Répétition générale

I loved this movie! I went to a Mystery Movie Night to see it, and most people around me were enjoying it- so I'm not sure why it's getting so much negativity. I laughed and laughed! It was wonderful to see true representation of theater kids and the glories and dysfunctions of this kind of group. I think a lot of people giving negative reviews do not know or appreciate the joy and diversity included in this most glorious group of humanity! I laughed, rolled my eyes, winced, and even cried. It is obviously for a niche group- but if you love theater or musicals, this movie is for you! It would be a great outing for a drama club to enjoy it and laugh together.

Theater Camp is a very funny modern take on the mockumentary style. For me, it is reminiscent of What We Do in the Shadows kind of humor. It pokes fun at everyone; there is no traditional everyman.

Both ends of the spectrum are laughed at. We get jokes at the expense of influencer, bro-ey type guys, and also the classic, quirky, theater-obsessed kids. I think thats part of what made it so enjoyable. EVERYONE was made into a satirical hyperbole of a cliché we all know.

The story was nice, too. It takes you all over the place and ties together in the end for a cute, and still funny, conclusion.

It really doesn't take itself too seriously, and is a very sweet watch.

Many people love live theater. Even so, as non-actors, singers, or dancers themselves, many admire the finished product only, without considering all the hard work that goes into productions. My daughter and niece were theater kids growing up, so I get the "that was my life" connection, maybe more than most.

This movie will resonate with some people, but for many it will miss the mark. Sadly, it's a sweetly intended, behind-the-scenes, mockumentary style look at a world that not everyone can relate to, or will be interested in. I appreciate the efforts by the kids, but thought the story was a bit lacking, and the characters a little stereotypically overdone. That said, it's not a bad film, just not what I was expecting or hoping for.

Joan Rubinsky is the co-founder of a theater camp and during one of the show, she has a seizure which puts her in a coma. Her son Troy takes over the camp and finds it hard to belong there as bonding with the staff as well as the kids turns out to be a real challenge. They prepare to perform a new musical based on the life of Joan while Troy struggles to raise enough money to save the place. The sub-plot also involves the two teachers Amos and Rebecca, who are behind the musical and their career differences take a toll on their relationship. Despite all the odds, how the kids end up performing the show and will Troy be able to save the place forms rest of the story.

Initially I did find it hard to get on board with the narrative with it entirely being the off screen life of these kids as well as the camp runners, basically life of theater artists and their antics. But I got used to it on time enough to buy into the narrative. Sure, the writing felt superficial as the financial concern and how it was dealt it was downplayed along with the subplots involving the staffers, where their issues were resolved too easily. But the entire third act and the musical play itself worked it's charm. Overall, it was definitely a decent watch.

IN A NUTSHELL:

I used to take dance, singing, and theater classes when I was a little girl and into my teens, so I really got a kick out of this movie. It's about an eccentric staff of a rundown theater camp in upstate New York during a summer when the founder's stroke put her in a coma. Her "bro-y" son had to figure out how to keep the camp afloat in her absence as the financial future of the camp is hanging in the balance.

The entertaining film was written and directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman with additional writing help from Noah Galvin. This is Molly's and Nick's directorial debut. They, clearly, had a blast putting this movie together. It makes for a fun summer movie.

The movie has already won "Best Ensemble" at the Sundance Film Festival. It was also nominated for other awards at other film festivals at Sundance, SXSW, and Seattle International.

THINGS I LIKED:

More Ben Platt, please! I just love his voice. He and Noah Galvin are a couple in real life. They both played the starring role in Dear Evan Hansen. Such a great stage play and movie!

The rest of the talented cast includes Caroline Aaron, Nathan Lee Graham, Molly Gordon, Jimmy Tatro, Patti Harrison, Amy Sedaris, and so many young kids who just got their break in movies!

There are some truly talented kids in the movie.

The story is filmed like a mockumentary and absolutely doesn't take itself too seriously.

There is a lot of spoken and visual humor. Thespians will be the ones that enjoy it the most.

The cards on the screen give us entertaining and often hilarious background information during the entire movie.

The ending is actually really sweet and touching.

We get to hear a lot of original music with amusing lyrics.

Fun fact #1: The film was shot in only 19 days, resulting in a whopping 70 hours of footage! It must have been painful to try to weed through all of the footage and cut so much out.

Fun fact #2: They filmed the movie at the URJ Kutz camp in Warwick, New York. Sadly, the camp is now closed, another reminder that we need to help support our local companies and the arts.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

Act 1 establishes the characters and the goofiness, but the plot really doesn't present itself until Act 3 when it's quickly resolved.

People who aren't into musical theater or plays might not think the humor is very funny.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Profanity, including an F-bomb Visual and spoken jokes about doing cocaine.

Lots of children and adults in the LGBTQ+ community are represented.