While watching the original Sleepaway Camp as a kid, all it really seemed like was an average 80's slasher, that is, until the end. An end that would leave an impact on horror enthusiasts the world over. If there is a scarier conclusion to any horror film ever made, I'd love to see it. Now that the real sequel is out, we can finally get that 25 year old image out of our heads.
I don't care how many years it took for this to be made, Return To Sleepaway Camp is the most entertaining, and all around best horror sequel I believe I've ever seen. Staying true to the original in its own way, without relying on it too much. Return To Sleepaway Camp is it's own movie, with its own story, taking our minds off Angela for a while, with this outlandish kid who's performance had me in absolute tears. Meet Alan, brain-damaged, and over-weight, Alan is relentlessly tormented by practically everyone at Camp Manabe. As soon as the chunky fellow gets a minutes peace, he bullies the younger children to no end, I love it!! There's just no one to root for in this one. Between Alan's mean-spirited Shenannigans, and misfortunes which he clearly brings on himself, we are treated to some of the most creative, painful-looking killing scenes I've seen in a long time. Oh yeah! Thats right, there's a killer as Camp Manabe, and considering Alan is always yelling "I Hate You So Bad!!" at everyone, some suspect he's a little more brain-damaged than everyone thinks. Although, others are starting to wonder... No!! Nevermind. She's been locked away for years.
There sure are quite a few negative reviews for this one. Nevermind that. Kids these days can't recognize real horror. And I assure you, Return To Sleepaway Camp is real horror. Some say it's predictable, and maybe it is, if your'e one of those who analyze, and pick apart every horror movie you see, making it all about how smart you are, which, pretty much defeats the purpose. Even though I laughed until I cried, Return To Sleepaway Camp doesn't come off as a spoof in the least, it's just good old fashion horror, that turns out to be a whole lot of fun. Above all else, Return To Sleepaway Camp is a reward to all the loyal fans who loved the original, and sat through the pseudo-sequels, and waited patiently, and waited patiently some more, for the real sequel. Same story with the Toxic Avenger series. Return To Sleepaway Camp is ten times better than I expected, and I expected a lot. Well done, Robert Hiltzik. And don't ever let anyone tell you Your ass stinks. 10/10
