Camp Hell (2010) 3.5
Evil invades a children's spiritual retreat. Director:George VanBuskirkWriter:George VanBuskirk |
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Camp Hell (2010) 3.5
Evil invades a children's spiritual retreat. Director:George VanBuskirkWriter:George VanBuskirk |
|
| Watch Trailer 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Dana Delany | ... |
Patricia Leary
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| Andrew McCarthy | ... |
Michael Leary
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Caroline London | ... |
Rose Leary
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| Will Denton | ... |
Tommy Leary
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| Bruce Davison | ... |
Fr. Phineas McAllister
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Juliana Monin | ... |
Receptionist
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| Jesse Eisenberg | ... |
Daniel
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| Connor Paolo | ... |
Jack
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J.W. Terry | ... |
Talk Radio Host
(voice)
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| James McCaffrey | ... |
Dr. John
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| Valentina de Angelis | ... |
Melissa
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| Sasha Neulinger | ... |
Jimmy
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| Christopher Denham | ... |
Christian
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| Spencer Treat Clark | ... |
Timothy
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| Charlie Hewson | ... |
Paramedic
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At the end of every summer, the children of a Christian community from a suburb of New Jersey attend Camp Hope. They travel deep into the woods far from any distractions the world provides. Here, the children are taught the ways of the Lord, the perils of the flesh, and the horror of the Devil. A charismatic priest leads them in their training. But, he unknowingly has brought something with him, something evil. What was supposed to be a safe place, a spiritual retreat has now turned into a nightmare that not even faith can end. Written by American Film Market
Perhaps this movie is better described as a psychological thriller, rather than horror.
It details events based on the director's own experience as a teenager. A teen is sent to a church camp that is an odd mix between catholicism and fundamental Christianity (baptist/charismatic). Apparently it's a real sect of Christianity called the People of Hope that I hadn't heard of before.
Having grown up in fundamental Christianity, I recognised a lot of the teachings in this film, and I don't think the director over-exaggerated any of it. There are supernatural events in the film, though those events seem to be the hallucinations of the christians themselves, brought on by their indoctrination.
The film's core point is the guilt and fear that fundamental Christianity puts in people, particularly those who grew up in the church. Everything you do is a sin or allows "the devil" into your life. Whether it be a worldly comic book, or sex before marriage, both are treated equally as bad and there is no excuse. Ironically, there is no grace or real love - it's all about condemnation, suppression, and always trying to be 'holy' (which can never happen since humans are imperfect).
This constant indoctrination by the church leaves many christians full of guilt, fear, and in extreme cases, psychotic.
The film could've been a bit shorter and it does have a bit of an indie feel. I think the audience it will speak to the most is those who have any experience with fundamental Christianity. In that respect, I recommend they watch this film.