Friday the 13th



Plot Synopsis: 

A group of camp counselors are picked off one by one by an unseen killer. 

Positives: 

I think this movie actually does a pretty damn good job setting up mood and atmosphere when it needs. Nowehere do I think this is better exemplified than in the scenes where the unseen killer stalks their prey. On a similar note, this movie has an awesome score. There's a reason the "ki-ki-ki-ma-ma-ma" has ingrained itself into pop culture. I also kind of like some of the false sense of security this movie can leave you with. For example, the second scene introduces us to a character that, at first glance, you might assume is going to be the final girl. Let's just say, she doesn't last very long. My final positive is the fact that this movie is simple. It's not a movie that is trying to break the mold or anything like that.  

Mixed Aspects: 

The first thing I want to mention in the mixed section is the kills. A couple of them are great. But, there's also some kills that I actually think could have been better. I also have pretty mixed feelings about the acting. Betsy Palmer is great as Mrs. Voorhees. Walt Gorney is a good bit of campy fun as Crazy Ralph. There is also some charm in seeing Kevin Bacon in one of his first roles. I also don't mind Adrienne King as the movie's final girl, Alice. Everyone else feels kind of average.

Negatives: 

The main thing I think this movie could have handled better is the murder mystery angle. At best, it feels sloppy. Yes, Mrs. Voorhees is actually a good villain. The problem is this: she is introduced into the movie five minutes before she's revealed to have been the killer the whole time. I also think the pacing could have been tighter. There are plenty of scenes that just kind of drag. While, I may have mixed feelings on the acting, I do have to admit the characters are nothing special. It's clear that, for the most part, they are just there to die. Even Alice isn't really anything special, even by final girl standards.

Final Thoughts: 

I appreaciate the impact this movie has had on the horror genre. However, I also can't give this movie a full pass just because it's the original film. If anything, I think this film is serviceable. I can watch it, and be just fine with it. But, I'm never going to count it among my personal favorites. 

My Rating:

🩸🩸🩸

Comments

  1. BeckySeptember 10, 2021 at 5:48 PM

    It's cool that you're doing this series. It has been SO long since I've seen any of these. Need to re-watch,

    ReplyDelete

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