Slasher Tribute Misses the Mark

Read Time:3 Minute, 55 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Camp Pleasant Lake
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Thomas Walton
Writer(s): Thomas Walton
Cast: Kelly Lynn Reiter, Jonathan Lipnicki, Leila Almas Rose, James Di Giacomo, Lacey Burdine, William Delesk, Bonnie Aarons, Michael Paré, Maritza Brikisak, Andrew Divoff, Robert LaSardo, Devanny Pinn, Mike Ferguson, Adam Treasure, Elley Ringo, Jackson Everest
Where To Watch: arrives in select cinemas and on VOD nationwide on February 27, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: From the moment I started viewing CAMP PLEASANT LAKE, I was hooked by the tantalizing prospect of revisiting the eerie charm of classic horror flicks while steering into uncharted terror territories. The setup was perfect: an adult camp designed to mimic the thrills of the classics, with an homage to some of the horror movies of the past, only for the meta fake scares to spiral into absolute terror. What an exhilarating premise! Yet, as the final scenes faded and the darkness lifted, this film stumbled too much, unable to deliver the fresh, spine-chilling adventure it boldly promised.

CAMP PLEASANT LAKE could have been a fantastic spin for horror enthusiasts, a shining light guiding us back to the campfire stories of our youth with a twist that turns the familiar into the unknown. The backdrop was impeccably chosen, a setting that whispered tales of dread with every crackle of the fire and rustle in the woods. The narrative premise, blending playful horror role-play with a sinister turn of events, was a plot waiting to trap us in its web of fear. Yet, the film grappled with its identity, teetering on the edge of homage and innovation but never fully committing to either, leaving us adrift in a sea of what-ifs.

The ensemble cast was set to anchor this ambitious project, featuring Jonathan Lipnicki, Bonnie Aarons, Andrew Divoff, Michael Paré, and Devanny Pinn. Despite their commitment and evident enjoyment in the project, the execution failed, unable to harness their talents, leaving us with performances that varied as much in quality as the film's attempt to balance tribute with originality. This disparity often broke the spell of immersion, pulling us back to reality from the brink of fear.

The proposed brilliance of CAMP PLEASANT LAKE lies in its premise, with the idea of the adult re-enactment of our deepest fears in a controlled environment, spiraling out of control. This concept alone could redefine genre expectations and blur the lines between fun and terror. However, this potential was undermined by a narrative that chose to play it safe over surprise predictability and peril, diluting its potency.

Visually, the film's efforts to transcend its budget constraints were apparent, with creative cinematography and effects aiming to elevate the experience. Nevertheless, these endeavors were often overshadowed by a reliance on genre tropes that failed to stir the heart or quicken the pulse.

Among the flicker of lights in this dimly lit venture, specific performances stood out, with some hinting at the darker, more compelling narrative veins left unmined. The opening sequences, rich with lore and mystery, promised a depth that, if fully embraced, might have tackled a far richer terror experience.

CAMP PLEASANT LAKE is a poignant reminder of the delicate dance between homage and innovation in the genre. With a premise that sparkled with promise, its realization left us yearning for the depth, originality, and unbridled terror that could have reimagined slasher cinema for a new era. It underscores the notion that genuine fear, which lingers long after the screen goes dark, is found not in the familiar shadows of the past but in the daring leap into the unknown.

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[photo courtesy of DESKPOP ENTERTAINMENT]

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