The new horror/ comedy is about a couple revitalizing an old campsite, connecting them to a chilling past that reveals a 20-year-old mystery involving a missing young boy and girl. As bizarre events unfold, they must confront forces linked to a heinous crime. Will this campy flick pleasantly surprise you?

Written and directed by Thomas Walton, a comedic tone is quickly established with callbacks to 80s slashers and self-aware humour. Where this event took place is now owned by the Rutherfords. It’s been rebranded as Camp Terror, the horror camp experience. They’re trying to capitalize on the tragedy of Echo and Jasper, the missing boy and girl. Some people who were involved with the event visited this camp with their own agendas. It’s an interesting premise. Furthermore, it takes time to explain the legend through flashbacks set in 2002. Echo and Jasper Meadows get a fully developed backstory told in pieces until it comes full circle toward the third act.

Filmed in Santa Clarita, California, it’s gorgeously shot to highlight the beauty of the Golden State with outstanding aerial establishing shots. The high production value makes it a wonderful film to look at.

There’s a good blend of humour and horror. There’s a running gag about how they can’t tell what’s “real” or what’s part of the Camp experience. It also has great gore effects boasting creative kills. I like the killer’s mask too. It’s an original design that sends chills down the spine when looking at it.

The cast includes Jonathan Lipnicki, Bonnie Aarons, Michael Paré, Robert LaSardo, Kelly Lynn Reiter, Mike Ferguson, and Maritza Brikisak. The acting is over the top but I think that’s a creative choice because everyone’s exuberant performance adds a collective energy to the film. It seems like everyone was excited to be on set and had fun filming everything. That being said, characters inexplicably make nonsensical decisions. For example, no one questions “real” murders happening before them or anything being too realistic. They don’t feel like real people; they’re more like one-dimensional cartoon characters watching and waiting to be slaughtered. It’s all part of the fun. Jonathan Lipnicki is the highlight performance.

I love the score. It’s reminiscent of classic TV sitcoms yet it works because it adds to the camp factor.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this camp-tastic flick. It’s a frolicking high-energy adventure with that schlock factor that made 80s horror so fantastic. It’s predictable but fun. It’s more about the journey than the destination. It fully embraces the silliness of those classic 80s slashers yet tells a genuinely scary story when you think about it on a deeper level. It never takes itself too seriously while touching on themes of being desensitized by violence, financial gain from pain, influencers, social media, and childhood trauma. I love how it’s a Halloween movie that frequently uses its holiday’s iconography. I do see this being an annual Halloween watch. It reminds me of I Know What You Did Last Summer, Friday the 13th, Hell Fest, and Scream. So I recommend this flick if you like those. Stick around for the end credits scene too because it’s worth the wait. And remember, this flick will help you smile more.