The Burning (1981) Review in 2025
A group of summer camp counselors are stalked and killed by a masked killer at a summer camp.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to graphic violence, gore, and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of the slasher genre, but it's not for the faint of heart. It's a classic horror movie that still holds up today, but it's not as scary as some of the other movies in the genre.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie starts with a group of summer camp counselors arriving at Camp Crystal Lake, which has a dark history of a previous counselor being burned alive by a group of campers. The counselors soon realize that they are being stalked and killed by a masked killer, who is revealed to be a former camper named Cropsy, who was burned alive by the campers and now seeks revenge.
Review Details
story6.00/10
The story is predictable and follows the typical slasher movie formula, but it's still engaging and suspenseful. The plot is well-paced, and the twists and turns keep you guessing until the end.
acting6.00/10
The acting is decent, but some of the actors struggle with their roles. The main actor, Lee Harris, does a good job, but the other actors are a bit wooden at times.
characters5.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, but some of them are more likable than others. The main character, Alan, is a bit of a cliché, but he's still likable and easy to root for.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, and the camera work is impressive. The use of lighting and shadows creates a creepy atmosphere, and the score is effective in building tension.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, and the use of location shooting adds to the realism. The camera work is smooth, and the lighting is well-done, creating a creepy and suspenseful atmosphere.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a great atmosphere, and the use of location shooting adds to the realism. The cinematography is excellent, and the score is effective in building tension. The movie is well-paced, and the twists and turns keep you guessing until the end.
Cons
The story is predictable, and the characters are a bit clichéd. The acting is decent, but some of the actors struggle with their roles. The movie is not as scary as some of the other movies in the genre.
Notable Quotes
"I'm going to burn you all!"
"You're all going to burn!"
"You're next!"
