Cheerleader Camp - Movie Recommendation

I told you a movie had plenty of T&A, a pop singer, two Playboy Playmates (one of whom would also become a porn star), and a bit actor everyone has seen…you would know I was talking about an 80’s film, and Cheerleader Camp exemplifies those 80’s movies to a “T”.

Originally released as “Bloody Pom Poms” (also the name of the production company) in in time for Halloween 1988, Cheerleader Camp is (very) loosely based on the 1984 murder of Kirsten Costas.

Taking place at Camp Hurrah, a cheer camp for what we assume are High Schoolers, the movie follows our cast of characters -  the main cheer leading team (Allison, Brent, Theresa, Pamela and Timmy…..and of course Cory, the unpopular girl who is relegated to the role of “Mascot”), the camp staff (in particular - camp leader Miss Tipton and camp maintenance man Pop) and Sheriff Poucher, in what feels like a cross between Porkey’s, Saved By the Bell and Friday the 13^th.   

 

We learn that Allison is the “Best Cheerleader in the State”, but has scary dreams about murder and sex, so much so that she is often medicated.  As the movie progresses, we see that her dreams often appear to coincide with murders happening at the camp, murders that are being covered up by Miss Tipton so she can finish the camp and not be fired.  From there, your typical hijinks ensue; topless sunbathing, hazing, drinking, sex and murder…all culminating into a Miss Congeniality moment, but with a twist.  

One of Allison's Dreams

I’m not going to kid anyone.  Cheerleader Camp is not high brow or high quality.  Its an 80’s T&A Slasher flick, and IMO – it does pretty well.   What really worked for me was the campy scenes (the football sex scene is just too weird not to watch), one liners (“That one will make your pee pee harder than a sack of marbles), some pretty good practical effect kills and  of course.......the cast. 

The cast is a veritable who’s who of the mid-70s and 80s B-level actors.  You know who I mean, the ones you never talk about…..but you know you have seen them somewhere.  

 

• Betty Russell (Allison) – A minor B star, who’s career would be rekindled as Jigsaw’s ex-wife in the Saw movies (III, IV, V and VI). 
• Lucinda Dickey (Cory) – A former Solid Gold Dancer, her two other “big” credits were from playing Kelly in Breakin’ and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.  You can tell she was cast in this part due to her ability to break dance in the Mascot Costume.
• Leif Garrett (Brent) – I think most of us remember Leif as a singer in the mid/late 70s, and I also recall his TV stints (I’m old), but how many remember that he played Bob Sheldon and was killed by Johnny in the Outsiders.
• Travis McKenna (Timmy) – I honestly confused Travis with Ken Hudson Campbell (of Groundhog Day and Armageddon fame) when I watched this…and it was an honest mistake.  Those guys could be brothers.  After some research, I realized that I recognized Travis from the Patrick Swayze classic – Roadhouse, where he plays one of the bouncers.  
  
• Rebecca Ferrantti (Theresa) - Playboy Playmate of the Month June 1986, bit parts in Ace Ventura and Three Amigos!, plus a few “Skin-a-Max” flicks. 
• Teri Weigel (Pamala) – Appeared in Penthouse in November 1985 and Playboy Playmate of the Month of April 1986 (the second woman to appear in both magazines) and was the first Playmate to cross over into the Porn Industry (she is still active today).  
• George “Buck” Flower (Pop) – Buck actually had a pretty good career, having 162 credits in his career until his death in 2004, including several bit parts in various Power Rangers episodes, They Live (a drifter ) and Escape from New York (as a Drunk).  If you needed a bearded vagabond/drunk in the 80’s…..Buck was your man.In fact, his most famous role, that everyone has seen him in doesn’t realize it……..Yep, he was the drunk on the park bench in both Back to the Future 1 & 2. 

Finally, one thing that made me laugh was the Leif Garret Product Placement in the movie.  Leading up to the Football Sex Scene between Miss Tipton and Sherriff Poucher, we get to see two of his albums in the background (the self-titled debut album “Leif Garrett” and  the back cover of “Feel the Need”).

 

 

Overall, we both gave it a thumbs up. 

 

I enjoyed Cheerleader Camp for what it is - a mindless trip down teenage memory lane.  A place were getting a peek at a woman's boobs right before she is hacked to bits was was awesome. Meanwhile, Steph liked some parts (I caught her laughing quite a few times), but she found the cheerleading very lacking (she used to cheer and was a coach).  She loves campy - so that worked in the movies favor. The one liners, kills and creepy Leif Garrett alone was almost worth the price of admission.  Steph wasn't into all the tits hanging out - but that is ok....we both laughed out loud at the football sex scene.  Steph's biggest complaint was the bad dreams plot device - to me, I didn't care......it was an 80's movie, what could you expect?

 

While we both would recommend the movie - you have to know what you are getting into before hand.  There are some vulgar/sexist comments, nudity, blood, sex and murder.  If you can handle that and suspend disbelief - Cheerleader Camp could be right up you alley.  If you are easily offended, then you might want to give this a pass.

 

You can buy Cheerleader Camp here on Amazon or you can watch the full movie on our channel.