From a 2008 hit to a classic in 2021, Disney’s “Camp Rock” still rocks. Photo from j-14.com.
In 2008, Disney Channel released their now classic original film “Camp Rock,” which has become a favorite for many members of Gen Z. Thanks to Disney+, I was able to go back and rewatch “Camp Rock,” and I’m here to tell you that now, 13 years after it’s original release, it still slaps.
Honestly, I didn’t know what to really expect going into this. Rewatching something that I used to love so much back in the day was daunting, and I didn’t know if it would live up to the expectation that I had saved in my head. I’m pleased to announce that it was, indeed, everything I remembered it being.
The plot, the soundtrack, the cast, everything is just on point in this movie. “Camp Rock” features four of the biggest stars that Disney has ever created; Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers became household names following its release. I know that my life would be incomplete without Nick Jonas, and I’m sure many others would agree. Gen Z has a special connection to Lovato as well, watching her grow up from “Barney & Friends” through now, struggling with real issues and proving her resilience every time.
This movie is complete with everything your quintessential Disney Channel Original Movie must have: a love interest, someone struggling to fit in, mean girls and, of course, an amazing soundtrack with great choreography to go with it. You’d be lying if you said that this movie didn’t make you want to attend sleepaway camp with your friends when you were younger.
Of course, like in every Disney Channel Original Movie, there were some lines that made me cringe. The infamous scene that TikTok has brought back to life in which Demi Lovato says “She’s really good!” made me want to look away. Another part that got me is when Brown says “If the class is a-rocking. I’m glad I came a-knockin.’” However, in my opinion, this is what makes these kinds of movies so great; nothing compares to that kind of cheesiness.
Honestly, something that’s underrated when it comes to this movie is the location. Most original programs from Disney Channel take place in a high school setting, which is great and all, but gets stale after a while. Since this takes place at a camp, the scenery is a breath of fresh air, with shots of a beautiful lake and cabins. “Camp Rock” was something unique for Disney Channel at the time and the change paid off to huge success.
You can’t talk about this movie without talking about the soundtrack. “Camp Rock” truly delivered us with some of the best songs our generation knows, such as “This is Me,” “We Rock” and “Play My Music.” As soon as I heard the first few notes, my head was flooded with memories of me watching the movie with my family, singing the songs with my sisters in the car and on the playground with my friends in elementary school.
Overall, I wasn’t disappointed with “Camp Rock.” Watching it back again made me gain a new appreciation for it, its soundtrack and all the memories that came along with it. I remember putting on a “talent show” and making up routines to these songs with my cousins when we were younger. I remember that I owned a pair of Jonas Brothers pajamas. It’s things like this that make these movies and TV shows so special.
Disney Channel shows and movies never get old. There’s a certain magic behind them that transports you back to your childhood. “Camp Rock” is feel-good, sappy and most importantly, makes you wanna sing “This is Me” for the rest of the week.