Director: Jacob Cooney
Writers: Rob A. Fox, Jayme Petrille
Genre: Comedy, Coming-of-Age
Runtime: 92 minutes
Language: English
Country: United States
IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 79%

Plot: A Teenage Quest for Identity

Set in 1984, Pitching Tents follows high school senior Danny Whitaker (Michael Grant) as he grapples with post-graduation decisions. Caught between his father’s (Eric Allan Kramer) desire for him to work at the local factory and his guidance counselor’s (Jim Norton) push towards college, Danny seeks clarity during a weekend camping trip with friends. Amidst the revelry, he encounters Alison (Samantha Basalari), a mysterious figure who challenges him to consider his true aspirations.​

Cast: Familiar Faces in a Retro Setting

Michael Grant as Danny Whitaker

Jim Norton as Mr. Mulligan

Booboo Stewart as Todd

Jonathan Lipnicki as Scott

Eric Allan Kramer as Bruce Whitaker

Samantha Basalari as Alison

Spencer Daniels as Stash​

The ensemble cast delivers performances that resonate with the film’s nostalgic tone, with Norton’s portrayal of the eccentric guidance counselor standing out for its comedic timing.

Themes: Navigating Adolescence and Expectations

Pitching Tents delves into the universal struggle of adolescence—balancing personal dreams against external expectations. Danny’s journey reflects the tension between conformity and self-discovery, a theme underscored by the film’s setting during a time of cultural transition in the 1980s.​

Reception: A Mixed Bag of Nostalgia and Critique

Critics have offered varied perspectives on the film. The Los Angeles Times described it as “all cutesy retro raunchiness without any innovation or comedic payoff” . Conversely, some audience members appreciated its homage to classic teen comedies, noting its “fun characters” and “simple story with fun characters and a message” .​

The Critic’s Verdict

Pitching Tents offers a light-hearted, albeit familiar, exploration of teenage angst and decision-making. While it may not break new ground, its charm lies in its earnest portrayal of a young man’s quest for purpose amidst the chaos of adolescence.​

Rating: 6/10

A nostalgic journey that, despite its clichés, captures the essence of youthful uncertainty.

Pair With

Dazed and Confused (1993) for a similar exploration of teenage rites of passage, or The Spectacular Now (2013) for a more contemporary take on adolescent self-discovery.

Cultural Footprint

By revisiting the tropes of 1980s teen comedies, Pitching Tents contributes to the ongoing conversation about the genre’s evolution, highlighting both its enduring appeal and the need for fresh perspectives.​

Addition

In addition to its nostalgic homage to 1980s teen comedies, Pitching Tents (2017) delves into the complexities of adolescent decision-making and the pursuit of individuality. The film’s protagonist, Danny, embodies the quintessential teenager at a crossroads, torn between familial expectations and personal aspirations. This internal conflict resonates with audiences who have faced similar dilemmas during their formative years, adding depth to the film’s comedic surface.​

Moreover, the film’s setting in 1984 is not merely a backdrop but a character in itself, influencing the narrative’s tone and the characters’ interactions. The era’s cultural nuances, from fashion to music, are meticulously woven into the storyline, enhancing the authenticity of the characters’ experiences. This attention to detail allows viewers to immerse themselves fully in the time period, bridging generational gaps and fostering a sense of shared nostalgia.