Name: Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp
Genre: Family, Comedy, Animation
Released: 2024-04-12T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Eric Bauza, Kevin Michael Richardson, Tom Kenny, Mary-Louise Parker, Josh Lawson

The moment Woody Woodpecker slides down a waterslide in a rubber duck costume, you know exactly what kind of chaos you’re in for. “Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp” is a relentless, hyperactive romp that never lets up on the slapstick or the silliness.

Director Jonathan A. Rosenbaum’s feature debut is a live-action animated comedy that serves as a standalone sequel to the 2017 Woody Woodpecker film. The plot is simple: Woody, voiced with energetic gusto by Eric Bauza, gets kicked out of his forest home and ends up at Camp Woo Hoo, where he befriends the camp director Angie (Mary-Louise Parker) and her daughter Maggie (Chloe De Los Santos). But trouble brews when an escaped convict named Buzz Buzzard (Kevin Michael Richardson), posing as a chef from rival camp Camp Hoo Rah, arrives with plans to rob a hidden treasure.

The film’s strength lies in its unwavering commitment to physical comedy. From Woody’s antics—pecking away at everything in sight—to the chaotic energy of the Wilderness Games, the film is packed with gags that will have younger audiences in stitches. The voice acting is top-notch, particularly Bauza’s portrayal of Woody, who is equal parts mischievous and endearing. Mary-Louise Parker brings a warm presence to Angie, grounding the film amidst the madness.

However, the film’s relentless pace is also its downfall. The plot is convoluted and often feels like an afterthought to the comedy. Buzz Buzzard’s villainy is underdeveloped, and his motivations are murky at best. The film tries to juggle multiple subplots—the treasure hunt, the Wilderness Games, Woody’s redemption arc—but it ultimately drops several balls along the way.

The animation is serviceable but lacks the charm of classic Woody Woodpecker cartoons. The live-action elements feel disjointed from the animated sequences, creating a visual disconnect that never fully resolves.

Where “Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp” truly shines is in its heart. The message of teamwork and self-belief is clear and well-executed, even if it’s wrapped in a lot of noisy packaging. The final act, where the two rival camps unite, is genuinely touching and provides a satisfying resolution.

“Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp” is a film that will entertain younger viewers with its non-stop antics, but it lacks the depth and coherence to hold up for older audiences.

Tags: family, Eric Bauza, Jonathan A. Rosenbaum, Kevin Michael Richardson, Tom Kenny, Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp