Get ready for a summer camp nightmare! Finn Wolfhard and Fred Hechinger team up for “Hell of a Summer,” a new horror-comedy. But does this star-studded slasher flick truly deliver the scares and laughs, or does it miss the mark? Find out if it’s a must-stream or a skip!

The directorial debut “Hell of a Summer,” a horror-comedy co-written, co-directed, and co-produced by breakout talent Finn Wolfhard alongside Billy Bryk, attempts to blend the nostalgic summer-camp setting with the visceral thrills of a slasher flick. This highly anticipated film, also starring Fred Hechinger, promises an impressive gathering of young talent both in front of and behind the camera, aiming to deliver a fresh take on a well-trodden genre. The premise immediately evokes memories of classic horror comedies, setting a high bar for its execution and originality within the slasher genre.

Despite its promising pedigree, the film struggles to carve out its own memorable niche in a subgenre already saturated with both hits and misses. Wolfhard and Bryk’s endeavor often feels less like a meticulously crafted labor of love and more like an informal gathering of friends experimenting with filmmaking. This casual approach, while potentially fostering a creative environment, ultimately dilutes the narrative’s impact and the overall viewing experience, failing to elevate “Hell of a Summer” above its numerous predecessors.

Fred Hechinger, known for his extraordinary performances in recent roles, is notably committed to his goofy character, imbuing him with a surprising layer of subtext that transcends mere caricature. This dedication helps anchor some of the film’s more aimless sequences, providing a much-needed focal point amidst the meandering plot. His presence is a significant asset, yet even his nuanced portrayal cannot entirely compensate for the film’s broader structural weaknesses.

A central question arises throughout the viewing of this horror comedy: when does a hangout movie simply become aimless? “Hell of a Summer” regrettably leans towards the latter, as its significant talent and potential often feel squandered. The movie lacks the sharp comedic timing required for effective humor and the genuine suspense necessary for thrilling horror, leaving audiences desiring more from its promising concept.

While the narrative introduces an intriguing dynamic with a character like Jason being plausibly suspected as the killer, these moments of genuine intrigue are sparse. The slasher film elements, particularly the kills, largely fall flat, with only occasional exceptions providing the desired gory, shocking panache. This inconsistency suggests a directorial uncertainty in executing the very essence of the slasher genre, diminishing its potential for memorable horror.

The film’s reliance on common slasher tropes is evident, from lurker cams and an ’80s John Carpenter-esque synth score to self-aware meta-commentary and predictable plot hurdles for the inevitable teenage victims. Sabotaged cars, stolen cellphones, and snipped power lines all make their expected appearances. While these elements are foundational to the genre, their uninspired application here makes them feel like afterthoughts rather than integral, creative components.

This strategic choice, prioritizing familiar elements over innovative execution, contrasts sharply with how effective action sequences are built in other genres. For a horror film, especially a slasher, the creative and shocking kills should serve as the foundation, around which the story is carefully constructed. “Hell of a Summer” seems to reverse this logic, resulting in a less impactful and ultimately forgettable experience within the crowded horror-comedy landscape.

Ultimately, while “Hell of a Summer” brings together promising young talent like Finn Wolfhard and Fred Hechinger, its execution falls short of its ambitious blend of genres. The film offers glimpses of its potential, particularly in character performances, but struggles to deliver consistent comedic impact or genuinely terrifying slasher thrills. It stands as a reminder that even with strong individual components, a cohesive and innovative vision is crucial for a horror-comedy to truly stand out.