Friday the 13th ReviewThe Original Friday the 13th from 1980 |
Movies Guide main page |
|
All legends have to have a beginning. In the case of the Friday the 13th franchise, this is it. The film begins in 1958 at Camp Crystal Lake, and we’re treated in short order to the murders of two horny (are there any other kind?) counselors at the hands of a mysterious figure. As we later learn, the camp is then plagued by a rash of fires and closes for the next 20 years. We pick up in the present day (which would have placed it somewhere around 1980) when a fresh-faced teen named Annie wanders into town. Seems that Camp Crystal Lake (or “Camp Blood” as the locals have dubbed it) is about to re-open, and Annie is supposed to be the cook. Through her interaction with the locals, we learn about the bad reputation of the summer camp and get the distinct idea that this isn’t going to end well.
As the counselors arrive at the camp, we’re treated to some brief characterization. I say brief, because as soon as the sun goes down, teenagers start dropping like flies. And just like in 1958, the audience is left guessing as to the identity of the killer. The heroine of the film is named Alice Hardy (Adrienne King), and she manages to survive long enough to force a confrontation with the person responsible. As the two complete their final showdown, the film still has one nasty surprise in store for the audience. It’s really interesting to see how different Friday the 13th is from all the sequels that followed. First off, I hope I’m not giving anything away by revealing that Jason Voorhees is not the killer (he starts his career in Friday the 13th Part 2). Secondly, the pace of the film is much slower. While Jason dispatched people left and right in later films, there’s more of an emphasis on suspense in this one. The film makes good use of the first-person point-of-view made popular in Halloween. As the counselors go about their business, we watch them through the eyes of the killer. This not only serves to heighten the tension, but it also seems to make the audience accessories to the crimes (something which didn’t sit well with many when the film was released). The music in the film is a real standout, and composer Harry Manfredini works wonders with a chorus of frenetic violins. Add the series’ trademark “ki ki ki ma ma ma” to the mix and you’ve got yourself a creepy score that greatly enhances the mood. The fact that it’s still instantly recognizable today is proof enough of Manfredini’s talent. Effects legend Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow) is in charge of the gore, and he does a fine job with slit throats, arrow punctures, and decapitations. While solid, the effects are somewhat limited because of the budget and far less grotesque than what modern audiences have become accustomed to. Director Sean S. Cunningham doesn’t embarrass himself, but at the same time there aren’t any real sophisticated shots or angles to speak of. This is nothing more than solid low-budget filmmaking. And, yes, that’s Kevin Bacon you see running around as a counselor named Jack Burrell. Bacon shows flashes of charisma, and the rest of the cast are also fine considering the script doesn’t demand them to do much else besides look good and then perish. Walt Gorney as Crazy Ralph really hams it up, but his over-the-top performance can be forgiven considering the genre (and the fact that Ralph is loony). Hey, at least they make an honest attempt at characterization, which is more than can be said for many films of a similar budget. ***Warning - Spoilers Ahead - Read At Your Own Peril*** I assume most of you reading this already know the identity of the killer. If not, I’m about to tell you, so be forewarned. The mysterious figure behind the deaths is none other than Mrs. Voorhees (Betsy Palmer), the camp’s former cook and mother of a young boy named Jason who drowned at the camp in 1957. Seems the counselors were playing “hide the salami” instead of watching her kid, and she’s made it her mission to punish all those she views as responsible. Unfortunately, her definition of “responsible” is a little skewed and still in effect over 20 years later. The veteran thespian of the group, Palmer tends to overact at times, and some of this may be due in large part to her reported contempt for the material. Still, it is a horror film, and she does do a nice job of shifting from motherly concern to murderous rage. The chick fight showdown is a bit on the silly side, as neither woman looks like they could fight their way out of a paper bag. After seeing her flail around like a drunk, it’s hard to believe that Mrs. Voorhees could have actually killed all those people. Oh well, I guess there’s something to be said for the element of surprise. The film does have one of the greatest endings in the history of the genre, as the peaceful music swells and leaves viewers totally unprepared for the final shock to come. Not only will it make less hardy members of the audience shriek in terror, but it also perfectly sets up ‘ol Jason’s reign of terror. While it suffers from a low budget, Friday the 13th is a suspenseful slasher classic with more than enough carnage to keep viewers happy. Still watchable over 25 years later, its influence on horror films can’t be denied. If you’re a fan of this type of film, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Grade: B- If you like this movie, you might also enjoy:
Other horror movie reviews you might enjoy include: |
Movie News
|
To really hammer home the point, Annie runs into Crazy Ralph,
a man who was destined to be the town kook. As cook and kook converse, we’re
informed that the camp has a “death curse.” Annie, of course, persists in
heading off to her doom.
Friday the 13th DVD Movie Review |
This website and its contents are copyright 2006, no unauthorized duplication allowed.