Theater Camp was a perfect comedic film. Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman and Noah Galvin have written a model script with deadpan humor and heart. The former two directed the film and let’s hope this trio will be the next Christopher Guest in creating a string of mockumentary style comedies.
In this case, the title explains the scene and subject matter. I had read the snapshot review on Rotten Tomatoes which forewarned that mainly theater people would find this funny. I never attended theater camp, nor have I ever acted, but I think the humor was totally accessible to everyone.
The acting was indie, but terrific. Molly Gordon and Noah Galvin execute their roles perfectly, the latter with obvious Broadway level talent and experience. Ben Platt perfectly portrays an affected camp counselor and Jimmy Tatro (a Channing Tatum look-alike) terrifically plays the influencer non-theater “fish out of water” camp overseer. Amy Sedaris plays his mother and Caroline Aaron rounds out the theater owners with her own well exaggerated affectations.
I really hope this film scores an Independent Spirit Award nomination and win. Far better than Barbie or any SNL skit I’ve seen in a very long time.
Theater Camp, Fire Comedy (as the kids say)
