By: Addison Wylie

Grace Helbig, Mamrie Hart, and Hannah Hart are three charismatic personalities who have found impressive fame through YouTube.  Each actress has found their calling (whether its through video blogging, cooking, or both) and have deservedly garnered lots of attention for it, which has then followed with more victories (Hannah now has a cook book, Helbig hosts her own show on E!, and Mamrie is a writer who earns steady work).

What’s important to note is that these performers have an incredible friendship with each other, and it shows through their collaborations.  They share a similar comedic repertoire that’s fast and witty.  Camp Takota seems like the ideal vehicle for these three women to let loose, however the filmmakers can’t keep up.

Camp Takota flows at the same speed as a lazy river.  This directorial decision by Chris and Nick Riedell could’ve been chosen to suit the warm haze of Summer, but its a struggle to have these female comics abide to this tempo.  Several people are trying to make a different movie with Camp Takota, and none of it really adds up.

It’s also a bummer to watch talented people take part in a story that’s beyond predictability.  Once everyone is introduced, the audience knows exactly what’s going to happen beat-by-beat.  The story involves a dishevelled businesswoman (Helbig) leaving the hustle and bustle of “the big city”, and finding comfort in returning to her childhood campground and hanging out with out-of-touch friends (Hart and Hart).

There’s a hunk who works for Camp Takota who fancies Helbig, and a nimrod caretaker who can barely hammer a nail.  There’s also alcohol hidden in the kitchen pantry for special occasions, which comes in handy when Camp Takota faces closure due to poor attendance and dwindling funds.  And, yes, the girls must band together to save their beloved camp.

Camp Takota has some chuckles at the expense of the dim caretaker and themed activities involving pop singers.  It’s also hard to frown at Camp Takota’s explanation as to why Summer memories are important.  In the film’s strongest scene, a teary Mamrie has a heartfelt speech and it’s sure to hit home with every single viewer.

The Riedell’s Camp Takota is cushy enough to give it a careless shrug of acceptance.  It’s a TV movie-of-the-week that harmlessly keeps you busy.  It’s only a disappointment if you expect something of the same quality as its stars.