Review of Happy Birthday to Me (1981) by Dean K — 24 Apr 2011

Spectacularly disjointed entry into the slasher cycle of the early 80s which looks as if each scene was written with no memory of the one that preceded it, or thought for what might follow it. The identity of the killer is revealed about half way through, only for the film to effectively say âOh, no, I didnâ(TM)t mean it, forget that partâ?, before stumbling on into a genuinely surprising, albeit utterly nonsensical finale. Still itâ(TM)s not without interest â" Thompsonâ(TM)s direction, the oldest Ingalls daughter in the lead and that WTF ending make it almost worth seeking out. Almost.

A quick note on the version reviewed. This was the R rated cut which apparently removes some innovative and bloody effects. This is the kind of thing that makes a difference to gorehounds (by which I mean⦠me), and I confess that despite my lukewarm response, I will probably still seek out an uncut version. After all there may be an extra star in an uncensored shish kebab scene.