|
|
|
|
|
Each summer, kids can choose from all kinds of different summer camps that allow them to explore their interests, learn new skills, and just have some summer fun. If they happen to have a passion for performing, they might find themselves with a bunch of other quirky kids at a camp like the one in the mockumentary Theater Camp.
Theater Camp joins a group of aspiring young performers for another summer of music and dancing and drama at AdirondACTS. This year, though, things aren’t quite the same—because the camp’s beloved founder, Joan (Amy Sedaris), is in a coma, leaving the camp in the entirely incapable hands of her business vlogger son, Troy (Jimmy Tatro). While the camp’s long-suffering teachers try to keep everything running as smoothly as possible for their lovable band of campers, Troy tries to come up with a way to keep the camp out of foreclosure.
With a stripped-down staff attempting to pull together a number of different performances in a matter of weeks, just about everything at AdirondACTS spirals into chaos—and the film goes right along with it. The camp is loaded with lovable outsiders with larger-than-life personalities. There are so many, in fact, that it’s impossible to get to know all of them. Still, the film jumps from one character (and one story) to another, touching on everything from the strained relationship between long-time teacher BFFs to Troy’s bumbling attempts to keep the camp afloat to the ongoing production of a musical about poor, comatose Joan—with a whole lot of drama and music in between.
The comedy here doesn’t always work. Some feels forced, some is uncomfortably inappropriate, and some just isn’t funny. But if one gag doesn’t work, there’s another one right behind it. For better or worse, it’s just a non-stop jumble of singing and dancing and musical theater silliness. Admittedly, the constant chaos of the different characters and stories makes it feel somewhat exhausting—but, fortunately, the film is mercifully short. And though it certainly has its flaws, it comes together in a way that’s surprisingly, oddly charming.
If you’ve ever been involved in a theater production, you’ll most likely be able to relate to the drama and disorder of Theater Camp. If not, it will most likely wear you out and drive you crazy. Like most theater productions, it’s messy and noisy and over-the-top. But there’s something about these awkwardly adorable theater kids and their devoted teachers that keeps it from completely falling apart.
Following a limited release in select cities, Theater Camp arrives in theaters everywhere on July 28, 2023.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
|
|
|
|
