I think the only people who hold grudges more than Jason are the religious and it’s a known fact that Jason is one angry bitter man whose mom is taken down at the first five minutes of the 2009 reboot called simply: “Friday the 13th.” A combination of the first, second and third films in the series, “Friday the 13th” seek to completely redo Jason and start over with a clean slate. This is a great idea especially after desperation from studios forced the masked killer in to deep space and the future of mankind. This is a stripped down reboot that director Marcus Nispel handles with care, because it’s a task liable to be screwed up once he and the writers decide on fitting an origin, a motivation, and the discovery of the hockey mask in only ninety minutes. But he rises to the occasion and actively keeps the story moving with a body count of almost ten people and an admittedly uneven pace. Despite the caveat and probably because of it, Nispel’s treatment of Voorhes makes for the first enjoyable experience at the movies in a long while.
The love for the man behind the mask is still there since the audience I sat with cheered the killer on and prayed for the deaths of a bunch of teens who just decide to be at the wrong setting at the wrong time as the man seeks out locals and intruding youths and ensures a vicious blood soaked death that he revels in unleashing at every turn. This is the most monstrous I’ve seen the character since “Jason Lives” and Derek Mears does justice to the legacy of past Jason actors with a swagger that makes the character more of a reaper and hander of fates than a simple slasher. When he gets angry he has tantrums that befit his prevalent childlike manner of existence and puffs his chest when in pursuit. Nispel and the writers don’t make Jason so much a show boater who hangs bodies as they leave it all behind for the man who is not quite the undead killer we know him as. I was angry when Platinum Dunes announced the reboot and in spite of my rantings and ravings, I was going to see the movie regardless because it’s just what fan boys do.
That and I’ve been one of the biggest fans of the series since being introduced to the man well in to my childhood. Jason is back and better than ever and he’s teamed with a crew who show the man some respect and pit him against his share of clever teens and the occasional moron who crosses paths with him. If you’re a slasher nut like me, then I could safely suggest Nispel’s reboot with the plea that you take it with an open mind. I did, and I was gladly left with a smile on my face shortly after the man is given his watery hell. If this series warranted reviving the most they could have done is supply us with a series if characters who are at least sympathetic and deep. Sadly we’re left with the unevolved set of characters all of whom happen to be brain dead morons with only star Jared Padelecki able to sense what Jason is doing and why, and he comes out squeaky clean save for everyone else who are set in pigeon holes rather than vying for new looks are horror heroes and the resistance they can put up against a masked killer.
We’re given two tokens this time and the same old people we’ve seen since ‘81 with whores, final girls, and the resident rich douche bag. The writers try to get us involved but by the time the last girl was left for the fryer I found myself wishing for more story and focus on this group. Even after being introduced to two groups of characters, there’s nothing gained since Jason is there to waste no time. The bigger issue is that we’re also never given a bone as to why and how Jason was able to remain a deep secret especially since he manages to contradict the mythos set here by seeking out everyone to kill them instead of just offing intruders of Crystal Lake. It’s a plot hole that becomes apparent as the flick moves along at an often uneven pacing that makes it hard to enjoy the narrative at times. It’s not the best of the series but it entertained me by giving me the Jason I know and love; For once Platinum Dunes doesn’t fuck up a good opportunity and what with the cast of basic unknowns Jason gets to doing what he does best: sticking it where it hurts and taking names. I want more.