When ABC Motion Pictures produced SpaceCamp, released in 1986, the nationwide fascination in America with all things space was at its peak. Alien and E.T. were among the many sci-fi productions that kept the space fever up among the public. So putting a space adventure for young adults on the slate must have sounded cool.
Written by Clifford Green and Casey T. Mitchell and directed by Harry Winer, SpaceCamp gives away the main story idea by its title – a space-themed camp for young learners. The youngsters featured include Kevin, Kathryn, Rudy, Tish, and Max (played by Tate Donovan, Lea Thompson, Larry B. Scott, Kelly Preston, and Joaquin Phoenix – in that order). They get to learn the essentials about space flights under the instructions of astronaut Andie Bergstrom (Kate Capshaw). But things take a wrong turn when their space shuttle is accidentally launched into the space, creating both excitement and scare among the group with their safe return becoming an open question.
While the premise sounds cool, the plot of SpaceCamp doesn’t really engage the viewer for long. The real action starts too late and there really isn’t much to offer, not to mature audiences at least. The hook is rather weak and the characters confine the element of excitement to just young adults.
There is a lot overdone here and there. And though not overtly political, it’s easy to sense a touch of forced feminism in the story and characterization of this space adventure.
If SpaceCamp demonstrates one thing above all others, it’ll be the fact that fascination with something doesn’t make a fascinating thing out of it on the screen. Of course one can always appreciate the passion and effort.
