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Meatballs
1979 92 min Canada PG 6+
★6.4
Comedy
Director: Ivan Reitman
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
Tripper is the head counselor at a budget summer camp called Camp Northstar. In truth, he's young at heart and only marginally more mature than the campers themselves. Tripper befriends Rudy, a loner camper who has trouble fitting in. As Tripper inspires his young charges to defeat rival Camp Mohawk in the annual Olympiad competition, Rudy plays matchmaker between Tripper and Roxanne, a female counselor at Northstar.
Budget:
$1.21M
US Gross:
$43.05M
Starring
Bill Murray
Actor
Harvey Atkin
Actor
Kate Lynch
Actor
Awards
3 wins & 6 nominations total
Key opinion
Meatballs is widely regarded as a nostalgic, lighthearted summer camp comedy that serves as a cornerstone of the genre's golden age. While some critics find the episodic structure dated and fragmented, others appreciate its warmth, emphasis on youthful enthusiasm, and the improvisational charm of Bill Murray.
| Acting | Bill Murray's charismatic, droll performance serves as the vital energy source that elevates the film's simple narrative. | |
| Production | The film successfully captures a wholesome, authentic atmosphere of summer camp camaraderie through its depiction of believable counselor and camper dynamics. | |
| Humor | The comedy relies on effortless, character-driven situations and sincere interactions rather than relying on heavy parody or grotesque slapstick. | |
| Screenplay | The episodic, fragmented micro-stories delight viewers seeking nostalgia, but frustrate those looking for a cohesive, modern-feeling narrative structure. |