Sleepaway Camp

Sleepaway Camp

Starring Felissa Rose, Jonathan Tiersten, Karen Fields, Christopher Collet

Directed by Robert Hiltzik

The Story:
Eight years after a boating accident claimed her family's lives, Angela (Felissa Rose) and her cousin Ricky (Jonathan Tiersten) attend Camp Arawak for summer camp, hoping for a summer of fun and adventure.  Angela hasn't really spoken much, and gains the ire of Judy (Karen Fields) and several of the other kids - and even counselors - and Ricky is always quick to her defense.

Soon those who picked on Angela turn up dead, and the owner of the camp (Mike Kellin, in his final performance) covers up the murders so as to not have the camp closed.  As the body count rises, it becomes clear that the killer is someone bent on revenge, but is it Ricky?  Angela?  Or someone else?

The Synopsis:
Ever since the surprise success of "Friday the 13th," studios have been pushing serial killer summer camp movies like Tic Tacs.  Director Robert Hiltzkik also wrote the screenplay for "Sleepaway Camp," and hoped his version would stand the test of time and provide an exciting thrill ride for the audience.  While the film has a lot to be desired, it achieved its effect with the ending twist scene, one so twisted that you wouldn't see it coming (as long as you don't look it up online).  It's comparable to the big twist in "Star Wars Episode V" in its shocking nature, and that's the only reason this film is even remembered and hailed as a cult classic.

The story is as simple as they come: a killer is stalking kids at a summer camp.  You never see the killer (although you do in one particular scene, in a way that totally defeats the purpose of the movie, and what appears to be a huge mistake, but I digress), just their hands as they do their dirty deeds.  You never get  full, rich character development, instead its just what seems like improv lines and random curse words.  You don't really remember any of the characters, except for the creepy camp owner who is attracted to a female counselor, and who somehow returns those feelings to him.  She must have some serious granddaddy issues.

I'm going off track here, and that's because there's so much wrong with this film, but ultimately it's what makes it such an enjoyable film.  It's silly, it's dated, and it's totally out of left field, but it's one I've seen a few times already and can actually watch again and enjoy.  I don't know why I like it so much, it's grown on me like a fungus, but I still recommend it to this day.  Again, not because it's great by any stretch of the imagination, but due to that shocking ending (again, don't look online if you want to see it, you'll be pleasantly surprised).

Felissa Rose does a great job as Angela, pretty much because she only utters like ten lines in the whole film.  You really feel for her - she lost her family, she's being constantly picked on, and she emotes her feelings through her huge, expressive doe-eyes.  Jonathan Tiersten does well as Ricky, who pretty much only serves as Angela's bodyguard throughout the film and doesn't have much else to work with.  Karen Fields plays Judy, Angela's main antagonist, and pretty much lives up to every mean girl trope before the Plastics were even thought of.  Oh, and the film also has a small part for Robert Earl Jones.  Sound familiar?  He's the father of James Earl Jones (speaking of "Star Wars!").

The film is totally low budget, and you never really see any of the kills in any glorious fashion - but there's one particular kill involving a curling iron that'll have you wincing in pain.  As I said earlier, it's not great, but it's gleeful fun.  It sounds like I'm trying to talk myself out of liking this film, and I guess I am, but I can't deny it's odd charm.

The Summary:
If you're looking for a cult classic that's not very great but insanely fun to watch - and with a great twist to boot - pack up your bags and head to "Sleepaway Camp!"  Just don't bring a curling iron.

The Score: B+