by Lou Vailant

Created on: June 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2009

Title: Friday the 13th
Release Date: February 13, 2009
Director: Marcus Nispel
Film Studio: New Line Cinema
MPAA Rating: R for Strong Bloody Violence, Some Graphic Sexual Content, Nudity, Language and Drug Material

Friday the 13th is one of the most infamous horror series of all-time, and on February 13th 2009, HE got revenge. The one key difference between the original Friday and the reboot is that everyone's favorite machete-wielding, hockey mask-wearing slasher, Jason, is the killer. The movie skips the timeframe of the original by starting with the final showdown between Pamela Voorhees and the sole survivor of her June 13th, 1980 massacre. The film picks up in present day 2009, when Jason's rampage comes to fruition.

Friday the 13th is a great addition to the Jason franchise, but there were a few shortfalls that held it from being ideal. For example, the kills, though some were indeed eye opening, were a little stagnant. There could have been some more interesting kills, a couple less throat slits, and so forth. There was even a point in the movie where there was a much better kill scenario, only to be squashed by a very basic one. For spoilers' sake, I will not say what that is, but it is extremely obvious. Small details like these make for frustrating horror movies because by this point it seems to be basic horror knowledge that creativity is man's best friend. Nonetheless, it matters less in a reboot than in a sequel. What truly matters in a reboot is its plot and its potential to setup a solid series. Marcus Nispel's Friday the 13th allows for great potential in a newer, more violent, more action-packed series. Since 1986's Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI, there has been a clear desire to make Jason more powerful, invincible, and aggressive. With this new installment, that is all the more possible. He is quick, strong, and for the first time in Friday history, he runs. Jason is back and badder than ever. The potential for the idyllic Jason Voorhees is there and was brought ever nearer through this movie.

Overall, I thought it was great. Even though it was promoted heavily by the mainstream media, most namely MTV, it was by no means the dumbed down attempt to reach new fans that I feared. Horror fans will certainly be critical, but will likely also be entertained. People who have not seen the original series will be just fine watching this movie. Those who are less Friday inclined will find the opening flashbacks sufficient to understand the necessary

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