Meatballs (1979) review

It's summertime at Camp North Star and "Tripper" Harrison (Bill Murray) acts as M.C., psychologist and primary hooligan: he works with "counsellors-in-training," befriends (and jogs with) lonely Rudy Gerner (Chris Makepeace), tries to schmooze with the ladies and then leads his group in a two-day Olympiad against the significantly wealthier rivals at Camp Mohawk.  The open-ended "camp comedy" template typically allows for various sight gags and general misbehaving, but this is entirely devoid of any funny moments (which is odd considering four individuals are listed as screenwriters, including Harold Ramis): the kiddos aren't really brats, there's no on-screen "nookie," and it relies on Mr. Murray (in his first lead role) to provide the "chuckles" with his off-beat announcements and trademark sarcastic quips.  It plays it so safe - as if it were being filmed for network TV - it received a "PG" rating: where's the bawdy fun in that?  No sneaky sips of beer?  No smooching in the woods?  You might as well stay home with a stack of comic books and a fertile imagination....