A classic of 80’s horror. I actually bought the box set of the Sleepaway Camp movies back during college. It was a great deal for all three movies, plus a disc of some of the footage they shot for a proposed fourth movie. Surprisingly, I found that this box set got recalled, and the packaging was changed after the Red Cross complained.
The movie is best known for the ending - specifically the last shot. It’s a remarkably strange shot, since it actually plays almost like a dream. The killer stands, brandishing a knife and the victim’s head. Their mouth is open, and there’s a strange, guttural noise coming out. The eyes are bright and unblinking. It’s weird. It’s really weird. Because it’s so weird, it makes the movie memorable.
It’s been a long time since I’ve watched this movie, and it’s an unusual experience. I knew it would be dated. But it’s a peculiar mix of good and bad work. The script is campy, and some of the cast really hams up their work. Some of the rest of the cast does a good job with the material they have. Some of the direction is clever, and some of it is dull.
I noticed an effects shot that I was impressed with - a character gets an arrow shot through his neck. I watched it in slow motion, and I was able to figure out how they did it. But it was still staged very well.
What actually impresses me much more about this movie - especially in comparison with the two direct sequels - is that they actually have a pretty substantial cast for this movie. There are plenty of kids wandering around, and it actually feels like a summer camp.
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