Camp

If you don't enjoy musicals, then avoid watching "Camp" at all costs. Unless you're a theater buff, you might find yourself lost in a film that is brimming with insider theater jokes and references. "Camp" reads like a wannabe "Fame," but falls short with no energy and no comedy.

Written and directed by Todd Graff, this film tells the story of a group of kids who are outcasts at home and live it up at musical-theater camp in the summer. They spend every waking moment at this camp running around figuring out how to deal with a schedule that involves performing new shows every two weeks. After a number of unsuccessful Broadway flops, songwriter Bert Hanley decides to put together a musical camp for young performers. While undergoing a series of trials and tribulations, Hanley becomes inspired by the kids. It is then that he discovers an opportunity to build up his success once again by creating a new show.

The film stars Daniel Letterle, who plays Vlad Baumann, Joanna Chilcoat as Ellen Lucas, Robin de Jesus as Michael Flores, Steven Cutts as Shaun, Vince Rimoldi as Spitzer, and Don Dixon as Bert Hanley. The film also features Kahiry Bess as Petie, Tiffany Taylor as Jenna Malloran, Sasha Allen as Dee, and Alana Allen as Jill Simmons.

For a comedy, "Camp" is not very funny. While this film does have promise with an interesting story, its jokes are dry and dull. Graff's characters and dialogue often seem contrived. In the few sentimental moments that the film has, you feel no sympathy for the characters involved because you feel disconnected from them.

All in all, "Camp" does not live up to its potential.