Rating: 
Summary: Camp
Review: The word "camp" has a few different meanings, a couple of which are important to this film. First, it comes to mean anything that is deliberately silly, making a blatant show of anything in an artificial yet somewhat humorous way. The second is, of course, the place where kids go during their summers to participate in various activities, sometimes suited specifically for their talents and tastes (sports camp, dance camp, etc.) The youngsters in Camp experience both. Their summer drama camp experiences are filled with teen crushes, touching (if a bit overbearing) friendships, and theatrical quarrels. Though not without its flaws, it's a good film with a nice message regarding the ability for "outsiders" to make the most of their uniqueness and to heal their personal wounds through performance.
I mentioned that the film involved outsiders, and the featured Camp Ovation drama camp has a multitude of them. The boys are gay, the girls are space cadets, and everyone is hopelessly star-struck (they squeal, gasp, and jump in the air upon spotting legendary playwright Stephen Sondheim). The film has more than a few developed characters, but it really centers on three. The first is Michael, who is openly gay and hasn't seen or heard from his parents in quite a long time (his father disapproves of his sexual orientation). The second is Ellen, a tomboyish actress who listens almost entirely to showtunes and has zero dating experience. The two of them have been coming to Camp Ovation for years, to show off their talents and to seek asylum from their dismal lives. When Vlad, the third character, shows up for his first year, each of their lives takes an unexpected turn. Vlad is seemingly "perfect": good-looking, congenial, musically talented, and Great Jumping Jehosaphat!-100% straight. He forms a bond with Michael and sparks a romance with Ellen, but conflicts arise that threaten both of these relationships, all while trying to put together a concert and wading through camp life, mending as many personal rifts between him and others as he can.
I think it's pretty worthy of note that this is not a "kids movie", although I would venture to say that most kids would enjoy it (provided that their ages consist of more than a single digit). Being an independent film, Camp is directed at older teens and adults, and one of the reasons this rings true is because the film is pretty quirky in its execution. Take this as an example: the film alternates between stage performance and everyday life, but while the production is glossy during the performance numbers, it's stripped down during the real-life scenes, often opting for high contrast and a hand-held camera. This was a smart move because it highlights the reality of camp life (which, surprisingly, has the capacity to be pretty harsh) and the relationships there. The filmmakers could have given every scene a glossy, Hollywood-esque finish, and consequently make the film more palatable for kids and mainstream movie-going audiences, but doing that would likely downplay the realism essential to identifying with characters and making the story believable. After all, the setting of the film is far from fantasy-most kids go to summer camp and some even go to drama camps much like Camp Ovation. Therefore, it's quite important that what a viewer sees in this film is realistic and convincing.
While the production goes to some length to distinguish between glitzy performances and the scaled-down nature of the everyday, the characterization does not. Their lives to some degree resemble campy performances, though they're not really aware that this transcendence actually happens (unlike Singin' in the Rain, whereby the characters strongly believe that all the world is a stage), which can make their offstage performances a bit grating. This isn't to say that the acting is bad-far from it in fact, but acting can only work so much magic before the avatars show their flaws. Though they're well into their teens, they display an unsightly mix of grade-school romantic immaturity and over-the-top emotions akin to soap opera characters, which makes them seem like people you might see on a romance-tinged episode of Saved by the Bell. Sometimes, however, the relationships really work. The best moments occur between Vlad and Michael, in which Vlad shows his ability to be sensitive and Michael in turn shows receptiveness to Vlad's gestures.
The soundtrack plays a large part in setting the tone of the film. It mocks the technique used by the cinematographer by blasting lively pieces during stage performances and sprinkling gentle, acoustic rock songs on the realistic camp setting. Again, a filmmaker could have slapped Mandy Moore onto those same scenes in order to appeal to a wider audience, but the effect would not have been so gorgeous as what we're given here. It makes the setting and the characters in it seem warmer, gentler, and more real.
Finally, the message of the film is very satisfying because it holds some truth for the people who watch it. All of us have felt like outsiders at one point or another-if not for what makes us "weird", then sometimes for what unique gifts we possess. The characters in Camp have been shunned by a society that brands them as strange and, in the most severe cases, unacceptable. Yet they gather together at Camp Ovation to celebrate their talents which have been unable to flourish in the society from which they came. More importantly, their passion for the performing arts is given the chance to blossom, which builds their confidence and gives them euphoric pleasure. Those who enjoy watching independent films such as Camp will feel this film calls to them, as their love of these kinds of films is generally unaccepted by a society that shows appreciation to big-budget blockbusters. Thus, this film will most likely have a satiating effect on those who choose to see it.
Rating:
Summary: Camp is fun, just be careful...
