Strange, silent Angela (Felissa Rose), whose family died in a boating accident, is sent to camp with her cousin. A murderer is also at the camp who takes out campers and counselors in typical Slasher fashion. What is the killer’s motive and what is the connection to Angela?
Quick Review: We’re in pure D-movie Slasher territory, and within those boundaries, Sleepaway Camp looks pretty good. Sure, the acting is weak, but no worse than in other slice’em pics, and the thirteen-year-old star, Felissa Rose is a cut above the norm. The campers are underage, so we’re spared the normal quick tit-flash and murders of the sexually active. In their place are pedophilic jokes that are funny. Sleepaway Camp is as frightening as the average cheap Slasher, but unlike those others, it knows that it’s silly and plays with that. It also has a famously jolting ending. Don’t watch it alone, but have some friends over, pour some potent drinks, get out the chips, and have fun. And watch out for ’em baldies.
Followed by Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers and Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland.