The Wet Hot American Summer movie came out way back in 2001 to an audience of around 100 people, so it’s surprising that a series was made out of it. Yes, it did find a cult following after coming out on DVD, but even so it’s a love it or hate it kind of property. I lean more toward the hate is side as I think Wet Hot is more weird than actually funny. I’m a mark for anything Netflix green lights though, so with a stacked cast of actors I really like, I thought it necessary to attend the first day of camp (seriously, check out the cast, it’s ridiculous).

A prequel to the movie, Camp stars most of the same cast, now in their 40’s, playing the kids they were already too old to play 14 years ago. Half the charm and all of the enjoyment comes just from that premise. Just like the movie, we’re brought to Camp Firewood, located somewhere in Maine. It’s 1981 so watch out for the short shorts and tube socks.

With such a big cast, there are a lot of stories being told at once and most of them are incredibly stupid. Everyone plays the absurdity straight, completely committed to their part.  I’m talking about a show where H. Jon Benjamin gets turned into a can of mixed vegetables from toxic waste dumped in the woods, which makes Jon Hamm show up as a secret government agent to try and cover it up. Your tolerance of such things is going to dictate on if you watch this or bail out after two episodes.

I liked this a lot more than the movie. A lot more laughs come from the more in-depth characterization allowed by the added time. Everything is more expanded and not so slammed together so the crazier stuff gets a better set up. Wet Hot had a big cast to start with, but the added kids are a welcome edition (for some reason I got a real kick out Arty, who holes up in the campus radio station and dubs himself “The Beekeeper”).

I don’t think I’m ever going to watch the movie again, but Camp has convinced me to check out day two if they ever make it.