Mia’s getting married this weekend…even if it kills her!
Synopsis: Back in 1985, Camp Pocumtuck was a notoriously strict, religious summer camp until it was forced to shut its doors when a young girl was struck by lightning and drowned. Before that, several women were burned at the stake for being witches nearby, and before that, it was the site of a Native American massacre. Nowadays, it’s available on Airbnb. Mia’s booked it and expects her wedding party to transform this now dilapidated summer camp into the wedding venue of her dreams. As her friends utterly fail to execute her master plan, they also begin disappearing. But nothing will stop Mia from having a perfect wedding, even when someone starts texting her to hide the bodies.
Millennial mayhem ala silly scares!
Well, it’s different. For that alone, I appreciate it. What I enjoyed most about the film is its ’80s tone and tension. I love how it pulls you into that harsh, gritty, old-school, grungy, B-horror type of setting I enjoyed back-in-the-day with flicks like “Sleepaway Camp,” or “Mother’s Day!” Another plus for the piece is its enjoyable supernatural backdrop smeared with a creepy “performance” by Teddy Ruxpin. (Yes, thee Teddy Ruxpin!) These are the best elements of “Camp Wedding” that allows it to surf a wave of horror genre.
However, the intense, old-school mood I enjoyed about it gets watered down with its new-school, modern-tech twist and comedy. I understand and respect the approach. The concept of miscommunication, assumptions… In short, smart devices serving as a crutch. A security blanket. Something ALL victims in horror flicks fall short on and wish they had for purposes of calling out for help. (The real purpose!) But it did take a while for me to be hooked on that aspect of the film, especially when I didn’t care for any of the characters. Of which, for the most part, I found to be obnoxious, whiney, spoiled and unrelatable. Maybe that’s what the breakdown called for? Who knows? The texting and all serve as the story’s backbone, but I think it would have worked a lot more (for me) had comedy been lesson. While some of the jokes made me chuckle, some just slipped-and-slid. I guess what I’m saying is I was rootin’ for more horror.
Mixing comedy and horror is a tricky mix. But… It is what it is. Overall, I can’t say I loved it, nor can I say I hated it. There’s an it factor of sorts with “Camp Wedding.” It kept me watching, which means the film did what it needed to do to remain engaging. Therefore, I conclude, you’re it! Time for you to endure “Camp Wedding!”
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Coming to digital platforms August 20th
CAMP WEDDING (Trailer): https://vimeo.com/316670133
CAMP WEDDING (Pre-Order Link): https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/camp-wedding/id1473292716
CAMP WEDDING
Genre: Horror/Comedy / Run Time: 1:37 / Written/Directed by Greg Emetaz
