Monday, April 28, 2014

Camp Dread
Released on DVD April 15th, 2014
1 hour 34 mins
Not Rated



Harrison Smith


Eric Roberts as Julian Barrett
Danielle Harris as Sheriff Donlyn
Felissa Rose as Rachel
Kyle Patrick Brennan as Jerry
Ashley Caspermeyer as New Sarah
Nicole Cinaglia as Adrienne
Apryl Crowell as Young Rachel Steele
Brian Gallagher as John Hill
Gnomi Gre as Missy
Alexander Mandell as Matty
Montana Marks as Katie
Angel Anthony Marrero as Calvin (as Angel Valerio)
Susan Moses as Myrna
Joe Raffa as Novak
Davy Raphaely as Vinny
George Roberts as Interviewer

Review by Stephen M.

"The "Summer Camp" horror trilogy was one of the most popular franchises of the 1980s. However, the decade ended and so did director Julian Barrett's career. Now Barrett plans to resurrect his gory series via a modern reboot patterned after reality film making. With his former leading lady and an eclectic group of 10 young “contestants,” Barrett returns to the same locale where his old splatter-fests were filmed. When one of the campers is found savagely murdered, they realize there’s more at stake than just fame and fortune. Each of them is in a fight for their lives as they realize summer is over – forever."

A throwback to the 1980s horror films Camp Dread has an interesting premise but rather goofy execution.  The little known cast aside from Eric Roberts and "Halloween" alumni Danielle Harris, shows their inexperience.  They're not entirely to blame given the script they were handed.  The movie is not without its bright spots though.  Despite the movie feeling "campy", the Director does an excellent job in building up tensions and scares.  Unfortunately, most of the death scenes that follows doesn't live up to the potential of the buildup.

The pacing of the deaths are uneven with long droughts and yet no one questioning the disappearances attributing them to being "eliminated" from the reality show they think they're being film or is being film.  I am still not sure on the latter, as the ending or rather motivation is a bit confusing on the part of the killer.  Because if it is not for the filming as the motive why go through all that motion when there are easier ways?

While I enjoyed Eric Roberts and Danielle Harris in their roles.  The amount of screen time, with especially the latter is rather minuscule.  Most of the delinquent kids or young adults play out certain stereotypes such as the lesbian, the clown, tough guy, etc.  My favorite would be the unsuspecting Adrienne played by Nicole Cinaglia.  She has the most interesting background of all the kids.  Sexually abused by her brother until she couldn't take it anymore.  All of the kids have baggage and that's why they are at the camp.

Overall, while I enjoyed the film, I would not recommend purchasing the DVD.  Rather, rent it if you can, or wait for it to pop up on Netflix one day.  There's enough going for it to not avoid it completely.  However, there are just much better horror films to spend a dark stormy evening then to watch this one.  If you like classic 1980s horror movies centered on a camp then watch Friday the 13th.


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