Review of Happy Birthday to Me (1981) by Dave G — 06 Feb 2009

By all means, this IS a slasher film, but it is also a psychological mystery directed with style by veteran J. Lee Thompson. Plucky Melissa Sue Anderson plays Ginny, a member of Crawford Academy's exclusive Top 10.

They're young, they're spoiled, they're popular and they're rich. However, as Ginny's birthday nears, her friends end up missing one by one. The climactic 'party' is a wonderfully macabre setup.

As noted by other reviewers, be sure to watch this on VHS as the DVD version has a totally new soundtrack which literally ruins the film. The original score is haunting and adds so much dread to the proceedings, as characters are offed in some startling ways.

Anderson is supported by an attractive cast of talented Canadian players, including personal faves Lisa Langlois, Lesleh Donaldson and Lenore Zann. Just when you think you know who the killer is, this movies throws you for a loop - it's a little hard to buy but it still works.

Guys, beware of the weight-lifting scene (ouch!).