Hell of a Summer

"Eleven counselors show up to Camp Pineway a couple days early to get ready for the campers. Among them is Jason who is the oldest and is returning yet again after some hesitation. The owners are missing, and he takes on a leadership role. Things are not really going all that great with the other counselors. They don't really respect him, and he doesn't really fit in but he can't seem to move on. That night he goes around to the cabins and finds one of them murdered. One by one they are being killed, and they need to figure out who is behind it and stop them. They were clearly going for a scream type story set in a Friday the 13th type setting. The setting was cool, but the story itself is where things are subpar. They have funny and interesting characters. I did laugh out loud a few times especially with Jason's character. He was the only one that was fully fleshed out and you understood. There wasn't much character development so when they do the reveal you kind of just shrug your shoulders. For me it was pretty obvious who the party responsible was. I did not buy into the motivations. They thought they were being clever, but the script really isn't all that smart. This is another one that is just ok. It's average in some areas and below average in others. Please check out my podcast Mostly Low Budget Movie Reviews with Clarence for a more detailed breakdown. On all streaming platforms, including YouTube! Link is in the bio. Thank you!"

"Hell of a Summer (2025) is a slasher-comedy that brings a fresh, self-aware twist to the classic summer camp horror formula. Directed by Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, the film blends nostalgic horror elements with sharp humor, making it a standout entry in the genre. Plot & Characters Set at Camp Pineway, the film follows a group of counselors preparing for the arrival of campers when a masked killer begins picking them off one by one. The ensemble cast, led by Fred Hechinger as Jason—a 24-year-old counselor struggling to fit in—delivers performances that balance comedy and suspense. The characters lean into familiar archetypes, from the social media influencer to the aspiring filmmaker, but the film cleverly plays with these tropes rather than simply recycling them. Direction & Style Wolfhard and Bryk’s directorial debut showcases their understanding of both horror and comedy. The film is visually polished, with fluid camera movements and well-executed editing that heighten both tension and humor. The kills range from absurdly creative to darkly comedic, including one involving a peanut allergy that stands out as particularly clever. Strengths & Weaknesses The film excels in its humor, with witty dialogue that feels authentic to Gen Z audiences. Bryk’s character, Bobby, delivers some of the funniest moments, making the film feel like a genuine hangout comedy as much as a horror flick. However, while the comedy is strong, the horror elements—particularly the killer’s motivations—feel underdeveloped, making the mystery aspect somewhat predictable. Final Verdict Hell of a Summer is a fun, self-aware slasher that doesn’t reinvent the genre but embraces its conventions with charm and humor. While it may not be the most terrifying horror film, its comedic timing and engaging characters make it an entertaining watch, especially for fans of horror-comedies like Scream and Wet Hot American Summer."

"The movie is ok. Story is nothing original but it has its funny moments. 2.5/5"

"This is the worst movie that I’ve seen in a long time. "