‘Camp Crasher’ (2024) Netflix Movie Review - When Helicopter Parenting Goes Off-Road

"Camp Crasher" is a well-intentioned comedy with an Argentinian flair, blending heartfelt family drama with the slapstick chaos of a road trip gone awry. Directed by Martino Zaidelis, the film stars Natalia Oreiro as Patri, a self-proclaimed “fun mom” whose antics land her in hot water with her skeptical son Ramiro and his friends.

Let’s start with the positives. Patri’s character is both relatable and hilariously over-the-top. Oreiro gives a lively performance, embodying a mom whose love is as suffocating as it is sincere. Her attempts to bond—whether by rapping cringe-worthy lyrics or misinterpreting teen slang—are comedy gold. The film thrives on its situational humor, wringing laughs from mishaps like broken-down buses, overstuffed luggage, and wildlife encounters. It’s a quirky homage to the chaos of trying too hard to be cool.

Visually, the film captures the rugged beauty of Argentina’s countryside, offering scenic reprieves from the mounting absurdities of the journey. The cinematography cleverly contrasts the vast, liberating landscape with Patri’s claustrophobic need to control every detail. And the soundtrack, peppered with upbeat Latin tunes, mirrors the story’s lively spirit.

But the film isn’t all laughs. Beneath the antics lies a genuine exploration of parent-child dynamics. Patri’s struggle to connect with her son hits home for anyone who’s ever tried—and failed—to bridge a generational gap. Her journey isn’t just through forests and rivers but through her own insecurities as a mother grappling with change.

That said, "Camp Crasher" isn’t without its bumps. The plot, while amusing, stretches believability. Patri’s decision to commandeer an entire camping trip seems like a setup for inevitable disaster, and some of the comedic situations feel forced. The humor occasionally leans too heavily on caricature, with some supporting characters bordering on one-dimensional. Ramiro’s friends, for instance, feel more like props than people, existing mainly to react to Patri’s overbearing tendencies.

The pacing, too, can be uneven. While the film zips along during its comedic peaks, the emotional beats sometimes drag. Moments intended to be heartfelt risk veering into saccharine territory, and the resolution feels a tad rushed. Patri’s transformation from control freak to laid-back mom lacks the depth it deserves, leaving the emotional payoff feeling unearned.

Still, there’s an earnest charm to "Camp Crasher" that’s hard to resist. It’s a story about learning to let go—of control, of expectations, of the need to be perfect. And while Patri’s methods might be questionable, her heart is undeniably in the right place.

"Camp Crasher" is by no means a perfect film, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a lighthearted romp with enough laughs and heart to make it worth the watch, even if it occasionally stumbles. For anyone who’s ever embarrassed a teenager or been embarrassed by a parent, it’s a fun reminder that family, no matter how messy, is worth the ride.

In the end, Patri’s lesson is ours too: Sometimes the best adventures happen when you crash the plan and just enjoy the chaos. If you’re looking for a film that’s equal parts comedy and chaos, "Camp Crasher" is a solid choice—though you might want to leave the parenting advice at home.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times