Jason and his mum first appeared in 1980 and went on to spawn 10 sequels (the last was the 2003 crossover, Freddy vs Jason). But they are not done with us yet. Why? Because privileged, decadent kids still get their kicks watching privileged, decadent kids being menaced by mask-wearing, rural psychos.
German whippersnapper Marcus Nispel (who directed the duff but extremely successful 2003 remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) knows not to mess with winning formulas. His twist with this new film that reverts to the original title of the series, is to offer two sets of teens to be slaughtered, rather than one. Oh yes, and some ethnic faces, more naked female breasts, a nasty death involving a sleeping bag and a daft explanation of how Jason found his hockey mask. Plus lots of references to drugs.
You can view the ensuing mayhem as a mythic contest between perfect and imperfect adolescence, an attempt by mummy’s boy Jason to revenge himself on everything associated with the smarmy alpha male. What it comes down to, though, is god-awful cinema.
The beast of high-budget horror can be vanquished only if we starve it of cash. Stay out of the cinemas, my friends, and Jason and his kind will finally be able to rest in peace.
Friday The 13th (1980 Film)
Cert: 18
