I can’t be the only one who either (either involuntarily or by choice) watched Disney’s latest attempt for world domination (or at least tween domination), Camp Rock, or is (either involuntarily or by force) going to watch it (either for the first time or again) on ABC tonight and/or ABC Family tomorrow. Sure, it was formulaic, and the four-person (including Non-Downtown Julie Brown, who also plays an overly perky counselor) script has so many characters and mini-plots that some of them never really get developed, but for some reason, I liked it.
I don’t know if I like Demi Lovato or not. Disney is trying to make her their next big star, but she seems very low-key, she’s not as pretty or “out there” as Miley Cyrus, or even her good friend Selena Gomez. But she seems like someone you could be friends with, which I guess is the point. Since she basically plays an outsider here, she fits the part well.
All the other young actors also play their roles well. Alyson Stoner makes a good “sarcastic best friend.” The Jonas Brothers, although they play a minor role, have good chemistry together.
The film seemed like it couldn’t decide upon being a “outsider lies to get on the popular girl’s good side but learns it’s better to be yourself” story or a Cinderella-style love story. Other plot points come and go and don’t really develop, and that loophole that sets up the whole climax made me laugh in its silliness. But somehow, it was captivating (as far as a Disney TV movie captivates).
Unlike most musicals (High School or otherwise), the songs don’t move the story along- rather, they’re performances done at the various “Jams” held throughout the year at the camp (which is apparently all they do, since there’s like five Jams and only one class). As is typical with Disney, the songs are catchy, well-written, and for the most part iPod-worthy.
Although sillier and not as deep as HSM2, I liked it better for some reason. It does what it sets out to do and does it well- which is perhaps the highest compliment it can be given.
