Interview: The Stars of Camp Rock
Rated by 10 members
What's the TV event of the summer? If you're a tween, there's only one answer: The premiere of Camp Rock. The upbeat, music-filled story about a teen girl who learns to be true to herself during an eventful summer is positioned to be just as big as High School Musical. We talked with stars Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas, and more about what makes Camp Rock a great pick for kids.
Demi Lovato plays Mitchie Torres.
Common Sense Media: What messages do you think the movie has for kids?
Demi Lovato: Definitely the biggest message is to be yourself and to learn who you are and accept it and work it, you know? Don't be afraid to be "un-normal" -- that's my life motto, too.
CSM: Do you think your character is a good role model for girls?
DL: I think Mitchie is an awesome role model for girls, and I'm glad that I could play her.
Joe Jonas plays Shane Gray.
CSM: What messages do think the movie has for kids?
Joe Jonas: I think it's a really amazing message that all the kids can relate to. ... You realize how you're always trying to fit into the cool crowd, and everyone goes through that and the peer pressure from that. I know I did while I was growing up -- even at camp, I definitely wanted to hang out with the cool kids, and I was trying to be something I'm not. I think this movie really shows that you can be who you are and you can hang out with the friends that you're comfortable with.
Meaghan Jette Martin plays Tess Tyler.
CSM: What messages do think the movie has for kids?
Meaghan Jette Martin: Camp Rock is about being yourself -- no matter who you are, just be who you are, and people will love you. Even though my character totally doesn't represent that at all in the movie. [Laughs.] ... It's really about finding yourself and, once you find out who you are, not holding back.
CSM: What kind of conversations do you think parents and kids might be able to have after watching someone like Tess?
MJM: [They can talk about] stepping into the mean kid's shoes and figuring out why they're mean ... maybe they don't know right from wrong because nobody's ever taught them.
Alyson Stoner plays Caitlyn.
CSM: What messages do think the movie has for kids?
Alyson Stoner: Camp Rock is all about standing up for yourself and finding your own style and being an individual and embracing your voice. It's knowing that no matter what strengths other people have, you also have your individual strengths that you were born with -- and [you should] play those up and not worry about what everyone else is saying. I think that every person can relate to that in their own way.
Jasmine Richards plays Peggy.
CSM: Do you think your character is a good role model for kids?
Jasmine Richards: I think my character is such a good role model for kids because it just proves that someone can do anything even if they're being held back by that one person who's slightly above them -- like the mean girl or the popular girl from school. You can always just stand up and be yourself.
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle plays Ella.
CSM: What messages do think the movie has for kids?
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle: I think kids will be able to relate to this movie just because it has good morals. It says to never be somebody you're not and always be yourself and ... also to break out of your shell. If you've got a talent and you know you have a talent, you've got to be confident and show everyone.
Roshon Fegan plays Sander.
CSM: What messages do think the movie has for kids?
Roshon Fegan: It teaches everybody to just be happy. ... It's about a girl who acts like something that she's not, and she finally finds herself at the end. So, that's the great message.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
