The Slumber Party Massacre was directed by Amy Jones, a director who turned down an opportunity to direct E.T. in order to direct this slasher film from the eighties that has reached cult status over the years.
When eighteen year old Trish decides to host a slumber party at her house while her parents are away, she is blissfully unaware that a notorious serial killer, Russ Thorn, has escaped from prison and has resumed his favorite hobby: killing women with a power drill.
The film starts off appropriately enough for a film of this nature – with a funky score over the opening credits – as Trish gets dressed for school, allowing for some gratuitous nudity in the process. In fact, this sequence is followed by a ridiculous scene in a girl’s locker room, in which the director of photography voyeuristically pans over the naked flesh on display, in a manner worthy of Larry Clark.
Trish informs her friends that her parents are away, and that they should spend the night. There will be marijuana and wine coolers, and lots of munchies in the fridge. When Trish attempts to invite the new girl – an All American goody two shoes named Valerie – her friends protest loudly. Sadly, Valerie overhears the rude comments and opts out of the slumber party, choosing to spend the night with her mischievous younger sister instead.
Meanwhile, Russ goes on the rampage with his big drill – and yes, it is meant to be a phallic symbol, just in case you were wondering. He ruthlessly murders just about anyone who gets in his way. Little do the girls know that he is headed for Trish’s house.
You know where this plot is going. I don’t even have to tell you. Some of these girls will die in horrible ways at the hands of Russ and his nasty drill. Even though the plot is entirely predictable from beginning to end, The Slumber Party Massacre is a whole lot of fun. In fact, I would go as far to say that it is one of the best films of its kind. Amy Jones lends a feminist touch to the entire affair, which keeps things interesting. And, yes, the film is heavy on gore.
This all makes for an entertaining night of horror!
Watch the trailer here.
When eighteen year old Trish decides to host a slumber party at her house while her parents are away, she is blissfully unaware that a notorious serial killer, Russ Thorn, has escaped from prison and has resumed his favorite hobby: killing women with a power drill.
The film starts off appropriately enough for a film of this nature – with a funky score over the opening credits – as Trish gets dressed for school, allowing for some gratuitous nudity in the process. In fact, this sequence is followed by a ridiculous scene in a girl’s locker room, in which the director of photography voyeuristically pans over the naked flesh on display, in a manner worthy of Larry Clark.
Trish informs her friends that her parents are away, and that they should spend the night. There will be marijuana and wine coolers, and lots of munchies in the fridge. When Trish attempts to invite the new girl – an All American goody two shoes named Valerie – her friends protest loudly. Sadly, Valerie overhears the rude comments and opts out of the slumber party, choosing to spend the night with her mischievous younger sister instead.
Meanwhile, Russ goes on the rampage with his big drill – and yes, it is meant to be a phallic symbol, just in case you were wondering. He ruthlessly murders just about anyone who gets in his way. Little do the girls know that he is headed for Trish’s house.
You know where this plot is going. I don’t even have to tell you. Some of these girls will die in horrible ways at the hands of Russ and his nasty drill. Even though the plot is entirely predictable from beginning to end, The Slumber Party Massacre is a whole lot of fun. In fact, I would go as far to say that it is one of the best films of its kind. Amy Jones lends a feminist touch to the entire affair, which keeps things interesting. And, yes, the film is heavy on gore.
This all makes for an entertaining night of horror!
Watch the trailer here.
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