Review: Let this serve as a warning for those of you who may watch Camp as a moviegoer rather than a theatre nut: it's a decent movie. Todd Graff has pushed this movie as something with a bizarre and dark humor, which in comparison to some of his previous films (The Beautician and the Beast, Angie), well, yes, it is--but in general, it's in such a comic and fake nature that the characters don't seem necessarily dark. While the success of Camp seems to have made Graff a little full of himself, putting those feelings aside, ninety percent of the movie is really enjoyable. I say that because of the end, which I'm not going to ruin, but if anyone actually watches this film and is not incredibly disturbed by the ending--only later to read that Letterle's character (Vlad) was based off of Graff himself--you are a troubled individual. The movie is wonderful and fun. You can really let go, enjoy the excitement of it all. The song and dance numbers are amazing, even if you aren't familiar with all of them (although you'll miss a few jokes here and there if you aren't). There are really only two possible problems with the movie, both which I already mentioned: it watches like a comic strip, which is well and good as long as you're in the mood for that (I'm saying this could be a problem if you're looking for something a little deeper--I don't think it could fulfill its purpose attempting to tackle some big issue). Secondly, the ending is horrendous. If you want to unconditionally love this movie, when they get to the dock at the end, please fast forward to the credits and watch those until the end for a few fun little extras. I won't buy this movie because of the ending, so if you do, please ignore it (I can't stress this enough). To the movie's credit, however, they supposedly ran out of money and had to end it differently--still, that doesn't really explain why they ended it as they did. Anyway, Camp is a fun movie. If that's what you're looking for, and especially if you love musical theatre, you'll really enjoy this. If you're looking for something that goes a little more under the surface, you'll probably still enjoy this on some level, but it really serves up best as a idyllic fantasy to those who can truly appreciate it's content and theme.
Rating: 
Summary: Cool, Without Being Cool At All
Review: I'd like to be able to compare this movie to something for you, but I really couldn't come close. It chronicles the summer of a group of teens who go to a performance arts camp. It's a surprisingly funny and inspiring story. The ensemble cast is effortlessly able to tackle some of the most important facing teens today. They include acceptance from parents, lack of attention from parents, and the commanding nature of popularity. I was supremely impressed with the quality of humor in this film. The actors all seemed very comfortable with both the drama and comedy, each with unique and believable personality, and character development. The soundtrack is a great companion too...
Rating:
Summary: CAMP is bound to please
Review: Without much knowledge of what I was in store for, I went to go see CAMP this summer. During my high school years I participated in two summers of Summer Stock theater. Compaired to these kids we were pure amatures at best putting on shows in Uncle Bob's Barn. CAMP takes place in the wild and involves a group of hams, prima donnas and various others all wanting their chance in the spotlight where the competition is tough and ruthless, not only for the lead role, but also for the affections of the lone straight male at the camp. Unlike other films in the genre (specifically FAME) The songs from CAMP are not written for a pop radio release, but in the style of major Broadway show. From beginning to end, the musical numbers of CAMP (although not all original) will keep the listener on the edge and wanting more performance. Of course the story evolves around the campers and their issues of trying to fit in even where they are the most accepted and also fitting in, in the real world where these kids struggle. While the story at times drags and is there just to move along the film between songs, the overall enjoyment and good feeling the viewer is left with overcomes the shortfalls of the movie. CAMP is a true joy and an original concept that makes it a great time at the movies.
Rating:
Summary: Best Movie I've seen this year
Review: This is the best movie I've seen this year. Too bad films like these only show in one theater in town and then for two weeks max. No promotion so small audiences. I can't wait to get the DVD so I can see it again. I rushed out and bought the soundtrack after seeing the movie. Everytime I listen to the music it brings back what I felt during the movie. I can't recommend this film enough!
Rating:
Summary: Amazin
Review: This is the best movie I have ever seen.
Rating: 
Summary: Today's "Fame."
Review: We all have some imperfection or oddity. But it takes a while for some people to figure this out. At Camp Ovation, a group of teenagers (and adults) find out they're not as "freaky" as they thought. The story is great, the music is terrific, and there's fun for all. You'll laugh a lot and fall in love with everyone of the characters...well, except for one! Take your teenager to see this movie!
Rating:
Summary: Deserves a Wider Release
Review: I've seen this movie 3 times, and each time it gets better and I notice something different. A truly uplifting movie. It certainly deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. Although the movie centers around a Camp for the performing arts (hence the comparisons to FAME), it is really a movie about living your dream, accepting yourself and others, and finding love, no matter who you are. If the movie doesn't come to your area (which would be a shame), definitely check it out on DVD when it comes out.
Rating:
Summary: Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance!
Review: The need to perform is often a result of deep-seated pain and resentment sometimes brought on by a dysfunctional childhood. And so it is with the teenagers gathered at Camp Ovation: an acting and singing summer school in the film "Camp"; the title that operates on at least two levels.
The revelation of this film is the extraordinarily high level and quality of the performers: both singers and dancers. The spaces between the performances are average at best and silly at worst. But when these people sing and dance: watch out!
The director and screenwriter have borrowed plot lines from a number of films: "Rebel Without a Cause," "All About Eve" and of course, "Fame" and at least they have the sense and style to borrow from the best.
"Camp" is fun and it is thrilling to see that there is a whole generation of superb performers on the horizon that have the talent, drive and taste to avoid the pitfalls and embarrassments of the American Idol clones.
Rating: 
Summary: In the running for the worst movie ever
Review: Stupid is the only word for it. If only they had had a writer, a director and some kids who could act. But they had none of these. Some of the kids, only some, could sing and/or dance, but none could evoke any believability. Of course they were yoked with a hacknyed, cliched, unfunny script. And please, give me a break! Having been involved in theatre for nearly 50 years I can attest that there are INDEED many gay guys, however, there are always more, by far, ego driven, "I am god's gift to womankind" straight morons. BTW, did the casing director go out of their way to cast only unattractive guys in the gay roles?
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