Theater camp 2023 - A Film Review

Theater Camp is a lackluster comedy set at a summer performing arts community. Despite its grand gestures in the world of musical theater, the film falls flat due to a script that doesn't translate well on screen and a familiar mockumentary style that fails to bring any new humor to the table. The film was made by a group of Hollywood friends who wanted to create something with their peers, which is evident in the secondhand comedy and unoriginal bits that feel like inside jokes. The plot revolves around the splintering relationship between two theater instructors, played by Ben Platt and Molly Gordon, as they attempt to put on a musical while the camp's leadership is in turmoil. Despite the star power, the film fails to live up to its potential, with a chaotic visual language and a mismatch of aesthetics. The film's best moments come from the talented youth actors and their heartfelt performance of Joan, Still, reminding the audience of the intense belonging that theater camp can evoke.

Theater Camp is a comedy film that falls short of its potential. Directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman and written by Gordon, Lieberman, and friends/former Evan Hansens/engaged couple Ben Platt and Noah Galvin, the film explores the world of summer performing arts at a camp called AdirondACTS. The plot revolves around the relationship between over-serious theater instructors Amos (Platt) and Rebecca-Diane (Gordon) as they compose an original musical about camp matriarch Joan and the efforts of her vlogger son Troy (Jimmy Tatro) to save the camp. The film also features a side plot with a ruthless board member (played by Patti Harrison) and an ensemble cast of talented actors. Despite its star power, the film lacks originality and humor, relying too heavily on the mockumentary format and a jittery camera style. The film is saved by its musical finale, a performance by the campers that evokes the warm, earnest charm the previous 80 minutes lacked. Ultimately, Theater Camp could have been a self-aware film that captures the intense sense of belonging that theater camp can evoke.

Theater Camp, a mockumentary film written by Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman and their friends Ben Platt and Noah Galvin, centers around a summer performing arts community called AdirondACTS. The film follows the lives of the over-serious theater camp instructors, Amos (Platt) and Rebecca-Diane (Gordon), as they attempt to compose an original musical about the legacy of the camp's matriarch Joan (Amy Sedaris) while the new owner, vlogger Troy (Jimmy Tatro), tries to keep the camp afloat. The film also explores the relationship between the instructors, the ruthless expansion plan of the neighboring camp, and the antics of the camp's various personalities, including dance instructor Clive (Nathan Lee Graham) and costume designer Gigi (Owen Thiele).

Despite its all-star cast, Theater Camp fails to deliver the comedic punch that it promises. The mockumentary format, which is already overused, is half-heartedly executed in the film. The shaky camera work, jittery editing, and lackluster visual language detract from the playful energy of a summer camp, and the film's desaturated color palette creates a grainy, muted texture that undermines the excess of the characters and the general heightened intensity of a musical theater camp.

In addition, the film lacks focus, devoting too much time to the typically self-obsessed adults and neglecting the numerous talented youth actors who are actually fun to watch. The film's climax, the kids' performance of Joan, Still, provides a glimmer of hope and reveals the intense sense of belonging that theater camp can evoke. However, it's not enough to make up for the lackluster film that precedes it.

In conclusion, Theater Camp is a missed opportunity to satirize the overzealous and pretentious theater world and to explore the intense sense of belonging that theater camp can evoke. The film's weak execution and lack of focus detract from its promising premise, leaving the audience with a half-hearted and lackluster comedy.