Loved this movie as a kid and I love it years later. For being a PG-13 rating in 1993, this dark comedy really pushed the boundaries for a family film. It mostly succeeds because of the direction, writing and fantastic acting. The whole main cast is great. But let's be real, it's Joan Cusack's show. She steals every scene and is so damn good as the devilish, sexy serial killer. Her facial muscles/expressions alone sell the scenes to sidesplittingly funny results. Christina Ricci is definitely in need of some recognition as well. She "murders" every scene and line.

Death of course being the main motif in the film, I was even surprised a kid how far it went to hilarious effect. Serial killers, witchcraft, fraud, S&M, bullying, racism, arson, mass murder/slaughter, scalping, underage smoking/drinking, even several attempts of the murder of a baby: yay let's make a family comedy film about that! But the film works because of the smart and lighthearted script and Barry's direction.

Even as a young child I picked up on the not so subtle implications of bullying and racism in the summer camp scenes. Even before the big rebellion showdown of the "camp outcasts" during Gary's thanksgiving play, it's quite clear that the camp doesn't welcome people of different color, culture or handicap status. Christine Barinski shines hilariously as the wolf in sheep's clothing camp manager. The tongue in cheek social commentary works because it stays irreverent and funny.

I still find myself laughing out loud to this movie 28 years later. Definitely a gem.