Review of Theater Camp (2023) by Tvjerry — 01 Aug 2023

This faux doc is set in a summer camp for theatre kids. Ben Platt & Molly Gordon play 2 instructors, who also create an original musical every summer. (The actors actually met when they were kids at a camp like this and Gordon co-wrote & co-directed.

) While the teachers are satirized with their affected seriousness, the young actors show lots of talent. Because everyone was encouraged to improvise, it has a loose feeling, but not a lot of sharp, comic moments.

The original songs are tuneful and appropriately trite. This was shot with a grainy, low-budget style that adds to the immediacy. Even though it's trying hard to amuse, it's seldom funny, but it's obvious that everyone involved loves the theatre and that shines thru.

Inevitable comparison to Waiting for Guffman are only in concept, because it was a lot better all around.