wes-connors
New York junior and high school students go to a summer camp for kids interested in musical theatre. Lead actor is attractive Daniel Letterle (as Vladimir "Vlad" Baumann). With highlights and good muscle tone, Mr. Letterle arouses interest in most of the other kids. Gay is the norm at "Camp Ovation", so Letterle stands out. The unpacking of his football lets everyone know he's straight. Honest. Letterle's roommate is cross-dressing Robin De Jesus (as Michael Flores), who was rejected and beat up at his prom for showing up in drag. Lead actress is chunky but pleasant Joanna Chilcoat (as Ellen Lucas), who hopes to land a boyfriend...This stereotypical "comedy about drama" will mostly appeal to younger teenagers who enjoy high school musicals...Letterle's character is written (by director Todd Graff) with some unexpected depth; the mystery of his medication is withheld, he plays the slowly sexual teasing of his roommate perfectly, and an honest portrait of a young attention-seeking actor emerges. Other interesting stories are the "All About Eve" part played by Anne Kendrick (as Fritzi Wagner) and the washed-up musical writer Don Dixon (as Bert Hanley) drowning his career in alcohol. The show songs hit a peak with Tiffany Taylor (as Jenna Malloran), so fat her father has had her mouth wired shut, startling everyone (well, not me) by revealing a great singing voice. Who knew?****** Camp (1/21/03) Todd Graff ~ Daniel Letterle, Joanna Chilcoat, Robin de Jesus, Don Dixon
someofusarebrave
There are reasons why I have stopped watching musicals of all kinds.Perhaps it was the collective sexism that was the final straw for me.Maybe I gave up once I realized that almost inevitably some white guy was called upon to stand up to a poorer, invariably less socially privileged person of color with a Point. Maybe it was the portrayal of crazy people doing things no human member of this society would EVER in a million years be allowed to do, like screaming at kids you have stuck into a dumpster during "rehearsal" for a play you are "directing".The screenwriters cannot write women as non-victimized humans, either.Maybe it's the pure sexism of only ever portraying women as useless innocents constantly in danger from hulking men these women do not know how to defend themselves against and for whatever reason do not try.The sub-par voices coming from pretty-faced lousy singers doesn't help.This is the worst of the worst so far as that style of story goes.Inserting a transgender woman into the movie does not improve matters.Not even that obviously heartstrings-tugging move works in a show like this one. Sorry, folks, better luck next time.
thenarrow364
A cast of mostly likable unknowns stars in this movie about a summer camp for musical theater. The plot runs a bit thin, at times coming off like a Fame remake, and at other times taking a Rent-like theme of outcasts bonding through their art and adapting it for the High School Musical demographic. What it lacks in plot it makes up for in laughs and music. The writing is mostly sharp and witty, and while predictable, the better scenes still manage to get you laughing. The music is a wonderful mix of originals by Steven Trask (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) and Michael Gore (Fame), Broadway favorites, covers of songs by the Rolling Stones, Victoria Williams and others, and even some more obscure stuff like The Replacements and The Reindeer Section/Snow Patrol. I had never heard of this movie and came into it not knowing what to expect, but with the exception of the unrealistic kiss-and-make-up ending, I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're a fan of musicals, teen movies, or just want something a little different from your standard Hollywood fare, then you might just enjoy this movie too.
boyinflares
"Camp" is a fantastic film with bright characters, beautiful songs and some great dance sequences. Certainly this is a very underrated musical, which will hopefully one day get more recognition. The film focuses on the teens at a Summer Camp where they perform musicals and deal with the usual teenage issues. The singing is great from most of the cast, the acting is a little less so, but the energy of the film makes up for that.Daniel Letterle plays hottie Vlad, Joanna Chilcoat plays the nice girl Ellen, and Robin de Jesus is the main gay boy Michael. The get the bulk of the screen time, and are all very good, but by no means are they the best singers, and the other characters are at times, more interesting to watch. Without a doubt, Sasha Allen (Dee) is the best singer, hopefully she will release an album one day. Tiffany Taylor (Jenna) is also excellent in the singing department. Alana Allen brings a touch of elegance to the film as snobby Jill, and Anna Kendrick is fantastic as the obsessed Fritzi. Vince Rimoldi doesn't get nearly enough screen time as Spitzer, and it's a shame we don't get to hear him sing more. Same goes for Julie Kleiner in her small role as Lisa. Don Dixon does a good job of playing the unlikeable Bert.The songs are funky and interesting, particularly the opening number "How shall I see you through my tears?", "Century Plant", "Here's where I stand", the fabulous "Turkey Lurkey Time" and closing number "For the want of a nail". The only problem I have with the film really is that it should have spent a bit more time on some of the other characters. Other than that, a thoroughly enjoyable film.
AD
