Through it all, Murray smiles and forges ahead, but his big riffs have been edited down to frantic bursts of mugging.
Meatballs (1979)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:28
Fresh:20
Rotten:8
Average Rating:6.2/10
Runtime: 1 hr 34 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: Bill Murray stars as Tripper, the nutty leader (and trainer) of a motley crew of camp counselors. But Tripper proves to be more than just a wild and wacky leader, as he takes a special interest in... Bill Murray stars as Tripper, the nutty leader (and trainer) of a motley crew of camp counselors. But Tripper proves to be more than just a wild and wacky leader, as he takes a special interest in Rudy, an insecure camper. Thought for the day: "It Just Doesn't Matter!" Directed by Ivan Reitman, who went on to helm such hits as TWINS and GHOSTBUSTERS. [More]
Starring: Bill Murray, Harvey Atkin, Kate Lynch, Russ Banham
Starring: Bill Murray, Harvey Atkin, Kate Lynch, Russ Banham, Kristine DeBell
Director: Ivan Reitman
Director: Ivan Reitman
Screenwriter: Janis Allen, Len Blum
Get This Movie
Reviews for Meatballs
Bill Murray is the only reason to see this film. His high energy and sensitive acting abilities take this cliche film out of the ordinary and give it the style that did not appear in the script or the direction.
It's difficult to come up with a more cliche situation for a summer pic than a summer camp, where all the characters and plot turns are readily imaginable. That makes director Ivan Reitman's accomplishment all the more noteworthy.
...ultimately just not able to live up to its inexplicable reputation as a minor cult classic.
Murray has been funnier and far more authoritative during his career, but he was never this joyfully floppy again. Meatballs is the crowning of his doofus glory and a great testament to his once improvisational appeal.
you don't mind the lack of structure, especially since it's delivered by a good-natured and good-humored young cast
Camp counsellor Tripper (Murray) is a John Belushi clone whose 'charisma' dominates the film's standard wackiness and sentimental story (of a kid who doesn't fit).
Meatballs works because Bill Murray's talents as an actor and comedian.
Latest News for Meatballs
April 28, 2006:
Uma Thurman's "Ex"-Rated Poster
We've been reporting on "My Super Ex-Girlfriend" since the screenplay was first snapped up, so it's cool to see that the flick semi-sped through production and is now... More...
June 16, 2005:
Luke Wilson to Headline High Concept "Super Ex"
The Hollywood Reporter informs us that likable lug Luke Wilson ("The Wendell Baker Story") is in final negotiations to star in Ivan Reitman's "Super Ex."... More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Meatballs at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

TECHLAND gives us a first look at the extras, including Leonard Nimoy's last day on set!

AV Club looks at a beloved cult classic, Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness.

TIME offers us a closer look at the characters from the latest Twilight film.

Moviefone lists their choices for the least attractive men in Hollywood.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


