There were key movies in my life that helped to make me who I am today. Movies that I have loved from the moment the opening credit rolled and still love now. This blog series is about those, My guilty pleasures, my favorites, my escapes. Some were very popular, others not so much. Some of these will have some real life take-aways, others are just for fun.
After writing the reviews for the Freddy Kruger franchise I came to one final film that pit our finger bladed bastard with a certain Crystal Lake killer. Knowing that in order to do this final film justice I would have to review all of the Friday the 13th films, I dove in head first into Crystal Lake only to discover some truly…unique…films. However, it was only a matter of time before the two teen terrors faced off and so here is the iconic Freddy Vs Jason, or as PM5K says This is what it’s like when worlds collide….
Today’s Key Movie:
Trapped in Hell, Freddy revives Jason in order to use the Camp Crazy Man to give Freddy the energy he needs to return to his favorite past time, killing via dreams. Soon, however, Freddy discovers that Jason is killing too many kids preventing Freddy’s return and turns on the resurrected Jason. Thus begins the battle to end all battles, the fight we have waited a lifetime for, Freddy Vs Jason.
Why this movie?
Why not right? I mean, this film is the culmination of decades of fan demand. From the moment both Freddy and Jason hit the mainstream every one of us talked about who we thought would win if they were ever pitted against one another. Much like the classic fights between Pirates and Ninjas or even Alien and Predator this was a fight every fan wanted but, After both the Freddy and Jason franchise seemingly petered out the idea that we would ever get this iconic battle would seemingly died with it. However, at the end of Jason Goes To Hell we were treated with a teaser that, now that New Line owned both franchise, the dream all horror fans had would finally come to fruition.
Somehow I managed to miss this films theatrical release but I know I rented it the moment it was available on home video. Although I was understandably trepidatious about the film, seeing how the final films of the franchises faired, I have to admit that there was a part of me that was very excited that this was happening. To see these two horror heavyweights finally battle it out was nothing short of exciting. Whenever I finally watched this film I was happy to see that they actually did both of the franchises justice and it was a blast.
You like it, but is it really a ‘good’ movie?
The film itself is an insane journey as only Freddy and Jason could pull off, Blending elements of both franchises in a pretty impressive way. This is neither just a Freddy film or a Jason film but a fun mix of the two fully embracing the events in the past films (with the exception of Jason X because that hasn’t happened yet), while allowing itself to be something new.
Plot wise, I was really impressed with how they managed to get these two psychotic slashers together. To have Freddy manipulate Jason into visiting Elm Street is a simple genius that just works in so many ways. The people of Springwood have seen this kind of thing before and, as Freddy had hoped, the kids of the city begin believing in him again allowing him to come back. The thing is, both Springwood and Freddy himself completely underestimate Jason’s determination to keep killing no matter what. This of course prevents Freddy from coming back as, if there is no one left to dream then how can Freddy himself kill? So, thus the battle begins.
What follows is a really cool tug-o-war between Freddy and Jason allowing the movie to walk the razors edge between the two franchises while finding some balance between the two even bringing us to both Springwood and Camp Crystal Lake giving each of the contenders their own home turf to fight in. While the setup is great, the actual battle between the two embraces the joy of the Dream Trilogy combined with the quality of Friday the 13th Part VI Jason Lives. This allows for some pretty iconic death sequences that each franchise is known for utilizing both practical and CGI effects in only the most perfect way. Freddy and Jason get some really good moments throughout opening the door for the potential of an all new franchise of Vs films but, sadly, that was never to be. Although the rumored sequel was to include Pinhead, the film never emerged leaving us with this one, absolutely fun final Friday Night Nightmare.
One interesting point this movie makes is just how much the two killers are different yet similar. In fact, it is pointed out that they both died, and thus have fears of, very opposite elements, Fire and Water. Freddy was burned to death and Jason drowned making these two icons the perfect opposing factions. In fact, throughout the film these elements are referenced by the color tones used by the director at various points with Freddy bathed in red light and Jason in blue. This cool element provides subtle references to these weaknesses and origins without ever overdoing it. It’s pretty incredible for a film like this to have such clever visuals.
Bottom line, This is nothing but pure slasher fun. It’s horror fan service done right and one that I hope, one day, they can revisit with a true sequel bringing the icons of horror together to wreck havoc on the world and it’s dreams. Maybe Pinhead, Chucky or even Michael Myers can pay a visit one day. Until then, well at least we have this fun comic that was somewhat of a sequel.
OK, where do I get this movie?
This is one you can get in a nifty three movie boxed set or just on it’s own as well. Honestly, either way is worth it as this is a really solid and fun film that just works. It’s a real blast to watch and totally worth your time.
Thus ends the Freddy and Jason franchise reviews, while there are technically two more films (one for each), those are remakes and not part of the ‘original’ franchise, so we won’t be including them for now. Maybe further down the road we will watch discuss them but really…
Until then, here is the trailer for this iconic and fun film.
Late To The Game 3/25/2021
If you would like to read more reviews please check out the rest of the Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Thursday.
For more retro TV goodness check out the rest of the Retro TV Reviews here. and, If you dig Music, I have a semi regular series called Stand Out Albums that covers some of my favorite records I have come across in life.
As always, please feel free to comment below and share your experiences with these episodes as well. If you just happened by, tell me what you think! Don’t Forget To Follow me if you like the blog!
Late to the Game Blog 