Spring Break
Jason returns to the big screen with a vengeance
Ross Leonard
Issue date: 2/20/09 Section: Diversions
Friday the 13th
Three stars
Runtime: 97 minutes
Starring: Derek Mears, Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker, Willa Ford
Plot: Jason Vorhees (Derek Mears) is back and in his usual form: slaying and demoralizing young teens as they play beer pong, text and skinny dip.
I saw the new "Friday the 13th" last weekend, and it didn't disappoint.
That is, it did not fall short of my expectations. It is filled with cheesy acting, lots of blood and senseless nudity. The teens in this rendition take their sex drives to a whole different level, and sometimes the footage is borderline pornographic.
The story is pretty true to 1981's "Friday the 13th: Part 2," which was not the original. It does throw in a bit of the story from the original in the opening credits, and if you haven't seen that one Jason isn't even the killer and barely makes an appearance - sorry to spoil it! The makers incorporate the hockey mask in this remake, whereas there is no mask in "Part 2." The sequels throughout the franchise are basically the same story in a different place with different characters, so it's not too challenging to stay with that.
The newest installment does show some compassion in Jason Vorhees (Derek Mears), which isn't really his style, but I guess it's necessary to drive the story. What bothers me most about this adaptation is how the filmmakers (including producer Michael Bay) attempt to show how teenagers behave today by tossing in some beer pong and other drinking game scenes in a cheap attempt to appeal to the audience. Marijuana also finds itself as a focal point of the story. It felt like the writers presented a shallow depiction of teens today. Maybe it's true, but it irritates me nonetheless.
The action in the movie is consistent with the original's, and the gore is not overly-explicit - an illustration that subtlety is key. I was really pleased in the way action is handled, especially the opening sequence prior to the title being shown. I thought it was a strong statement to set the tone of the movie right from the start, which is important in capturing the audience's attention.
It is a fun movie that adds some unique flair with some good spots of humor drawing a chuckle from the moviegoers. I probably wouldn't suggest a theater viewing, but it is definitely a rental and worth watching. If you're looking for a scare, this may not be the movie you're looking for, but it is entertaining overall with a good blend of action, comedy and the shock factor.
Ross Leonard
diversions@dailybarometer.com
Three stars
Runtime: 97 minutes
Starring: Derek Mears, Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker, Willa Ford
Plot: Jason Vorhees (Derek Mears) is back and in his usual form: slaying and demoralizing young teens as they play beer pong, text and skinny dip.
I saw the new "Friday the 13th" last weekend, and it didn't disappoint.
That is, it did not fall short of my expectations. It is filled with cheesy acting, lots of blood and senseless nudity. The teens in this rendition take their sex drives to a whole different level, and sometimes the footage is borderline pornographic.
The story is pretty true to 1981's "Friday the 13th: Part 2," which was not the original. It does throw in a bit of the story from the original in the opening credits, and if you haven't seen that one Jason isn't even the killer and barely makes an appearance - sorry to spoil it! The makers incorporate the hockey mask in this remake, whereas there is no mask in "Part 2." The sequels throughout the franchise are basically the same story in a different place with different characters, so it's not too challenging to stay with that.
The newest installment does show some compassion in Jason Vorhees (Derek Mears), which isn't really his style, but I guess it's necessary to drive the story. What bothers me most about this adaptation is how the filmmakers (including producer Michael Bay) attempt to show how teenagers behave today by tossing in some beer pong and other drinking game scenes in a cheap attempt to appeal to the audience. Marijuana also finds itself as a focal point of the story. It felt like the writers presented a shallow depiction of teens today. Maybe it's true, but it irritates me nonetheless.
The action in the movie is consistent with the original's, and the gore is not overly-explicit - an illustration that subtlety is key. I was really pleased in the way action is handled, especially the opening sequence prior to the title being shown. I thought it was a strong statement to set the tone of the movie right from the start, which is important in capturing the audience's attention.
It is a fun movie that adds some unique flair with some good spots of humor drawing a chuckle from the moviegoers. I probably wouldn't suggest a theater viewing, but it is definitely a rental and worth watching. If you're looking for a scare, this may not be the movie you're looking for, but it is entertaining overall with a good blend of action, comedy and the shock factor.
Ross Leonard
diversions@dailybarometer.com
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