movielover999
03-02-2007, 01:28 AM
Happy Birthday to Me: A morbid little thriller released in 1981 -- directed by J. Lee Thompson. This horror film delight features mainstream newcomers Melissa Sue Anderson (Little House on the Prairie fame) and Tracey E. Bregman (Young and the Restless).
Happy Birthday to Me introduces Virginia -- a vital, attractive girl thrilled with her new life at Crawford Academy, her not-so-humble abode. Virginia lives the high life and, with the exception of the occasional murder, appears to be doing fairly well socially and emotionally. She's a member of “Crawford's Top 10“--Crawford Academy‘s so-called crème de la crème of the student body-- and is especially outgoing. But... as Virginia's 18th birthday draws near... a foreboding, evil presence is about to bring her carefree world come crashing down. A murderer is on the loose and the dreary little town of Crawford will never be the same. Who could it be? Creepy Alfred, the introverted science geek? Virginia’s “quirky” father? Maybe even Virginia herself? Virginia happens to suffer from frequent blackouts (resulting from a tragic car accident which still haunts her) and appears to be faltering closer to the edge day after day. Virginia's friends aren’t much help: they’re the typical foolhardy slasher entourage waiting to be sliced and diced. Highlighted by gruesome murders and a tense atmosphere, this poe-esque is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Happy Birthday to Me relies on plot twists and character development -- a novel approach during the slasher era.
Also stars Lesleh Donaldson who has appeared in fan favorites such as Funeral Home (‘82) and Curtains (’83). Lesleh Donaldson appears on track in her short cameo -- during her extended prologue, she brilliantly outsmarts the killer; however, it’s all in vain as she foolishly botches her open escape route via blatant stupidity.
Melissa Sue Anderson has her work cut out for her; after staring in Midnight Offerings (made the same year), Melissa pulls off her role fairly well and looks great. Sharon Acker, acting as Virginia’s mother, is a welcome addition in her brief, albeit hammy performance. Matt Craven and Tracey E. Bregman turn in decent performances (considering the don't have much to work with.)
The film's atmosphere is dark and brooding which hamonizes nicely with the tone. The score is funereally creepy and sets off a nice vibe to the overall film [avoid the awful DVD soundtrack].
Bottom line: A not-so-bad 80's horror movie with moderate acting, a creepy atmosphere, a few twists (although contrived), and an average plot.
Grade: B-
Happy Birthday to Me introduces Virginia -- a vital, attractive girl thrilled with her new life at Crawford Academy, her not-so-humble abode. Virginia lives the high life and, with the exception of the occasional murder, appears to be doing fairly well socially and emotionally. She's a member of “Crawford's Top 10“--Crawford Academy‘s so-called crème de la crème of the student body-- and is especially outgoing. But... as Virginia's 18th birthday draws near... a foreboding, evil presence is about to bring her carefree world come crashing down. A murderer is on the loose and the dreary little town of Crawford will never be the same. Who could it be? Creepy Alfred, the introverted science geek? Virginia’s “quirky” father? Maybe even Virginia herself? Virginia happens to suffer from frequent blackouts (resulting from a tragic car accident which still haunts her) and appears to be faltering closer to the edge day after day. Virginia's friends aren’t much help: they’re the typical foolhardy slasher entourage waiting to be sliced and diced. Highlighted by gruesome murders and a tense atmosphere, this poe-esque is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Happy Birthday to Me relies on plot twists and character development -- a novel approach during the slasher era.
Also stars Lesleh Donaldson who has appeared in fan favorites such as Funeral Home (‘82) and Curtains (’83). Lesleh Donaldson appears on track in her short cameo -- during her extended prologue, she brilliantly outsmarts the killer; however, it’s all in vain as she foolishly botches her open escape route via blatant stupidity.
Melissa Sue Anderson has her work cut out for her; after staring in Midnight Offerings (made the same year), Melissa pulls off her role fairly well and looks great. Sharon Acker, acting as Virginia’s mother, is a welcome addition in her brief, albeit hammy performance. Matt Craven and Tracey E. Bregman turn in decent performances (considering the don't have much to work with.)
The film's atmosphere is dark and brooding which hamonizes nicely with the tone. The score is funereally creepy and sets off a nice vibe to the overall film [avoid the awful DVD soundtrack].
Bottom line: A not-so-bad 80's horror movie with moderate acting, a creepy atmosphere, a few twists (although contrived), and an average plot.
Grade: B-