It's a respectable imitation of "Friday the 13th." Released just one week after “Friday the 13th Part 2” in 1981, this film incorporates all the familiar elements that were becoming hallmarks of that series: a killer with physical deformities, a recognizable weapon—garden shears in this instance—a summer camp setting, teen counselors, a prank that goes terribly wrong, scenes involving swimming, encounters in the woods with sexual undertones, deaths occurring during or following intimacy, a concealed location used by the killer, and teenage girls appearing partially or completely unclothed. “The Burning” is often praised primarily for its raft scene, but that segment only lasts roughly 30 seconds and isn’t quite as impressive as some might suggest. It's possibly on par with some of the later “Friday” movies, although the female characters aren’t quite as memorable—though they are acceptable. Still, there are things to appreciate about "Burning," such as appearances by Brian Backer from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and a youthful Jason Alexander, sporting a full head of hair. The film's production values reflect its low budget but surpass those of something like “Sleepaway Camp.” Filming took place at established summer camps near Buffalo in Western New York, as well as in North Tonawanda. GRADE: B-/C+

Source on TMDB