by Christian Grullon, Contributing Writer 

Heists can be pretty crazy and seldom go according to plan. A pure example is Sean Olson’s family drama, Camp Hideout, where troubled teen, Noah (Ethan Drew), steals a top-secret gadget from some big thugs. To escape, he hides at a summer camp run by energetic counselors, Falco (Christopher Lloyd), Jake (Corbin Bleu), and Selena (Amanda Leighton). Things take a turn once the crooks show up for the gadget, which is in Noah’s possession. 

As a troubled teen, Noah can go to the Christian summer camp or juvenile detention. The decision he makes is obvious. Although Noah doesn’t seem interested in making friends at first, he is befriended by Jake and optimistic camper, Oliver (Tyler Kowalski). Bleu does a good job emulating a caring nature with his character as he tries to help Noah progress. He delivers his more serious role with a lot of charm, faith, and care. 

Noah is peppered with questions from campmates, Oliver and Chase (Zion Wyatt)m when he arrives. However, making friends is not Noah’s priority, so he gets very standoffish. Bit by bit, Noah’s walls start to break down when a budding friendship with Mallory (Jenna Raine Simmons) begins to form. Unfortunately, Noah is also targeted by bully, Trey (Luca Alexander). 

Every scene serves its purpose, and the film moves forward smoothly. The film delivers laughs, drama, and action at the right moments. Its action is funny and exciting, and the cast is top-tier, with a few familiar faces. The actors keep the movie eye-opening and entertaining, embodying their characters’ personalities. Camp Hideout does have a little bit of violence, but it is kept at a minimum; there is no blood, and no one gets seriously hurt. 

Noah really embodies how a sense of belonging can transform people, especially troubled youth, from isolation. While still having balanced laughter, the film is able to hone in on its theme with a lens of redemption. The movie does an excellent job of teaching the value of friendships and relationships, which makes it very relatable. 

Drew is masterful in portraying Noah’s journey. Running away from a cop early in the movie, he accidentally bumps into a woman carrying groceries. He stops to help her pick them up. Drew really masters showing Noah’s sincerity in this particular sequence.

The pacing isn’t too slow or too fast; it runs smoothly for viewers to pay attention to the film’s details. This is the perfect film for anyone who’s in love with nostalgia. Camp Hideout has some shades of Home Alone and F.R.E.D.I. With that being said, the film is able to stand on its own two feet.

Camp Hideout wears its message and heart on its sleeve. It is a very family-friendly feature with touches of action, comedy, faith, and friendships.

Rating: Liked It

Camp Hideout is currently playing in theaters


You can read more from Christian Grullon, or follow him on Twitter