Spoiler-Free Synopsis
A group of camp councilors die at the hands of an unseen killer.
Spoiler-free Review
This starts one of the most influential Horror films of the Modern Age, if not of all time. Judging by this film alone, it’s hard to see why. Paper thin characters, a whole lot of bland “character” moments, and the questionable (albeit occasionally effective) decision to keep the killer hidden from the audience all work against it. Had there been a little more flair to the direction or the writing, this might have almost been good. Instead, it’s just a mediocre Slasher flick (1 point), one of entirely too many.
Still, I can’t say I disliked watching the movie. It will never be one that I seek out again, but if there’s nothing else on, I might watch it again. Or study the walls instead. Whichever, whatever. (1 point)
Overall Score: 2 total points out of a possible 4
Opening Thoughts
Before we start, let me tell a couple of things. First off, I’m not a fan of Slasher movies. At all. Don’t get me wrong, I watch them. But whenever I go into them, I go in expecting the worst. Meaning I’m putting money on not being entertained. When I am, I tend to be most pleased.
Second of, of the Slasher flick series, Friday the 13th happens to be my least favorite. This particular film, the very first in a long, long series, is atypical for reasons that will become apparent as we go on. That I liked it as much as I did comes as no little surprise to me.
And yeah, I remember that I gave it a mediocre rank above. That’s my point.
Finally, let me make the following declaration: Final Girl. If you have no idea what that means, you might find the following essay helpful in finding out where I’m coming from here. Or not. Depends really.
In any case, let’s take a little ride in the Wayback machine to the last campground anyone with any sense would ever want to go to… Or perhaps just turn the page. Safer that way, really. After all, anyone who goes to Camp Crystal Lake is of course doomed…
