Butch Camp

Our Rating: L Factor: Major lesbian characters Short Take: Butch camp promises to transform ‘girlie boys’ so that they can stand up for themselves. It’s run by dyke Samantha Rottweiler (Judy Tenuta). Alternate Titles:
Year: 1996 Duration: 101 min Language: USA/English MPAA: Not Rated	Director: Alessandro De Gaetano Writer: Alessandro De Gaetano Starring: Judy Tenuta, Paul Denniston, Jason Teresi, Jordan Roberts, Bill Ingraham, Jon Kimlicko, Eric Aviles, Alan Ball, Stephanine Ferrell, Chris Goldin, Richard Henzel, Joel Himelhoch, Adam Joyce, Amber J. Lawson, Pip Lilly, Kevin Mukherji, Frank Payne, Sebastian, Duane Sharp, Matt Shea, Sean Solan, Teresa Valentino

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Matt (Paul Denniston) is a bank loan officer whom everyone seems to take advantage of – at work, at home, in clubs and on the street. He’s gay, but can’t find a boyfriend who wants to snuggle. To make a big change in his life, he signs up for ‘butch camp.’ Run by dyke Samantha Rottweiler (Judy Tenuta), the camp promises to transform ‘girlie boys’ so that they can stand up for themselves against the ‘hetero whore oppressors.’ They learn to swear, talk about sports and objectify women. ‘Act like the enemy. Walk like the enemy’ is the motto.

After a few sessions of camp, Matt runs across his lesbian friend Marge (Stephanine Ferrell) being harassed by an ex-girlfriend. He tries to protect her against Dana Dykeman (Chris Goldin), but as usual gets a black eye for his troubles.

Meanwhile, Matt finally finds a partner, Rod (Jason Teresi), a formerly straight man who figures out that he’s in love with Matt. And butch camp? It works. Matt is able to stand up to a bully, and that night, he and fellow romantic Rod dance in public as well.

The acting is variable in this low budget production. In many ways, it is like two films – a cute gay romantic comedy and a very crude comedy in the butch camp scenes. (If you’re a fan of the shrill Judy Tenuta, this may be more likable for you.) (AB)