Camp (2003)

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:

Cliche | Alcoholism | Composer | Dance | Gay Bashing

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:

Production started on August 26th, 2002 at Stagedoor Manor in upstate New York, and wrapped up in early October, 2002.

Goofs:

Continuity: At the beginning of the movie, Vlad is sitting with a skateboard. He is later seen riding the skateboard but it doesn't have a design on it as it did in the beginning of the movie.

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:

Losing My Mind

It's Turkey Lurkey Time

"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.