This weekend has
been phenomenal when it comes to original films that are
wholly unique and highly entertaining. This might
have been the best weekend I have had all year in regards
to the number of quality films I have seen.
"Bubba Ho-Tep" turned out to be one of the best
horror comedies I have ever seen, and "Camp" is
destined to make my end of the year list. It is an
emotional, energetic, and engrossing film that plays like
a hybrid between "Camp Nowhere" and "Center
Stafe", except it manages to be innovative, creative,
and one of the nicest treats I have seen in a long while.
I was smiling from beginning to end.
Camp Ovation is the setting for the film, a camp for
aspiring singers, dancers, actors, and musicians.
The story is told, essentially, through three characters.
Michael (Robin DeJesus) comes to the camp after being
beaten severely after he attended his junior prom dressed
in female clothing; he is a homosexual and feels free and
open at the camp. Ellen (Joanna Chilcoat) is a shy,
yet very talented young girl who, at the beginning of the
film, is trying to convince her brother to go to the prom
with her. And, Vlad (Daniel Latterle) is the only
straight boy at the camp, who also happens to be an
obsessive compulsive word counter and an attention junkie.
Add in a mix of supporting characters (including Don Dixon
as a formerly great Broadway composer and Tiffany Taylor
as a slightly obese girl whose dad has her jaw wired shut
to make sure she does not eat at camp) and you get the
sensational slate of talent that is "Camp".
There are also numerous plot twists. Vlad is pursued
by the most attractive girl in the camp, though he claims
to have feelings for the awkward and shy Ellen.
Michael has the hots for Vlad and it seems as though, at
some times, the straight Vlad might have the same feelings
for Michael. And, Don Dixon as Bert, is a raging
alcoholic who is eventually forced to bring it together to
help the kids put together the final benefit show of the
year at the camp. By the end of the film, we wonder
if Michael (who we thought gay) is straight and whether or
not Vlad (who we thought straight) is actually gay.
Amidst the turbulence are some classic Broadway tunes
(mostly Steven Sondheim, who also makes a cameo in the
film) and some fresh new ditties that actually deliver.
"Camp" is one of those films that leaves you
feeling good on the inside when you leave the theatre.
The performances from the three lead young actors are
terrific, especially Daniel Latterle as Vlad. And,
Don Dixon is surprisingly remarkable as the washed up
Broadway composer. There is one terrific scene in
which the kids are performing one of his unpublished works
and he runs in to accompany them on the piano. Great
stuff.
Theatre gurus and musical nuts will probably respond to
this film better than the normal movie goer, which is
fine, because this film was made for them. It caters
to their every desire and I know it left me floating on
air. I loved the inside theatre jokes, I loved the
renditions of the Sondheim songs, and I loved the fact
that, though this camp seemed too good to be true, this
film was actually based on a camp just like the one in the
film. I only wished I would have known about it when
I was younger. "Camp" is one of the best
films of the year. It is emotional. It is
funny. It is infectious. It is downright
special.
