In a Southern California community, unusual deaths are occurring, and suspicion falls on some unexpected individuals. “Bloody Birthday,” released in 1981, combines elements of the killer kid movie with slasher films to reasonably good effect. It appeared several years prior to the beginning of “Children of the Corn,” though there were already numerous similar movies going back to the early 1960s. For example, the …

‘Bloody Birthday’ is a film that surprisingly holds up pretty well even today. It’s not exactly a classic, but it’s still entertaining, and what’s unexpected is that it doesn't have as many unintentionally humorous moments as you might think. I realize that’s a bit shocking considering this is a low-budget movie from the early 80s about evil kids who kill people. But honestly, the film manages to remain respectable a…