It's just as clear, however, that the movie boasts a number of catchy, thoroughly engaging musical numbers that provide a temporary respite for the otherwise stale atmosphere, with Paul Hoen's energetic direction mirrored in the charismatic (and extremely upbeat) performances from such cast members as Lovato, Alyson Stoner, and, of course, Joe, Kevin, and Nick Jonas. Much like the original film, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam places a heavy emphasis on hackneyed plot developments and characters that are almost laughably one-dimensional - with Mitchie's absurd transformation from easy-going teen to hard-nosed control freak certainly ranking high on the film's list of unfortunate transgressions. Mitchie and her friends subsequently decide to challenge their newfound rivals to a musical battle, with the winner set to be crowned the ultimate music-oriented summer camp. The most depressing aspect of Camp Rock, however, is undoubtedly the presence of Dean Cundey behind the camera, as the famed cinematographer - he's worked on such classics as, among others, the Back to the Future trilogy, Jurassic Park, and The Thing - deserves so much better than this.Ĭamp Rock 2: The Final Jam (November 19/10)Īn obvious improvement over its unwatchable predecessor, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam follows Demi Lovato's Mitchie Torres as she once again arrives at the title locale for a summer of music and fun-loving shenanigans - with problems ensuing as a bigger, flashier camp across the lake lures away a large number of Camp Rock's staff and kids. Their stubborn refusal to even momentarily deviate from the formulaic template certainly plays an instrumental role in the film's undeniably tedious atmosphere, and one ultimately can't shake the feeling that the whole thing exists to give Disney a shot at another High School Musical-type sensation (and indeed, a sequel is already in the works).

Camp Rock unfolds in a manner that's virtually guaranteed to thrill tweens and bore adults, as screenwriters Karin Gist, Regina Hicks, Julie Brown, and Paul Brown offer up a storyline that's as hopelessly hackneyed as one might've expected.

Her wish comes true after her mother (Maria Canals-Barrera's Connie) lands a gig at the camp as the head chef, with trouble inevitably ensuing as Mitchie starts lying about her familial history in an effort to fit in with the cool kids. Featuring appearances by all three of the Jonas brothers, Camp Rock stars Demi Lovato as Mitchie Torres - an aspiring musician who'd love nothing more than to spend the summer at the eponymous destination.

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