Memorable, crazy movie

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

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

This is much more than just a camp movie and great songs and production numbers, although it is all that. It does a great job of dealing with a number of important issues for today. One of these is the challenge of a profession in the arts. I loved the way it dealt with all of the issues it raised. For all of the criticism from the other reviews, I found this movie did a better job of raising all of the issues it raises and getting me to think about them, but more from a personal standpoint, and not from so much of a societal standpoint. We each have a role to play in each issue and we each have the challenge of deciding what we are going to do with each. Part of it is understanding other people. This movie showed a lot of different people and the importance of respecting all of them, even if what they are doing seems to have obvious problems.

Camp would be a very very good movie, if of course, it were made by high school students. Camp is a good idea and it should have just remained a good idea. The film is about many different people from many different backgrounds (they're mostly misfits) that go to an acting camp and find answers to life, love, and that good old stuff with song! Yes, it's a semi-musical. Now this is the reason it looked and sounded like a high school film with an $100 or so budget: the actors. I'm sorry, was the casting director stoned? The blonde stuck up girl looks mentally retarded, Vlad (the hunky straight guy which the story revolves around) has a high voice and acts very, very gay, and Ellen (the other character that the story revolves around) is just a little too frumpy and unattractive to get Vlad...wait...any guy. If I'm sounding mean here, it's because this movie stretches the points of believibility. The script reads like Fame with pine trees. Still, there are some good parts, notably the Rent-esquire opening credits, but it's an acting camp that the film takes place at, and half of the kids in this need acting lessons.

"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.