Image via WikipediaDo you have a sense of humor? Do you get a kick out of low production bloody slasher flicks? Then give Don't Go In the Woods a shot. The terrible film has developed a cult following since its premiere in 1981, indicating that it has some redeeming qualities, but its plot, acting, soundtrack, and overall production quality certainly aren't some of them. It was even deemed a "video nasty" and wasn't available in England until 2007. I have to say, there's something great about the term "video nasty."




 Anyway, Don't Go In the Woods came out one year after Friday the 13th, and it follows the same any-wooded-area-is-a-potential-killing-ground mentality. Two young couples decide they're going to go cavorting in the woods for a nice weekend of backpacking, and whaddya know--they've wandered onto the hunting grounds of a psychopathic killer. Every five minutes or so, someone is killed off, be it a random camper that's introduced for the purpose of killing, or one of the main guys and gals.


The film's truly heinous acting, mixed with incredibly gratuitous amounts of blood and gore are what make it special from the other B-grade slashers of the 80s. We're talking bad, real bad. You've got main characters saying "I am so scared" in a tone of voice which sounds like Ben Stein discussing linear algebra, with a weird cadence. Just watch the trailer if you want a taste. Along with this so-bad-it's-funny acting, there are severed heads flying, jugs of red corn syrup being poured everywhere, and a crazed killer making overexcited "arrrghhh" pirate noises. The terrible score cues in at odd times, playing when someone's getting chopped up and when nothing is happening at all.

For some, Don't Go In the Woods will stride the line of so-bad-it's-good and jesus-this-is-the-worst-thing-I've-ever-seen. Although it's certainly a rip-off of the woodsy horror genre, it's so insanely bad that it becomes something of its own. There's not much narrative pacing or plot to speak of. The characterization is so bad, that it can't even play off of usual horror stereotypes. Don't go in expecting something scary; only watch it if you're really sure that you're ready to laugh. Although the movie just came out on DVD, this won't hinder the authenticity of your watching experience--it looks just as grainy as any 1980's VHS.

Joy Paley is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and a writer on online colleges for the Guide to Online Schools.