Camp Rock 3 Review: A Successful Passing Of The Baton To A New Generation!
Disney Channel is bringing fans back to everyone’s favorite musical summer camp in Camp Rock 3. When Connect 3 (The Jonas Brothers) lose their opening act for their new tour, they head to Camp Rock to find the next big thing. Their manager Lark (Sherry Cola) puts the campers through a series of competitions leading up to the Final Jam, where one winner will join the trio as their new opener.
Fresh off of Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, Liamani Segura owns the screen as our new “Mitchie” in the form of Sage Scott, an ambitious camper with big dreams of stardom. It almost feels like her stint on the summer camp-focused third season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series was preparation for this role. She’s one of Disney Channel’s strongest vocalists in a long time, with a voice and charisma that recalls stars like Ariana Grande and Sofia Carson.
Alongside Sage is her rival younger brother Desi (Hudson Stone), whose easy-going personality is a direct contract to her perfectionism. Fidgety drummer Cliff (Casey Trotter) is both the comedic relief and the voice of truth throughout the film. Type-A classical cello prodigy Rosie (Electric Bloom’s Lumi Pollack) struggles with hiding in the shadows and learning how to stand in her own spotlight. Disney Channel franchise hopper Malachi Barton plays Fletch, a misunderstood teen who isn’t quite what everyone thinks. This role really allows him to show off his musical talents in a way we haven’t seen before. The five come together in an unexpected but lovable ensemble as they each bring something different to the group.
There is a lot to love about Camp Rock 3. The competition feels fresh while still allowing the film to tap into the nostalgia of the original movies. There are plenty of fun Easter eggs that will make you smile without making the new story feel completely dependent on the past.
Unlike Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, which felt like it had too many underutilized characters, Camp Rock 3 finds the perfect balance with its new ensemble. Without spoiling too much, the competition gives everyone their own chance to shine while also bringing the campers together in a way that feels reminiscent of Lemonade Mouth.
The soundtrack is excellent, striking a smart balance of new music and nostalgia. Standouts include the camp introduction with “One Beat Away,” Rosie’s dramatic, orchestral-infused “Play It My Way,” and the community-focused “Work In Progress.”
The weakest link in the film is probably its antagonists in the form of Maddie and her Baddies (Ava Jean, Orlando Lucas, Ella Lucas). While they update the franchise for the social media era with their dance-influencer personas, the film doesn’t quite let them reach their full potential.
It’s also thrilling to see appearances from stars like Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas, Maria Canals-Barrera, Demi Lovato, and even Zombies star Milo Manheim, though I couldn’t help but wish a few more Camp Rock alumni has returned. Despite her brief cameo, Lovato’s Mitchie still makes a meaningful impact in the film’s final moments.
After a rewatch of the original two movies, I enjoyed this film better than Camp Rock 2. This third installment feels like the franchise has found its next chapter. While the rockers were always the underdogs in the previous films, Camp Rock 3 finally gives our campers the chance to come out on top.
All in all, Camp Rock 3 is a successful passing of the baton to a new generation. It takes the franchise in a new direction by bringing these musicians together as friends, not just competitors. It leaves you excited to see what this Core 5 could do next. Hopefully that includes a fourth film.
It’s on when Camp Rock 3 premieres August 13 on Disney Channel and streams the day on Disney+.
