REVIEW:
Cult classics are always fun to watch, especially when you haven't seen them for a couple of years. The Burning is a slasher who has really gone to the history. This came shortly after Friday the 13th in hope of getting some money from the early 80s slasher wave. Well, since this never got a sequel I suspect that it didn't do too well. It's really a shame because I consider this flick being one of the best 80s slashers that I've seen.

The Burning has gotten numerous DVD releases and we have yet to see a US release which really is a shame because the DVD releases out there aren't really in that good shape. Anyhow, the story follows a couple of campers who find themselves trapped on an island after someone has stolen their canoes. Soon, a madman shows up and starts to kill the campers one by one. The story might not be unique but at least it doesn't feel too ludicrous. The killer doesn't wear a mask like most slashers did back in the days, instead he has decided just to wear a pretty creepy hat. The fact that we don't get to see his face until the very end of the movie keeps the tension up.

I think everyone who has seen this flick will agree with me when I say that this is a brilliant slasher flick. It's suspenseful, it's entertaining and perhaps most importantly for this one, it's gory as hell. Tom Savini has made the special effects and the raft scene in this movie has gone to the horror hall of fame. If you have yet to see The Burning, get one of the relatively poor DVD releases out there because if you're waiting for a good R1 release, you will probably have to wait for quite a while.

GORE:
This is a bloody slasher indeed. We get slit throats, fingers chopped off, a neck impalement, a dismembered arm and a whole lot more.

SOUNDTRACK:
I remember making a techno remix of the theme for this movie many years ago and when I saw it again today I remembered why. The theme for the flick is absolutely brilliant. We also get some odd banjo music but let's not focus on that.

BOTTOM LINE:
A true slasher classic in my eyes. With a high body count, a lot of gore, a creepy atmosphere and a brilliant screenplay this movie goes straight to the horror hall of fame. Whatever you do, do not miss The Burning!