Review of Sleepaway Camp (1983) by Foreverfinalgir — 05 Dec 2021

Who doesn’t love a movie with lots of bare butts, some creative kills, and an ending that is iconic? That is what you get with Sleepaway Camp. And before I forget, it has Robert Earl Jones in it, the father of James Earl Jones!Starting with the kills, there were some interesting ones. As much of a **** Judy (Karen Fields) is, her death was horrible! I know it was shown off camera but you see the shadows and can deduce what is happening to her. I will never look at a curling iron again. The pedophile cook should have died but the burns on his face were done pretty good. For as low budget as this is, I do like the practical effects. Even with the boy drowning, I liked how they made up his body afterwards.

Finally, we get a film with male nudity! Several scenes with male butts and that ending! You know what ending I’m talking about. That ending is what makes the movie. You mention that scene and most horror fans know what movie you’re talking about.

The acting was everything from bad to okay for an 80’s slasher. This was Felissa Rose’s first film and she was only 13 at the time. Normally movies will find 18 year olds or older to play young girls. Imagine being so young that you can make the movie but can’t see it in the theaters! That would suck. Felissa doesn’t even say anything until about 30 minutes into the movie! Mike Kellin who played Mel, the owner of the camp, was sick with lung cancer during the filming of the movie. He died three months before the film’s release. So sad.

If I’m being critical Sleepaway Camp isn’t the best 80’s slasher, but nostalgia is high for me. This was another slasher movie I watched as a kid that formed my love for slasher movies. It’s definitely horror but kind of light for a slasher movie. The ending of the movie and the start of Felissa Rose’s career are the highlights of this movie. Definitely rewatchable and a keeper for my collection.

Let’s get into the rankings:

Kills/Blood/Gore: 4/5.

Sex/Nudity: 2.5/5.

Scare factor: 2.5/5.

Enjoyment factor: 4/5.

My Rank: 3.