Summer Camp Meets Home Alone

Sometimes, we see movies that we know will be cheesy because we also know they will be safe to view for our kids. Sometimes, we are surprised when we find ourselves enjoying that movie. In this Camp Hideout Christian Review, I give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children.

Camp Hideout Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

After a troubled teen steals an important item from two big city Bad Guys, he hides in a church summer camp and finds he must protect his new found friends at all cost when the crooks track him down.

Mischievous foster teen Noah (Ethan Drew) finds himself in trouble again…he chooses summer camp over juvenile hall. Upon arrival, Noah quickly comes to realize the camp’s notorious owner, Falco (Christopher Lloyd) and his dog Lazaraus ironically loathe children. The double whammy takes a turn as Jake (Corbin Bleu), an optimistic camp leader, lifts Noah’s pessimistic attitude…the “bad guys” show up at camp in search of Noah to take back what he stole. Together, Noah and his fellow campers band together to construct a funhouse hideout in the woods, packed with booby traps, zip lines, and bees. In a “change of heart,” cold-hearted Falco warms to the campers, and steps in to help; and together they all learn a valuable lesson of sticking together.

My Synopsis of Camp Hideout

Noah Rivers lives at New Day Boy’s Home. As an orphan, he has learned to rely on himself and keep everyone else at arm’s length. He has been given one last chance to straighten out his life before ending up in juvenile detention. His last chance is summer camp. However, this camp isn’t what he thought it would be when two thieves come looking for him to get back the merchandise he was supposed to be stealing for them.

Christian Review of Camp Hideout – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

While there is no foul language, there are some insults such as stupid and jerk.

There is a really stupid pick-up line, “Hey, you have Wi-Fi here? Cause I’m feeling a connection.”

Violence:

The violence is slapstick as seen in Home Alone. They enact Home Alone booby-traps which results in men being smacked in the face with an oar, hit with paintballs in the crotch, pelted with ice balls, hit with swinging rocks, attacked by hornets, etc.

Additionally, there is a food fight that occurs with the campers. They are punished and need to clean up their mess. 

In one scene, they show clips of women from black & white B-movies (horror films) screaming. These are brief and are on the line of The Creature from the Black Lagoon.

A dog has a skeleton hand in his mouth that is not realistic at all.

Spiritual Content:

There are plenty of references to Bible verses, Jesus and the Christian faith. First, on the camp sign Psalm 42:1 is shown. There is a cross on the stage at the camp. Additionally, there are signs that read, “Rejoice in the Lord Always.” 

One character is shown with a Bible. He says he is gathering his thoughts, setting his intentions, and praying for people. 

There is also talk about seeds and growth. Some seeds fall on rocks, some on hard soil, and some on good dirt. 

Another character says he is angry at God.

Additionally, there is a church with a pastor.

Adult Content:

In a flashback scene, a policeman comes to a door. The implication is that someone has died.

The main character has a lot of anger and fails to make connections with others.

Deception, Lying, Stealing:

The main character is a thief. He works with two other men to “fence” the goods. 

There is sneaking around and overall lying. 

One character hides in a plant to sneak into an office building. Once in there, he steals something of value.

Positive Content:

Concepts such as faith, helping one another, and second chances are highlighted throughout the film.

At the end of the film, they give a website that is a listing for Christian summer camps. At thepowerofcamp.com  you can find a camp near you.

Camp Hideout Christian Review – My Viewing Recommendations

This movie is family-friendly but also cheesy and campy (absurdly exaggerated, artificial, or affected humorously). In fact, the scenes where Noah and friends band together to get the bumbling idiot bad guys reminded me of Home Alone, even down to the tall bad guy and the short bad guy (Harry & Marv).

Don’t let that deter you from seeing this movie. I have always said we vote with our dollars. Spend your money on Christian entertainment to help that industry grow. While your children will laugh at the absurdity of the movie, they will be growing their faith. 

However, do expect that in the future, your kids will talk about how cheesy the movie was and have laughs about it even as adults. 

About the Movie:

Rating: PG for Slapstick Violence and Thematic Elements

Release Date: September 15, 2023

Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Studio: Called Higher Studios

Director: Sean Olsen

Written by: Kat Olson, C. Neil Davenport, Dave DeBorde

Producer: Jason Brown, Phillip Glasser, Brad Goen

Distributed by: Roadside Attractions

Cast of Camp Hideout

Noah Rivers played by Ethan Drew

Jake played by Corbin Bleu (High School Musical)

Willis played by Joshua Childs

Tommy played by Travis Nicholson

Selena played by Amanda Leighton

Falco played by Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future)

Oliver played by Tyler Kowalski

Chase played by Zion Wyatt

Drew played by Raphael Rutgers

Trey played by Luca Alexander

Becky played by Isabelle Almoyan 

Receptionist played by Sasha Clements

Parker played by Justin Sterner

Mallory played by Jenna Raine

Young Noah played by JT Underwood

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch Camp Hideout?

Camp Hideout was released into theaters on September 15, 2023. 

Will Camp Hideout stream on Disney+?

Camp Hideout is not currently streaming on any platform.

Will Camp Hideout stream on Peacock?

No. Camp Hideout is not currently streaming

Where was Camp Hideout filmed?

The family film was filmed at Deer Run Retreat in Williamson County, Tennessee.

What is Called Higher Studios?

Called Higher Studios was started by Jason Brown, who is the Producer and CEO of Called Higher Studios. In fact, Brown says that his “mission was to build a production company that would get back to basics…good old-fashioned storytelling. Movies that put a smile on your face, a lump in your throat, or a tug at your heart. Something that seems to be missing in what most of Hollywood is making today. “

Other Camping Movies:

Family Camp – May 2022

Summer Movie Camp by Pureflix – Camp at Home