Camp Rock was another musical movie released to television screens in 2008. Just like High School Musical, Camp Rock became an immense success and helped launch Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers careers.
Shane Gray (Joe Jonas), an up-and-coming music superstar, unexpectedly falls for Mitchie Torres – an awkward girl from Camp Rock who is poor and cannot see him. They begin an unexpected romance that proves too strong for Shane to bear!
1. “Can’t Back Down”
“Can’t Back Down” is an upbeat power anthem from Camp Rock that serves to rally its members to continue fighting for their cause. Featuring an entertaining guitar solo and dance battles between campers, “Can’t Back Down” makes an enjoyable addition to its soundtrack.
Mitchie works hard to motivate her campers in preparation for Camp Rock’s competition with Camp Star in the Camp Wars by singing this motivating anthem and reminding them not to give up their dreams, convincing them that by working together as one team they will ultimately prevail.
This song also boasts an engaging video that showcases amazing choreography. While the video will keep you entertained, sound balancing issues have arisen due to campers banging tables during its performance; sometimes overshadowing what is actually being sung.
After Camp Rock loses to Camp Star, its members attempt to rally together by singing this emotional tune on their last night of camp. To their surprise and relief, this tune proves more hopeful than initially intended, showing that everyone can work together towards finding common ground and reconciling differences.
Although this song is great, it doesn’t quite live up to the other songs from the movie. With over the top choreography and Demi Lovato not singing up to her usual standards – which was disappointing – this track lacks charm and entertainment value.
She lip syncs too often and it wastes her talent. While the Jonas brothers may be good actors and singers, their inclusion was more about their fame than actual singing or acting abilities.
Overall, this film offers some enjoyable musical numbers but doesn’t match up to High School Musical in terms of excellence. While never as satisfying, the second one does better.
If you want a Disney film with amazing musical numbers, High School Musical 2 is definitely for you! Not only is the Jonas brothers brilliant, but Demi Moore may overdo her acting skills at times and the music can sometimes get dull.
2. “Wouldn’t Change a Thing”
Mitchie Torres (Demi Lovato) aspires to attend an elite music camp, so she earns herself a discounted ticket by working in the kitchen. However, she quickly falls prey to mean girl Tess (Meaghan Martin) and her clique of divas; also falling for celebrity counselor Shane Gray (Joe Jonas), who overhears her singing but has no clue who she really is or her identity.
While in camp, she attempts to cover up her humble beginnings by pretending she comes from an affluent family and devising various means to stay calm. She forms relationships with Caitlyn Geller (Alyson Stoner) and her techno-geek friends but eventually rebels and joins selfish Tess and her mean-girl clique instead.
Ali’s dominant and overbearing manner makes her a bad influence on other campers, pushing them into overtime work in preparation for Camp Wars and dampening down their joy in making music. These actions led directly to their relationship breaking apart.
This song helps her find her way back to who she truly is, making it the ideal conclusion to the film. At its conclusion, she unleashes her incredible vocal talents to show everyone in camp how far she’s come.
As in the first movie, music is an impressive element of this one as well. However, this time around it features more mature themes which perfectly suit both campers and viewers of different ages.
The song speaks about how one cannot change what has already occurred and helps the protagonist overcome her fears so she can live life fully in the present. It serves as an anthem that can inspire people to accept themselves for who they truly are and learn to love themselves as people.
This song from Disney serves as an ideal example of an educational song intended to teach children how to handle various situations in life. This tune can especially assist those experiencing tough times or falling for someone new and learning acceptance.
3. “I Can’t Wait to See You”
This classic campfire song with catchy lyrics will have everyone clapping along and singing along! A great way to honor past adventures at camp as well as look ahead to future ones, this popular campfire tune makes everyone singalong!
This song can also make for a wonderful family reunion song – children will adore singing it together, while adults present may find it an entertaining way to connect and bond over sharing something together.
This song from the 1960s makes an ideal campfire sing-along selection, thanks to its simple words and rhymes which make it accessible for children, as well as its lively rhythm which will get everyone singing along together.
“The Old Walking Song” is another timeless campfire song many people love singing around a campfire. First written by Bilbo Baggins for The Hobbit book series, this favorite tune can bring families closer on your last night at camp.
There are numerous campfire songs you can use for sing-alongs around your campfire, some more well-known than others requiring some practice before getting them right.
If your children are old enough, why not try performing “California Dreaming?” This classic tune from The Mamas and Papas makes an excellent campfire song because no instruments are required; your children can sing the chorus while providing harmony vocals!
For younger children, try singing Marion Sinclair’s catchy campfire song, “Kookaburra.” First published in 1932, this timeless tune will have them laughing out loud! Bring even more excitement by including singing and dancing along to this tune!
Alternative suggestions could include SpongeBob SquarePants’ classic campfire song, which all children and adults alike will find enjoyable to sing along to. Sped-up versions make the experience more interactive as everyone attempts to keep pace with the lead singer!
If you are searching for an entertaining movie to share with your children, look no further than Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. While not as enjoyable as its predecessor, this sequel still delivers great fun – taking you back to your own childhood through songs and dance numbers, with its adorable cast of characters.
4. “The Final Jam”
Camp Rock Without Music remains an entertaining summer movie despite its flaws, with its engaging plot, outstanding cast, and memorable musical moments; unfortunately what it lacks are songs.
Camp Rock 2 takes place two years after its predecessor and follows Mitchie Torres (Demi Lovato) as she returns to her summer camp, Camp Rock, with friends like Shane Gray (Joe Jonas). When an innovative performance camp opens across the lake called Camp Star, Mitchie and Shane team up with their counselors in a performance battle between both camps to prove which has more talent and save Camp Rock from closure.
While the storyline and characters are engaging, and its music lacks substance – featuring songs which are repetitive, irritating, and dull; with actors all lip-synching their parts while additional audio tracks were dub in.
There are a few memorable songs in the movie, but none come close to those found in its predecessor. This lack of memorably music leaves many viewers disappointed and leaves the experience wanting more.
“Stop Trying So Hard”, another song in the film that breaks away from traditional pop formula, features only one chorus and bridge; parents will recognize this tune from films such as “The Parent Trap” or “Snow Day.”
This song boasts an engaging chorus that’s easy to sing along to. Perfect for campfire performances as its structure can easily adapt to meet different audience requirements.
Final song in the movie is a cover of The La’s song, “Can’t Back Down”, an iconic Britpop track which has become an annual summer camp classic and will have you singing along without realizing.
Though this song’s lyrics may be repetitive, they provide an ideal opportunity for teaching children about harmony and group singing. When singing as part of a larger ensemble, split into 2 or 3 sections and start the lyrics at various points throughout. Singing this way encourages everyone to participate while adding in some silly gestures to make your singing even more interactive!