Where’s Tripper when you need him? asks one Internet fan of the classic summer camp comedy “Meatballs.”
In the age of summer computer camps, all-star soccer training and grammar cram courses, what all our kids need most is Bill Murray chanting “It just doesn’t matter! It just doesn’t matter!”
With “Meatballs” (1979), director Ivan Reitman managed to find a tone at once sweet and realistic about loser kids and unambitious adults. The counselors at low-rent Camp Northstar are kind and concerned without seeming neutered; they’d just as soon skinny dip in the hot tub as give Rudy or Fink a pep talk.
The action is a perfect underdog story. Northstar’s underachievers have to compete in end-of-summer games with snobby Camp Mohawk. Tripper starts jogging with depressed Rudy to shake him out of his funk, and of course the contests must conclude with Rudy taking on Camp Mohawk’s running champ in a cross-country duel.
The rapport between Murray and Chris Makepeace as Rudy is genuine and moving, with Murray never letting it go maudlin. Legend has it that counseling centers have used “Meatballs” as instructional video on how to reach unhappy kids.
Makepeace has an intelligent, puppy-dog face highly suited for movies like this one, as well as the excellent “My Bodyguard,” which we’ll highlight in a future back-to-school column.
“Meatballs” will make you think twice about eating another hot dog, but there’s no better family preparation for a season of dubious camps.
Each Tuesday, Michael Booth uncovers a movie gem for families in search of rewarding entertainment. He can be reached at mbooth@denverpost.com; find the “Screen Team” blog at denverpostbloghouse.com
“Meatballs”
Rated:PG for brief nudity, adult humor and language
Most appealing: Children 7 or older
