Camp Rock 3

Trigger Warning: Brief mention of a dead mom and custody battle.

I grew up with the Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers’ Camp Rock. So when I saw the trailer, I wanted to keep an open mind going into this movie. However, as the promotions kept going, a lot of the music went in two ways. Well executed (e.g One Beat Away) or choppy and auto-tuned (Play my Music 2026). It didn’t sound the same and I’m biased since I grew up with the Jonas Brothers version because it sounded like actual music and it had heart to the music and lyrics. Now watching the movie, I wish there was a lot more elevation when it comes to the storytelling and the villain.

Aside from the music (which I will get to later), the main issue was the story. It was all over the place as it went so fast that it didn’t allow me to really see the conflict and how it could be resolved. The characters were one-note and despite seeing some character development, the writing didn’t allow them to earn that growth (minus Sage). There were small moments in the original two movies that allowed us to slow down and enjoy the characters and see the struggles (particularly Mitchie and Shane). Mitchie was insecure that needed to come out of her shell and be herself, while Shane had to grow humility after years of being in the spotlight and losing himself. Those themes got lost in this film and its sad because the theme of not losing yourself is something that is relevant for young performers and I think this film could’ve pushed the envelope when it came to the dark side of fame and how finding yourself can be tough. I know this is supposed to be a kids film, but the writers could’ve tapped into the young adults audience that Camp Rock built. Overall, the storyline was inconsistent from the phone banning policy (which was great in concept, but horrible in execution since there was no consequences to the rules being bent) and no further explanation of Fletch’s mother dying and how it affects him as a person/wanting to be with his cousin and his cousin fighting for him. There were moments where the film could’ve slowed down and let the audience absorb the issues the characters deal with and how they can grow. Overall, I wish the writing/development of the story could’ve been developed and granted, its a DCOM so there’s only so much they can show without getting an more mature rating, but l the writing and storytelling could’ve gone further in terms of execution.

Speaking of writing, the conflict was resolved way too quick and how the conflict arose to begin with. The biggest issue was the phone banning policy, which again I praise since there was no TikTok references in this film. However, the way Madison (who holds no candle to Tess) was easily able to sneak into Connie’s office to steal her phone is not okay. It’s literally breaking and entering and how she was able to record and know where the final challenge was doesn’t make much sense. Now, I admit the fact that Madison’s entourage was conflicted slightly about sneaking in and stealing her phone was good development because unlike Peggy and Ella where they kept their thoughts to themselves, this crew actually spoke out which was an interesting development and if they were forced to go along with more of Madisons schemes without having a lot of say, especially since the writers built her as an influencer. This would’ve been a good place to talk about the dangers of being an influencer at a young age, but they just roll with it after Madison wants revenge. This side conflict could’ve been a good way to break Madisons character down, as well as her entourage and see the struggles she goes through since a good villain has layers (e.g. Loki and Hela), but we didn’t get that and the conflict of the video of the main characters playing on the bus was quickly solved because they traced the video. Despite being glad that Fletch was able to prove his innocence (but shouldn’t have been allowed to compete in Final Jam since he did have a phone when literally they eliminated two other campers for having phones) the whole conflict was resolved too easily. Good conflict can’t be fixed in seconds, but rather in stages and there needs to be growth in the characters and the fact the movie didn’t provide that is disappointing.

Along with the storytelling and lack of character development, we also have issues with the music. The inconsistencies of how the music was executed did bother me. While they were able to produce original songs (e.g. One Beat Away and Play it My Way), which were some of the highlights in terms of musical execution. However, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it and I wish they wouldn’t have touched the original songs (Play My Music and We Rock). Now, I admit if people did like these covers, that is great and I was glad that Connect 3 did sing this finale song, though Demi’s vocals were missed in my opinion. Though a lot of the covers they did were unnecessary and was a great opportunity to really showcase new songs/generation of talent. Despite getting that in the some of the original songs, they could’ve gone further with it. The music, in my opinion was disappointing. We couldn’t have gotten atleast one song from Demi? I know I love Demi Lovato, but she was the OG in this franchise and I wanted to hear her sing, even if it was an ending credits song. Anyway, the music for me was inconsistent and I hated the Play My Music remix. Sure, its an audition sequence but hearing it rubbed me the wrong way. Just…moving on.

Now, there were positives to this movie. I did like Demi’s cameo as Mitchie. It was so nice to see her first scene was with Connie as they were mother/daughter and how she took a step back to let the new generation shine. It was a nice send off for her character to show off the humility of the character. It was one of the more authentic moments in the film and I could see the connection the actresses share and I do wish Connie mentions her more, especially since she is an owner and how her success made her feel. I also like that she did share one scene with Connect 3. Despite it being short, it was cool to see them coming together and how their connection never waived despite all of the struggles they faced. Those moments were some of the only slow moments we get in the film and I’m glad we got that moment to realize to see how talent can come in all shapes and forms. I will say that when Mitchie said “that was the best final Jam ever” I mean, it wasn’t, though Play it My way was awesome. There were better final jams (specifically Camp Rock 2). I really slept on Matthew Finley because he was the best performer in the three movies, in my opinion (despite being Camp Star).

This was a movie that could’ve been a good sendoff for the new generation, but in my opinion it falls flat and I was expecting more.