TR reviews horror franchises: "Friday the 13th"

[Maidpool w/ Cleaning Action]

I always love Thomas's Sigs and Avatars.

[-Lithium-]

thomasrigby said:

FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VIII: JASON TAKES MANHATTAN
1989
Director: Rob Hedden

And here we are. Eight films later.
I'm actually a big fan of this film. And it depresses me to write this review, because this would be the last good Jason film (not including Freddy vs. Jason).
Rob Hedden was a writer for the Friday the 13th TV series at the time, a huge fan of the series, and repeatedly hounded Mancuso for a chance to direct one of the big-screen versions of the series that he loved. The original screenplay he wrote is available on the internet and, suffice to say, it clears up a lot of the complaints people have about this movie. Of these, of course, the loudest is that despite the movie being called "Jason Takes Manhattan" he is only actually IN Manhattan for, like, thirty minutes. Suffice to say, in Hedden's original script, much more of the film took place in the big apple, including scenes at Madison Square Garden, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Obviously, these aren't the highest-budgeted movies, so they had to be cut.
So while the bulk of this movie's mayhem occurs on a cruise ship, it's still a fun film. It's scary at the right moments, features another masterful performing job from Kane Hodder (he had really perfected the body language of the character by this point), and is even a little nostalgic. I love the opening sequence on the boat, and the retelling of the Jason legend.
Putting aside minor complaints like the heroine's "child-Jason" storyline (what the hell was that all about?), this movie is scary and funny at just the right moments.
And it features Kelly Hu in her early days. Yup.

*** (out of four)

The best part in that movie is when hes walking through the streets (not killing anyone) and in his way is this gang listening to a boombox, so when he gets up to it he kicks it, but he kicks like like hes mad about something. Was real funny...

[plushtar]

Great way to end the series really. Jason finally drowns once more (depending on your interpretation) and doesen't come back. Sadly, he would end up in a parallel dimension where he is forced to do bad movies.

[Jiren]

plushtar said:

Great way to end the series really. Jason finally drowns once more (depending on your interpretation) and doesen't come back. Sadly, he would end up in a parallel dimension where he is forced to do bad movies.

Curse you New line

[Lick Ness Monster]

In summation, my F13's, from best to worst:

(1) Part 2
An absolute horror classic, well-acted (especially by Amy Steele) and even very scary to boot (Jason's one visible eye darting around after getting sliced is still disturbing)
(2) Part 1
The one that started it all, and one of the most influential movies of all time.
(3) The Final Chapter
Such a cool movie - even has a slight "Hollywood" feel to it, and Tom Savini's extraordinary makeup work.
(4) Jason Lives
Hilarious, scary, and Thom Matthews is the man. And ya gotta love that James Bond parody at the opening titles.
(5) Part 3
Shelly makes the movie. 'Nuff said.
(6) Jason Takes Manhattan
Again - the EIGHTH film in a franchise has no right to be as good as this was.
(7) The New Blood
Best kills in the entire series can't make up for lack of a good leading actress and cheesy Jason vs. Carrie premise.
(8) New Beginning
Just plain awful.

[erisi236]

I'd put 7 at at least 5th best

[plushtar]

thomasrigby said:

In summation, my F13's, from best to worst:

(1) Part 2
An absolute horror classic, well-acted (especially by Amy Steele) and even very scary to boot (Jason's one visible eye darting around after getting sliced is still disturbing)
(2) Part 1
The one that started it all, and one of the most influential movies of all time.
(3) The Final Chapter
Such a cool movie - even has a slight "Hollywood" feel to it, and Tom Savini's extraordinary makeup work.
(4) Jason Lives
Hilarious, scary, and Thom Matthews is the man. And ya gotta love that James Bond parody at the opening titles.
(5) Part 3
Shelly makes the movie. 'Nuff said.
(6) Jason Takes Manhattan
Again - the EIGHTH film in a franchise has no right to be as good as this was.
(7) The New Blood
Best kills in the entire series can't make up for lack of a good leading actress and cheesy Jason vs. Carrie premise.
(8) New Beginning
Just plain awful.

I have minor disagreements with you, but overall this is a great list. I also see part two as the best for having the most realistic and creepiest Jason. Also credit to part four for having a Juggernaut-like Jason. Whenever I see that film, I am convinced he will tear the house down to get a hold of Corey Feldman.

[bshadye413]

i'm really enjoying these reviews, as i've always enjoyed the Friday series. I have a soft spot for 7 because its the first one i saw, it got me hooked and i ended up watching and buying the dvd's years later.

I like Part 2 the best because its pretty much the one that really introduces Jason, and has that awesome final chase scene. I think hes the scariest in the Final Chapter. He just seems like hes really pissed and wants to annihilate anything and everything that gets in his way, even moreso than usual.

[erisi236]

I know it's not well liked but in Jason X, he did have a pretty cool look at the start of the film, it's pretty much my second favourite looking Jason of the series