Friday the 13th

Starring: Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Kevin Bacon
Written by: Victor Miller

Director: Sean S. Cunningham
Year: 1980

Rating: * * *    Stars       +       (Fan Bonus *   )  Total: * * * *

A group of camp councilors look to re-open an old camp ground where a young boy had drowned years ago. But someone doesn't want the camp to open, and is killing them off.

Hard to imagine, but there was a time when there was no internet, no cell phones, no i-pods. People actually went outdoors, and camping, fishing, hiking and paddle boating were considered fun activities. Traditionally, scary stories were told around the campfires about slashers and psychos, who happen to be "locals", who go about their grizzly business and never been apprehended. Friday the 13th takes this concept and creates an entire film based on such a fire-lit urban myth. 

The story springboards off the idea that years ago, a young boy drowned in the waters at Camp Crystal Lake. The camp quickly closed down there after. The young boy's body, Jason, was never recovered, and some claim that a wild-man roams the woods, possibly Jason himself. Now, a group of young men and women have purchased the grounds and are looking to restore the camp grounds and re-open them to the public. But someone is stalking them, killing them off one by one. Alice (Adrienne King) is the last survivor and uncovers the truth, that the killer is none other than Jason's Mother, Mrs. Pamela Vorhees (Betsy Palmer). In a final confrontation, Alice kills Mrs. Vorhees by beheading her at the shores of the lake. She awakens in the hospital with the police there, informing her she's ok, and will take her statement whenever she's ready. She recalls an experience that she's unsure if it happened, or if it was a dream, but she clearly remembers that after killing Jason's mother, that Jason himself appeared and dragged her under the water. She believes Jason is alive, and still roaming the woods around Crystal Lake.

This simple, yet compelling story works on so many levels. One of the first in the "slasher' film genre, this movie is a complete story in and of itself, yet also works as complete exposition for future films in the series when the iconic Jason Vorhees picks up where his mother left off. His history, motivation, and domain are clearly established here. It also has the unique distinction of having a woman playing the role of serial killer, a role universally regarded for men. Although low budget, special effects and make-up grand master Tom Savini proves his worth with great effects and innovative techniques making each murder scene original and never before seen on the big screen. Harry Manfredini's musical score becomes the iconic theme of the entire series and instantly as recognizable to horror audiences as John Williams theme to Jaws.

30 years later, Friday the 13th comes off a bit campy, as older teen audiences are at this time more familiar with the works that have spoofed this series before actually seeing this series. Younger kids will get it. They'll hide their eyes and sleep with the lights on, just as we did when we first saw it.

SEE THE TRAILER: Friday the 13th