It’s my considered opinion that a lot of classic horror movies simply do not stand the test of time. “Friday the 13th: Part 2” (1981) wasn’t great, but it was okay. I’d give it a 6 out of 10.
A psychopath kills teens one by one in a remote setting. Don’t most modern videogames have more of a story than that? Sure, there’s an effective urban legend-style motive – he witnessed his mother’s beheading in the original film, and has since lived ferally in the woods. But does that make sense? If Jason was alive, why did his mother seek revenge for his drowning? Was she unaware he was there?
Still, this movie deserves some credit. It makes an honest effort to build distinct characters and tension. It doesn’t exactly work. These people don’t act like any teenagers I’ve ever known, even if I was a nerd in high school.
There are a few nice “jump moments,” especially when one character sits up in bed. But the director used way too many close-ups and slow-mo.
I’m left with a couple of questions. In the later movies, Jason is basically an undead Superman. He can’t even be hurt. He’s a zombie kryptonian. Here, he appears quite human. Did they make changes to the character in the later films?
Also, the goofy redheaded guy stays out drinking all night and never returns to the camp, sparing him from the carnage. Why? What purpose did this character serve in the story? Did the screenwriter just forget about him? Or is this a moral? If you party all night, will you live longer?
All in all, this was strictly an average film.
Eric Robert Nolan, Author 