Family Camp is a light-hearted, Christian-themed, kid's movie that fails on almost every front. The family-friendly "camp" comedy is full of sterile jokes, obnoxious characters, and painfully slow pacing. Director and co-writer Brian Cates attempts to relay a very specific message, and in some ways, he does succeed, but the message is just not worth the 111-minute runtime. Family Camp sets out to break down certain stereotypes and barriers associated with devout Christians, explaining that you can be a normal, well-adjusted person and have a healthy relationship with God. Unfortunately, the film is so bad that this message is lost and misconstrued by the time the credits roll.
Tommy Ackerman (Tommy Woodard) is an absent father and husband, who only cares about landing the next big account. When his wife, Grace (Leigh-Allyn Baker), learns about a Christian family camp, she makes sure to sign up. Once the Ackerman family arrives at camp, they learn they will be bunking up with the Sanders Family, led by the quirky and demanding Eddie (Eddie James). The Sanders Family quickly show their colors as hardcore, over-the-top Christians. The Ackermans realize that they must endure this perfect family for the week, only to discover that everything may not be as perfect as it seems.
Although Family Camp is mostly made for children, this film still misses the mark. Every scene that is meant to be funny comes across as cheap slapstick humor filled with cringe-worthy dialog. Woodard and James appear to have good chemistry onscreen, but they are not given much to work with. Cates does at least know what he is doing behind the camera, as many of the scenes look nice. Although Family Camp is a bad movie, it doesn't initially look or feel like one. The film is just so hollow, void of any real feeling, emotion, laughter, or intrigue. For what it's worth, the humor is clean, and parents do not have to worry about a thing when taking their young ones to the theater.
Family Camp will be a hit during summer screenings at Christian camps across America, but it's a big miss for other viewers. Children may be entertained in spells, as certain camp activities and hijinks are mildly interesting, but they will likely tune out as the film drags on. Cates' feature directorial debut is an unorganized mess, stitched together through confusing dialog and a simple premise. The message at the end of the film rings true, though it is a sentiment known to many anyway. Family Camp uses a lot of words, and time, to tell everyone to love their families and treat each other with respect.