Camp (2003)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

Todd Graff

Writer (WGA):

Todd Graff (written by)

Release Date:

5 September 2003 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical | Drama

Tagline:

A Comedy About Drama

Plot:

After a series of Broadway flops, songwriter Bert Hanley (Dixon) goes to work at a musical camp for young performers. Inspired by the kids, he finds an opportunity to regain success by staging an altogether new production.

Plot Keywords:

Theatrical Show | Gay Friend | Dance | Theater Owner | Gay Slur

Awards:

6 nominations

Cast

Daniel Letterle	...	Vlad Baumann
Joanna Chilcoat	...	Ellen Lucas
Robin de Jesus	...	Michael Flores
Steven Cutts	...	Shaun
Vince Rimoldi	...	Spitzer
Kahiry Bess	...	Petie
Tiffany Taylor	...	Jenna Malloran
Sasha Allen	...	Dee
Alana Allen	...	Jill Simmons
Anna Kendrick	...	Fritzi Wagner
Don Dixon	...	Bert
Robert Orosco	...	Emil
Stephen DiMenna	...	Glen
Omar Edwards	...	Alston
Camilla Millican Samuelson	...	Hillary

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements regarding teen sexual issues, and some language.

Runtime:

114 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Malaysia:U | Australia:M | Germany:o.Al. | Hong Kong:IIA | Singapore:PG | UK:12A | USA:PG-13

Company:

IFC Productions

Trivia:

Based on director Todd Graff's experiences at a drama camp called Stagedoor Manor.

Goofs:

Continuity: At the very beginning of this movie, Vlad put his football and basketball on the table, then when he turned to face the other two sitting on the bed, the football and basketball have disappeared.

Quotes:

[first lines]
[scene opens on Dee, Shaun and Company singing "How Shall I See You Through My Tears"]
[as singing continues, scene shifts to Vlad in his bedroom]
Vlad: To all the critics out there, I know they're gonna review this, and I know they're gonna try to knock me - is it OK if I say this to the camera, Amber? - Okay. I only am who I am 'cause I was born that way. I have a gift, and I'm trying not to be selfish about it, but to use it. Okay? If you're gonna knock me for that, that's your problem. Jealousy will get you nowhere. And I'm gonna keep rockin' on.
[scene returns to singing cast, then shifts to Ellen's bathroom]
Ellen's Brother: Ellen, what's the matter with you? Don't tell Mom I'm taking you to your stupid junior prom.
Ellen: [in shower] Get out of here!
Ellen's Brother: Your brother - how gross is that! Come on!
Ellen: They don't know you're my brother. Please Ben you have to - I'll pay you.
Ellen's Brother: Find someone who's not related to you. Loser.
[...]

Movie Connections:

References All About Eve (1950)

Soundtrack:

Greensleeves

brings back golden memories

Camp was definitely the movie of the year that I would go see again and again and buy the soundtrack the minute I saw it on the shelf. A delightful memoir and tribute to what it's like to be young and hopeful about a career in the arts.

This movie is beyond words when it comes to being a unique feel-good movie. At some points, however, I felt like the kids were almost unbelieveable as angsty teenagers. The plot seemed a little disjointed too; Vlad's character continually reveals more complexity and conflict up until the very end, and I felt like I was just getting to know him when the movie finishes. However, they pale in comparison to the excellent musical numbers and sheer emotion that reaches beyond the kids' ages.

Graff made a gem of a movie. For anyone who's into musical theatre, or was when they were younger, can relate to this movie. If you haven't, you see a pretty picture of a movie, with spectacular musical numbers ("Ladies who Lunch," "Turkey Lurkey Time," "Want of a Nail"). My only qualms with it are the gay stereotypes seemingly sticking here, and a couple other inconsistencies of character. But nothing much. See this film; it's a great release and will keep you inspired for a while.