Post by Lick Ness Monster on Sept 28, 2007 15:30:28 GMT -5
FREDDY VS. JASON
2003
Director: Ronny Yu
Another polarizing movie. Another new premise for the "Nightmare" series (and yes, I do consider this a "Nightmare" movie, as this series was New Line from the get-go and Freddy is clearly the main star of this film). And another great movie in the series.
This is a movie that never stops entertaining. Before the opening credits even begin, we are left wondering just what this movie, which was over fifteen years in the making, will have in store for us, as we first hear the familiar "NOES" musical score...followed by Jason's hushed tones.
I believe the way this movie's chronology and situation is set up to be brilliant. It follows the continuity of both "Nightmare" and "Friday", seemingly taking place after the events of "Jason Goes To Hell." Even moreso, the resurrection of Jason and Freddy's involvement is logical, and so much more than the bizarre schklockfest many non-horror fans predicted for this film.
This movie is just total fun all over. Monica Keena is excellent as the tough, hurt heroine, seeking revenge for her mother's death. I was skeptical when I heard that Kelly Rowland had been signed for the film, but she is excellent as well - and Linderman is so legendary (in my own mind, at least) that whenever I see Chris Marquette in other films, the first words out of my mouth are "Hey, it's Linderman!".
Of course, the main draw of this film was the battle - the epic contest that we had been longing to see between Freddy and Jason. The way that this battle is played out is masterful in execution by director Ronny Yu, as it builds up the strengths of each relative character, with Freddy being far superior when it comes to mental trickery and supernatural abilities, but Jason much more powerful in the actual world, at home in his element when he's stalking and killing. Some have complained that their battle is too short - I would like to know how long they think it should have been, as the Freddy vs. Jason fight takes up the last third of the movie.
I also especially like the sequel continuity that it has in reference to the "Nightmare" series, especially the Hypnocil (the drug used in "Nightmare 3" as a dream suppressant). Some of the supporting characters are likable, some of them are not, as we beg for them to get slashed the hell up. And the way this film builds up to the climax is excellent as well, as, not unlike Frankenstein's monster, Freddy's own personal war machine is unwilling to stop - and like Dr. Frankenstein, Freddy's creation is also the cause of his own undoing...
I had a lot of fun with this film. A lot of people didn't, and that's just fine, but I give this...
*** 1/2 / ****
