Gorgeous views of the Poconos and nostalgic traces of the '50s aren't enough to save Camp Stories from terminal dullness. Sent to a Jewish Orthodox camp for one summer, 15-year-old movie buff David Katz (Zachary Taylor) finds himself playing "rafter ball," watching talent shows, and raiding girls' cabins. In the meantime, Camp Ararat is struggling to balance the old faiths with new liberal views. But writer/director Herbert Beigel has a heavy hand when it comes to symbolism, so you can forget about subtlety. Administrators battle for leadership of the camp like pillars of good and evil. Gentle Moishe (Paul Sand) has faith in David; Chaim (Ted Marcoux) persecutes him mercilessly.

Understated performances may be the saving grace of Beigel's semi-autobiographical tale. Taylor remains sympathetic without becoming a martyr. Marcoux is admirable as the detestable control freak Chaim. A girlfriend, Sally (the sparkling Susan Vanech), lightens David's life; their scenes together drag less than most. Understated has its drawbacks, however: at times there is nothing to distract you from the slow script and cliché'd dialogue except the ever-present Poconos. At the Coolidge Corner.