Friday the 13th part 2

Starring: Amy Steel, John Furey, Walt Gorney, Warrington Gillette
Written by: Ron Kurz

Director: Steve Miner
Year: 1981

Rating: * * 1/2    Stars       +       (Fan Bonus *   )  Total: * * * 1/2

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the woods.

This follow-up to the successful Friday the 13th film picks up where the other left off. Mrs. Vorhees is dead, but the killings continue.

The movie opens in a quiet, unassuming neighborhood. We are lead into a house occupied by Alice (Adrienne King), the survivor from the original Friday the 13th. After a brief conversation with her Mother over the phone, we infer from that conversation that some time has passed, and that Alice is getting therapy for her nightmares, caused by the events of Crystal Lake. When she opens the refrigerator, surprise! The decapitated head of Mrs. Vorhees rests on the shelf, decomposing. Alice gasps in fear and then...someone from behind her kills her. Thus, Jason begins his murder spree.

We return to the lake. Now, a different set of people are looking to open up a summer camp. This isn't Camp Crystal Lake, as that area is now regarded as a death trap. No, this camp is looking to open several miles away, but well within Jason's domain.

The plot is very similar to the first. The only thing different is we know who the killer is, we just don't see him. Jason's history and motivation are clearly defined. He did not drown, but has survived on his own for over 30 years. He happened to witness Alice behead his Mother, and this drove him into a psychopathic rage for which there is no turning back.

The killing scenes get a little more elaborate this time around. This time, we get a little more insight into Jason. Ginny Field (Amy Steel) stumbles upon Jason's cabin. A simple structure where he's built a shrine to his Mother, including a table with her sweater, and her head as a centerpiece. Ginny uses the sweater to act as Jason's Mother, defending herself from him with a more psychological edge than simply fight or flight. 

Of all the serial killer franchises, Jason is a character of constant evolution. Even if the plots and settings are the same, Jason changes. At this point, he is new at this. He doesn't have superhuman strength, nor is he a zombie. He is simply a wild man. He even hides under a potato sack hood, as his trademark hockey mask doesn't show up till the next film. 

A decent follow-up in which the formula hasn't been played out yet. 

SEE THE TRAILER: Friday the 13th, part 2