Boot Camp

~If you like~ -Summer romance -Fresh out of HS -Camp vibes -Relatable main character -Reality incorporating notes of fantasy -Enemies to friends -Enemies to lovers -Trope-y romance -Embracing oneself

Then this film is for you!

I almost skipped over this one because of the 5.6 star rating. Then I read some of the reviews and realized there were actually a lot of 10 star reviews! I don't think this film is worthy of 10 stars (not much is in my book). Yet, I think this movie is actually well done and it accomplishes what it sets out to do.

The leads have really good chemistry and I thought the acting was actually very good. I haven't seen almost anyone from this cast before but I thought they all did a fantastic job. It didn't feel corney like it had the potential of being. Still better than most Hallmark films and many YA romance I've seen. This is a fun watch and if you like the above- give it a view!

TL;DR: Better than expected, good acting and chemistry from leads, a bit trope-y but enjoyable.

Giving this movie a 5.7 is absurd. Sure it wasn't Christopher Nolan level and it won't be at the Academy Awards, but this was a GREAT movie. It's heartfelt and charming with the classic kind of slow burn, and a forced one at that, we all love. The characters were three dimensional and the fl didn't make me want to tear my hair out which is a big plus. It was a movie I could truly relate to. Her speech on the beach is one I have given myself and it honestly brought me to tears. This movie made me feel seen. This one is for the book girlies who were always picked last for the team, last in relationships, and last in their own lives. It's inspiring and truly enjoyable. Maybe I should go to summer camp too lol.

This is a modern classic, but not in a good way, but in terms of clichés.

For example, I like how in such films, which seem to advocate self-love, the search for self-confidence instead of chasing after improving appearance and rejection of beauty stereotypes, the heroine's love interest is always a tall handsome guy with great abs. Apparently the rule "you're beautiful no matter how you look" works selectively, eh?

And of course, the moment with taking off the t-shirt is included, and remember, this is certainly not objectification, because he is a guy!

This is the end of the review, I'll just add some symbols.

Some parts had me actually laughing out loud and other parts had me actually giggling and kicking my feet! I miss these types of movies, some things definitely took me by surprise, in a good way!!

I felt like they did a really good job of portraying the relationship, I loved that she stood firm in who she was and I loved that he also had some surprising quirks and wasn't the stereotypical a-hole they 9x out of 10 make this storyline out to be.

Absolutely loved Whitney & Axel's story, and I thought all actors were strong! I definitely can't wait to watch these guys in other movies, will be looking out for them!

And at the end of the day, I'm just a girl.

Rachel Boudwin and Drew Ray Tanner's chemistry was off the charts! I was also impressed by the acting in this film. Sometimes novel adaptations can have cringey moments, but I found myself immersed while watching this film. There weren't any moments where I felt like the dialogue didn't fit the context or was delivered awkwardly. Most importantly, I think the message of this film regarding body positivity and loving oneself is really meaningful. Rachel Boudwin accurately conveyed how people act out during moments of vulnerability/insecurity, and she did it so well. Her delivery was touching, and I think she's a very charming actress. I look forward to her future works!