Sleepaway Camp(1983)

“Sleepaway Camp is an American slasher film franchise consisting of five films, one of which was not fully completed. The franchise primarily focuses on serial killer Angela Baker and the murders she commits, largely at summer camps.”

This is a cult classic that is rarely talked about due to the controversy of a child “trans” killer. I put trans in quotes because I am still unsure if that would be the correct term to use due to what happens to Angela prior to their killing spree. I’m torn about that. I understand why that’s the common take but, I don’t know. Something about the abuse is making me not want to use that term for them.

Anyway, this 1983 film has it all. Corny vintage dialog and graphics,pedo death, boys having a water balloon fight on a roof, family ties, bitter bitches that act like a 45 year old divorcée, inappropriate flirtation between a teen and a 50+ year old man, a drawn out baseball scene, a vintage style hetero bully dressed like a 2020 twink, bees, a mentally ill auntie, a horrifying final scene and 4 other movies that follow it but, in my opinion, 2-3 aren’t canon.

None of the other 4 films match the old campy energy you want when it comes to vintage slashers. Worse scripts and Angela’s character pops off too quickly on people compared to the first movie(and also played by another person in 2-3).

Is it problematic? I think so.

Would I recommend other people watch it? I have already.

If you like older campy slashers and want to see what the controversy is about, then by all means, watch it. There is rewatchability to it. Especially if you’re introducing it to someone who’s never seen it. Or just want to pick it apart.

I’d give it 7/10 red flags lol