Camp Hell (2010)

Evil invades a children's spiritual retreat.

Director:

George VanBuskirk

Writer:

George VanBuskirk

Stars:

Dana Delany, Andrew McCarthy, Caroline London

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dana Delany	...	Patricia Leary
Andrew McCarthy	...	Michael Leary
Caroline London	...	Rose Leary
Will Denton	...	Tommy Leary
Bruce Davison	...	Fr. Phineas McAllister
Juliana Monin	...	Receptionist
Jesse Eisenberg	...	Daniel
Connor Paolo	...	Jack
J.W. Terry	...	Talk Radio Host (voice)
James McCaffrey	...	Dr. John
Valentina de Angelis	...	Melissa
Sasha Neulinger	...	Jimmy
Christopher Denham	...	Christian
Spencer Treat Clark	...	Timothy
Charlie Hewson	...	Paramedic

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

masturbation

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Genres:

Drama | Horror

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some teen sexuality and disturbing violent images

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 December 2011 (UK)

Also Known As:

Camp Hope

Filming Locations:

Litchfield, Connecticut, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Holedigger Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

References Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

User Reviews

Will mean more to those who are fundamental christians

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.