't try to be something it isn't. Watch it if you get the chance! I also understand it is something of a nostalgia trip for some people in the States, however I am a little too young for it and grew up on the wrong side of the world. I don't think that this film has been released on DVD and I don't believe it's ever going to be screened on European television, so if you want to see it, and you don't live in the States, you will have to go through the same procedure I did.
Fun, fun movie!
princesskelli824 October 2002
Okay I don't even know why I remember this movie so well, but when I was younger I remember my friend having taped it from TV and every time she came over I said "Bring Camp Cucamonga!!" I loved all the actors, I loved the whole script, and mostly I think it reminded me of my summers every year at summer camp. And the song they sang for the video scene is very catchy, and I still remember the words. I wish I could get a copy of the movie, even now as an adult, I am sorry to say I would watch it all the time.
loving it
deitriech6 April 2002
i was 7 years old when this movie came out and i remember that my mom taped it for me. i am now a 20 year old college student, and when i was looking at tapes to see what I could tape over, i ran into camp cucamonga and i remember how much i loved this movie. i watched it, and yeah it was bad now, but it was still something that made me smile!
The BEST Movie
scook19844 May 2004
This movie is my greatest childhood movie memory!! I loved the whole movie, my brother recorded it for me and i watched it over a 100 times!! But then tragedy happened, my brother had to find a tape to record his fave tv show. Yea you all know where this is going!! He TAPED OVER MY MOST FAVORITE MOVIE IN THE WORLD!! You can imagine how upset I was when I turned on my Fave movie for the umpteenth time and there was (i dont remember the show) but it wasnt Camp Cuckamunga!! SO i am so happy it is on DVD now to buy!! Whoever says this movie isnt good SUCKS!! I would recommend this movie anyone who is 18-26 cause those are the people who will appreciate it more!
Cliched camp story with songs sung by the likes of Urkel!
Metrocrash7 April 2001
After finding this movie, i have decided that, that while it wasn't a total waste of movie, it is an otherwise wast of movie for the actors, but it was good exposure when it first aired in Sept 1990 on NBC.
John Ratzenberger still in his "Cliff" mode, (then totally fresh and utterly underappreciated) Jennifer Aniston, an aging Sherman Helmsly ("The Jeffersons") etc, etc.
On to the plot, its about a contemporary Summer Camp somewhere in California in 1990 AD...when fluffy hair, wristbands, mutlicolored socks, and Pop music were popular; this movie was more about the clothing color, than about the camp.
Its a typical Cliched story where a camp loses its accredidation, councilors and campers first get a genuine taste of love, and kids bring all their belongings with them such as trophys, posters, stereos, and even an elaborate video camera!
But where this movie faults is in its shear campiness and predictability! The kids do produce a wrap video being the only surprise, albiet its very cheezy because its lead singer is the kid who played Urkell. But the rest is pure cliches: theres the customary intrapersonal feuds between rich and not-so-rich, kids go off alone and get lost in the woods, the camp's owner Merv (Ratzenberger) can't tell the difference between an inspector and the handyman (Helmsly) And Of course the sappy love story: the responsible councilor Ava (Aniston) who eventually falls for the party/womanizing Roger played by an unknown actor.
All in all a good "let's make fun of those idoits" movie, if you can ever find it!
John Ratzenberger still in his "Cliff" mode, (then totally fresh and utterly underappreciated) Jennifer Aniston, an aging Sherman Helmsly ("The Jeffersons") etc, etc.
On to the plot, its about a contemporary Summer Camp somewhere in California in 1990 AD...when fluffy hair, wristbands, mutlicolored socks, and Pop music were popular; this movie was more about the clothing color, than about the camp.
Its a typical Cliched story where a camp loses its accredidation, councilors and campers first get a genuine taste of love, and kids bring all their belongings with them such as trophys, posters, stereos, and even an elaborate video camera!
But where this movie faults is in its shear campiness and predictability! The kids do produce a wrap video being the only surprise, albiet its very cheezy because its lead singer is the kid who played Urkell. But the rest is pure cliches: theres the customary intrapersonal feuds between rich and not-so-rich, kids go off alone and get lost in the woods, the camp's owner Merv (Ratzenberger) can't tell the difference between an inspector and the handyman (Helmsly) And Of course the sappy love story: the responsible councilor Ava (Aniston) who eventually falls for the party/womanizing Roger played by an unknown actor.
All in all a good "let's make fun of those idoits" movie, if you can ever find it!
I'm Speechless...
Doctor Octopus15 February 2001
This movie is like watching COPS. You feel guilty watching it, but you just can't look away.
A veritable whos-who of late 80's/early 90's child stars are subject to the counseling of Jenifer Anniston (in what is probably her greatest work since Leprechaun) and that guy from "Head of the Class" with the mullet and the leather jacket.
As expected, romance blossoms, wackyness ensues, paul pfeiffer/marilyn manson stumbles around, winnie from Wonder Years falls off a horse, and a music video is made that eclipses the videos featured in the vintage Saved by the Bell "Zack Attack" music group episodes (with Screech on keyboards no less)!
So entertaining and dated it stings. If you are tired on a Sunday afternoon after a long weekend of partying/running around and this happens to be on TV, sit back, relax, and enjoy.
A veritable whos-who of late 80's/early 90's child stars are subject to the counseling of Jenifer Anniston (in what is probably her greatest work since Leprechaun) and that guy from "Head of the Class" with the mullet and the leather jacket.
As expected, romance blossoms, wackyness ensues, paul pfeiffer/marilyn manson stumbles around, winnie from Wonder Years falls off a horse, and a music video is made that eclipses the videos featured in the vintage Saved by the Bell "Zack Attack" music group episodes (with Screech on keyboards no less)!
So entertaining and dated it stings. If you are tired on a Sunday afternoon after a long weekend of partying/running around and this happens to be on TV, sit back, relax, and enjoy.
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