Magic Camp

Magic Camp (3 out of 5 stars).

Magic Camp is a fair family comedy film about a washed out magician Andy (Adam Devine) is invited to coach a group of kids who want to be magicians. While his former partner Kristina (Gillian Jacobs) is coaching a rivalry team and trying to compete on being the better magicians.

The plot is fun. It is predictable and cliche. Andy and Kristina working against each other in teaching kids. You can predict how the story will play out. Plus with a sub plot of young Theo who wants to be a magician after his father inspired him. And the only thing he has left from his father is a deck of cards.

The cast is fun and cute. It does have some fun humor from the likable Adam DeVine. Definitely worth checking out.

We struggle to find movies that both our kids and us parents will enjoy. Saw this on Disney+ and watched just for Adem Devine. It's a cute movie and made our kids interested in magic. Jeffrey Tambor is really good. Adam Devine mimics Jack Black's "School of Rock" performance almost exactly. Worth watching though a bit formulaic and predictable.

Case study in how having access to one of the top studios on the planet means squat when faced with a terrible script that relies too much on stereotypes and cliches, and never gives the cast a chance to shine.

This is an utterly meh movie. Most of the jokes are not funny, and some of the characters are lifeless. Still, I've seen worse movies.

Great watch, will watch again, and do recommend.

I saw Adam Devine first (on Disney+ of all places, he's not usually Disney compliant), and said, "Oh this will be good, at least I won't have to pay close attention.", then saw "Magic Camp", and said, "Sold!", knowing I'd have to be watching magic tricks. I'm a fan of magic, but I tend to watch them like I do movies, critically. And when they're in movies ("Now You See Me") what you're actually watching for is what is semi-legitimate and what is a movie magic effect.

While the beginning is a little disappointing, it has to do with the establishing part of the movie. The (obvious) misdirection of it also parallels a magic trick, as does the pace of the movie (and it's directly discussed in the movie.).

Suddenly discovering Jillian Jacobs' involvement was great, and so is she, even if she's a part-time antagonist as a rival counselor.

Basically, for me, there is a better movie / story in here if you remove Adam Devine as the protagonist. The kids' story(ies) are far more satisfying that the adults, and they very much deserved their own movie.

While I see a comparison to "School of Rock", Adam Devine is not Jack Black, and his character doesn't really give the redeemable feel. It might come down to Devine's acting ability, but he's just not likeable. He says and does the things that should make him likeable, but it comes of as disingenuous. He's still a jerk, but he grows to love magic.

Again though, this is highly recommended, and I would have loved to just see their talent show as a recorded live performance.

If you love magic, then give this a watch.