Camp Rock [Blu-ray]

After the huge Success of the High School Musical series, it appeared that musicals were "hip" again with the tween audience. With that idea in mind, Disney launched a new musical movie series in the summer of 2008 called "Camp Rock", starring Demi Lovato, The Jonas Brothers, Alyson Stoner, and Meaghan Jette Martin.

Did Camp Rock work? Absolutely! Although a bit more mean spirited and adult themed than the High School Musical series, Disney still pulled off a charming movie that while entertains, it also teaches valuables lessons to its target audience. The Disney Company has found another success with a new cast of actors and actresses. Demi Lovato is a great asset to Disney's already amazing cast of tween stars, and supporting cast members. Alyson Stoner and Meaghan Jette Martin held their own which proves they could carry any upcoming Disney Channel movies on their own.

The Camp Rock extended edition DVD contains the full screen version (1.33:1) of the film (for the wide screen version pick up Camp Rock Blu-ray edition) and a plethora of extra features including a behind the scenes look at the filming of the movie, along with music videos, sing a longs, and "Camp Rock Karaoke"

This film is a great addition to the latest lineup of classic Disney Channel movies, and if you still don't have your fill of Camp Rock after your finished watching the DVD, don't worry -- a sequel is already in the works.

My children and I were lucky enough to see this movie a little early due to the fact that it was on Disney On Demand. Good entertaining movie for the family. I gave it 4 stars, because I thought it was a little short and could have used a little more substance to the story. It seemed to have just raced through to the end. I don't want to ruin the story for everyone, but the music was good and there were some cute parts. Flour in the face, slipping on the floor and the poor brother with his birdhouse obsession. I was disappointed that the other Jonas brothers weren't part of the main story, but rather made cameo appearances. Mitchie and Shane were really cute together and I am glad she put him in his place, because he started out as a real jerk. I loved their duet together at the end where they put their two different songs together and made it flow as one. The end was surpising to my children because the person who won the contest was not who they thought it would be. All in all the kids loved the music and really enjoyed the movie and already they have watched it over and over. We will definitely be getting the dvd when it comes out.

This is a Disney Channel Original Movie, so don't go into it expecting anything too much in the way of a plot. The sitcom-type story is supported (and padded) by a full soundtrack of tween pop music and dancing, and touches on many of the issues facing the target age group, namely fitting in, peer pressure, un-cool and too-cool parents, jealousy, and last but not least, loving the Jonas Brothers.

Tween idol Joe Jonas plays the leading man, a young pop star who's been behaving badly, and gets sentenced to teaching dance classes at an upscale summer camp for musicians. The other Jonas brothers also play supporting roles, and perform a couple of songs at the camp.

Demi Lovato plays the female lead, a promising singer/songwriter whose mother takes a catering job at the camp so that she can afford the fees. There's also the rich girl, played by Meaghan Jette Martin, and her obligatory two henchgirls; the usual outcast who befriends the new girl (well played by Alyson Stoner), and the well intentioned Camp Director. Add some supporting singers and dancers, and a ready group of back-up dancers, and you have (drum roll) Camp Rock.

Short Attention Span Summary (SASS):

1. Girl goes to camp and meets boy
2. Girl messes up big time
3. This is a Disney movie, so after the song and dance, everyone lives happily ever after.

While I recognize the age-appropriate manner in which the movie addresses certain issues, the wrapping up happens far too quickly to be even remotely believable, but then, the target audience probably isn't paying too much attention to the story anyway.

I've seen girls doing the "I'm not worthy" bow in front of posters for this movie, so I'm guessing that it would be a good gift for any fan of the Jonas Brothers on your list.

Tween rating: 4.5 stars
Adult rating: 3 stars (given for the music and the family values)

Amanda Richards, August 30, 2008