Scenic Death Valley is home to a psycho who viciously murders various locals via his trusty knife.

But when young tourist Billy (Billingsley) innocently stumbles upon one of the madman's fresh crimes, he soon realizes the killer won't let him return home alive!

Solid acting (especially from Billingsley who delivers a simple, believable performance without any pretense) highlight this enjoyable splatter effort which doesn't shy away from the red stuff.

Tweaking the standard slasher formula, Death Valley replaces the archetypal final girl with a young boy...a risky gamble that works.

The unique desert setting (aptly utilized here) only enhances an already fun ride.

Best scene: the death of sheriff Brimley by pickax...a worthy jump shock moment.