Directed by Mark Waters, Disney+ comedy Magic Camp has mostly received positive reviews so far - though it may be more for kids than adults. Reviewers who critique from a parent's perspective seem to enjoy the streaming experience, most notably the chemistry between the primary leads and how they interact with the young supporting cast. Meanwhile, reviews from larger outlets are more lukewarm, but credit the movie for being a fun distraction.
Adam DeVine stars in Magic Camp as Andy Tuckerman, a Las Vegas cab driver with legit magician credentials. He's bitter about a past relationship with fellow performer Kristina Darkwood (Gillian Jacobs), who walked away from their duo act for a solo opportunity. Andy and Kristina clash again when they're hired to be counselors at The Institute of Magic, where they'll mentor child magicians for five weeks.
As of now, Rotten Tomatoes doesn't have a critic consensus for Magic Camp, but the available reviews suggest that Disney+ has a surprise hit. Principal photography took place way back in 2017, and Disney then shelved the film before settling on an August 2020 release date. Given this release delay, it didn't seem like Disney executives were thrilled about its potential. However, the initial batch of reviews show that Waters' film has resonated with audiences for a variety of reasons - perhaps because many locked-down Disney+ subscribers are looking for something fun (and new) to watch. In that sense, Magic Camp seemingly hits the mark, appealing to both adults and kids. Here are some of the positive takes so far:
"A cute family friendly movie that brings the laughs. Yes it is predictable at times and some jokes might fall flat, but kids are sure to love it!"
"A charming and surprisingly enjoyable flick with a great heart and a decent story... It certainly isn't anything incredibly special, and sure, it's fairly predictable and schmaltzy, but the younger ones should have a good time."
"For a family film, Magic Camp is an easy watch with the kids while adults idly watch as the Disney production takes hold. But as a platform filler, a film about kids trying to embark on magic tricks with a grumpy mentor with a heartbroken past is something that keeps the subscription worth going."
"Jeffrey Tambor especially stands out as he acts ridiculous but dead pan at the same time. The child actors are surprisingly good for their ages, and Adam Devine and Gillian Jacobs play off of each other well. I was also pleasantly surprised at how funny this film is. I laughed a lot, and there are some great recurring gags throughout."
"If you came to Magic Camp expecting to laugh your heart out, you’ll be disappointed. But if you came looking for a heartwarming Disney film for the entire family about self-discovery, you’ll find that Magic Camp has its own unique brand of, for lack of a better phrase, magic."
Magic Camp may offer a fun viewing experience, but that doesn't mean it's one of the year's best movies. Critics from notable outlets have described the Disney+ film as being just OK, but not really setting a high bar. The comedy is typical popcorn entertainment, and the film doesn't appear to have much to offer beyond an entertaining 100 minutes and a generally heartwarming message. Here are some of the more negative takes on Magic Camp.
"It's not offensive or sharp, it's just there. Now you see it, or just don't."
"It’s forgettable, but it feels sort of nice in the moment, like so many other Disney Channel originals that appear to have inspired this new iteration."
Months from now, Magic Camp will most likely be viewed as a passable Disney+ production that keeps viewers entertained. There are strong lead performances from DeVine and Jacobs, who carry the film and make up for the script's shortcomings with their chemistry. In addition, the supporting cast of young performers will undoubtedly appeal to Disney's core demographic, and the premise will certainly inspire some kids to inquire about a magic kit.