Theater Camp

... Idk maybe I'm a closeted Theatre guy, if u get my drift haha but ya, it just worked for me - basically it reminded me of one of the old ensemble casted Christopher Guest films, ya know with Eugene Levy and all the staple players - you remember right? Those fabulously fun mockumetararies? - and I've long regarded Ben Platt as one of the all time great voices (I'm certain I'm not alone in this, but I don't follow the musical theater zeitgeist) and although this doesn't showcase his musical prowess per se, it does use him effectively in a comedic role and it just works - I highly recommend it and YES I only gave it an 8 but that's only because I never give tens and 9s are reserved for films that are truely extraordinary (and Rick and Morty haha) anyway enjoy.

Theater Camp is a great mockumentary that's constantly mining cringe for solid laughs. It's got just as much gleeful cynicism as it does real heart for a winning combination. Obviously it'll work better for theatre people but that doesn't mean it's even remotely inaccessible to anyone who isn't.

All the adults here get to show off their genuine love of performance whilst also sending themselves up in terrific fashion. While they're doing that the film offers a showcase for an immensely talented set of child actors who are all impressive performers with some superb comedic timing.

As directors, Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman use the mockumentary techniques pretty effectively, when it actually remembers it's a mockumentary. All the intertitles add so much, it's the ideal run time and it culminates in the performance of Joan, Still which gets some of the best laughs before culminating in a wonderfully heartfelt moment.

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.

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.

I had not heard one thing about this movie.

I'd already seen Oppenheimer, Barbie, Mission: Impossible, and Sound of Freedom, so on a whim, I booked myself a double feature in a cool theatre on this hot summer day.

First up - another movie I knew nothing about: Shortcomings. An enjoyable R-rated movie.

Next: Theater Camp. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into when it started, but Searchlight movies tend to be bring me joy in a variety of ways. Theater Camp did not disappoint. There were some great laughs, great performances (I never cease to be amazed by how much talent kids of all ages and sizes can have!!), and a great ending.

Theater Camp should be on your radar to go see. Enjoy!