Director: Roman Jossart
Production Company: Studio 605
Genre: Horror
One Sentence Synopsis: A supposedly murdered little boy exacts revenge 30 years later.
Series: Campground Series
Release Date: TBA
Running Time: 74 minutes
Website: Click Here
Trailer: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 3.5 Moons (out of 5)
In the early 1980’s Haley Varsin took her son Charlie out to an abandoned campground called “Little Farm on the River” where she brutally murdered him with a screwdriver without reason. In the years following Haley was locked up and the town of Rising Sun turned the story of Charlie Varsin into a local ghost story. 30 years later now a party is held at the closed down campground and Charlie proves he is more than legend.
Story
The whole account of the crimes, beginning with the “murder” of Charlie Varsin, is told around the campfire like a ghost story. 30 years after the incident Charlie makes his presence known by killing a few party goers. Kevin and Heidi escape his hand and attempt to solve the murders. Was it truly Charlie Varsin? Kevin is not convinced but Heidi believes it was. They learn from a local that in order to stop him, Charlie must be stabbed thirteen times by his own screwdriver.
After successfully escaping his hand, Heidi and Kevin attempt to return to normal life, but then the local Michael is seen in the asylum speaking to Haley Varsin. Does she know about Charlie’s quest for revenge? Is she connected to it somehow? Heidi and Kevin take it upon themselves to find the answers, and to stay alive in the process.
Haley Varsin after murdering her son.
Presentation
The storyline really unfolds nicely. I like the concept that Roman had of remaking this movie and including a sequel within it (hence the name “Requel”). Aside from being a great slasher it also has a good sense of mystery surrounding the main protagonist and his mother, similar to that of Jason Voorhees and his mother.
My major problem with this film is the lighting. Almost all of the shots that take place in the campground at night are extremely dark, making it very difficult to see exactly what is going on. Lighting in other parts is just fine though, and the cinematography is good. The musical score does an amazing job for the mood of the film.
The actors/actresses all gave top performances. Casey Weber (Kevin) and Anna Love (Heidi) were well casted as leaders. Jack Norman as Charlie Varsin gives an amazing performance. Along with being the violent slasher, there’s a scene where he seems to get really emotional in front of a broken mirror and the scene is played nicely. Marla Van Lanen (Haley Varsin) plays sinister like it’s second nature.
Gothic Fit
A dark atmosphere exists throughout the movie, along with very sinister emotions exhibited by the main protagonist and the mother. Mystery exists about the true nature of Charlie Varsin; is he undead?
Closing Thoughts
Some may say if you’ve seen one slasher you’ve seen ‘em all. While that may be true, it definitely shouldn’t deter you from checking out Campground: The Requel. Thank God it’s not another found footage horror movie.
Story: 4.0 Moons
Presentation: 2.5 Moons
Gothic Fit: 3.0 Moons
Final Score (not an average): 3.5 Moons
