SLEEPAWAY CAMP - 9/10 (A-)

The only "Sleepaway Camp" film I'd ever seen was the second, which I'd seen a few times growing up. I would have seen the others but the video stores around here only ever carried the second. And now, even with having Netflix, I still didn't get around to seeing the first until now. When I saw the boxed set of the trilogy at the local pawn shop in good condition recently for just $6, I couldn't pass it up. Now after finally seeing the first, I can easily say it's one of the best 80's slasher films I've ever seen. The ending is quite creepy. I already knew all about the twist, but it's still one of the best, most awesome horror movie twists. It's easy to see why this was such a cult hit. I can only imagine how shocking and controversial this was when it was originally released back in 1983.

Now I'm looking forward to watching the second again, and the third for the first time. Not sure if I'll bother with last year's Return To Sleepaway Camp, which is supposed to be godawful. It would be nice if they could revive this series, but it just wouldn't be the same without that 80's magic. It would lose its charms.

Finally watched this one. Despite the bad screenplay, bad acting, the fact it's badly filmed - I kinda liked it? It just might be that the idea (the twist, which luckily I haven't been spoiled) is pretty strong for a regular slasher.

**1/2 / ***** (C-)