Movie Review: Theater Camp
We’ve had Sleepaway Camp, Ernest Goes to Camp, Camp Rock, and even Friday the 13th took place at camp—and now we have *Theater Camp. I missed it at Sundance, but I finally got to see it, and this little indie film is made for anybody who’s ever wanted to share their voice. The eccentric staff of a run-down theater camp in upstate New York must band together with the beloved founder’s “bro-y” son to keep the camp afloat.
Visual Style and Editing
Theater Camp may take you a minute to get into because the filming is done guerrilla-style, meaning it’s very handheld. It’s not always shaky cam, but there’s a lot of zooming and pushing in and out on subjects in ways that let you tell the camera isn’t on a dolly or a boom. Sometimes the focus even takes a second to find itself, and there’s a lot of grain to the image, making it appear as if it were shot on film (if it wasn’t, it wouldn’t surprise me if it actually were).
The editing is also abrupt and different. It’s not displeasing, but it did take a little bit to get used to because there are many quick cuts that flash from one scene or character to another, and then back again in rapid succession. I had the impression that this was almost like an end-of-camp compilation video put together by the students with just a little oversight by the adults. I know that may sound like the editing and filming are amateurish or bad, but it’s not bad at all. It’s just a definite style that’s chosen, and I do appreciate the consistency with which the filmmakers stick to it. After a few minutes of getting used to the style, I barely even noticed it anymore and could fully engage with the story.
A Ridiculously Talented Cast
The film stars Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, Jimmy Tatro, Ayo Edebiri, Nathan Lee Graham, Owen Thiele, and Patti Harrison—plus a boatload of insanely talented young actors. I was so blown away by the singing voices of so many of the kids showcased, and really, I wanted even more from them.
There’s one kid, played by Luke Islam, who sings a bit of “Defying Gravity,” and it gave me chills with his range. Kyndra Sanchez sounds like she could really just be a Disney princess; she has this absolutely pure and piercing voice. There’s also Alexander Bello, who is going to mesmerize and stop you in your tracks, because not only can he belt out songs with a fantastic range, but he’s got great dance moves, too. And then there’s Bailee Bonick, who is just riveting when she sings. These are only a few of the standouts—there are so many in the cast who are just as talented.
At the screening I attended, there was a large contingent of theater people, and judging by their responses, they were having a full-on blast. I know there were jokes and even references in this that I simply didn’t get because I’m not in the theater community, but they got them, and they loved them. The wonderful thing is that, while this is a niche film and story, it’s not so niche that it alienates anybody outside the world of theater. There are universal themes explored that are relevant and palpable, diving into friendship, support, belief, confidence, and taking chances to pursue your dreams. These all resonate well and make the production very accessible.
Pacing and Plot Constraints
This is a pretty short movie—just 92 minutes—but there was a point towards the latter half of the film where I began to feel the time, and it made the short movie feel long. There are some scenes that are either dragged out or not wholly necessary for the narrative and have the story focus elsewhere. The momentum could have avoided taking a dip and causing the pace to slow. There’s a mixer-type scenario between two camps, and while this is a setup for a character decision and action that affects the rest of the story, there’s a bunch of time spent on the scene that didn’t actually add anything meaningful to the narrative.
Speaking of having two camps in this story, there was a distinct point where I really thought this was going to take on a *Camp Rock 2* story arc. That would have been a bummer because it wouldn’t have been original, but they do avoid that storyline (even though it still shares some similarities). Instead, it focuses on the main theater camp that we’ve been following the entire movie.
Standout Performances
I had fun with the characters, especially Jimmy Tatro and Noah Galvin. Tatro plays the son of the owner of the camp, mostly a clueless bro, but somebody who’s actually trying. We get to see an amazing amount of character growth from him, and despite the bravado and machismo he displays, he’s got a great heart and it becomes really easy to root for him. Noah Galvin is kind of a background player for a lot of this; he’s sweet and quiet, like the staff underdog. That makes him endearing, and it’s impossible not to want the best for him. He gets to share a lot of wisdom, especially with Tatro’s character, and their interactions show a growing friendship awesomely based on trust and respect.
The drama that unfolds between Ben Platt and Molly Gordon is engaging. It does get a bit schmaltzy at one point, but the ferocity of their interactions helps set up a fantastic and satisfying character moment that should make you smile and may even make you cry. They play best friends who are acting teachers and “aspiring performers” (their words). There’s a lot of awkward humor that comes about through their interactions. Some may come across as cheesy, but it’s heartfelt and feel-good—the best kind of cheese that’s not a pepper jack or fontina.
Final Verdict
This movie is probably going to get overshadowed in theaters by major releases, and it may end up only playing at your local arthouse theater. But this indie has a ton of heart, and despite some pacing issues in the latter part as well as some predictability, it’s a blast of a film. It creates a world where so many can be themselves and not only belong but shine bright. There’s a lot to love, and when we get a touching story backed by outstanding performances and very talented actors, *Theater Camp* becomes enveloping and inspiring.
Overall, *Theater Camp* shines in portraying skilled young singers and dancers set against a backdrop that uplifts and encourages everyone to follow their hearts and pursue their passions. The original songs are excellent earworms with catchy melodies and entertaining lyrics, delivered by ultra-talented actors who wow with pure and piercing voices. The shooting style and editing do take some getting used to, and the pacing needs some work, but the final product provides a bunch of laughter, smiles, and even a few tears. This was a refreshing film that had me laughing out loud a lot and then left me wowed by the singers.
Rating: I give Theater Camp 4.5 out of 5 couches.
