Friday The 13th is a 2009 American horror film, based on the original Friday The 13th series. The film is not simply a re-make of the original Friday the 13th, but can be described as a "re imagining' of the first four.

I purchased this film not because I am a fan of the original Friday 13th film series (I've seen the first one a while ago), but because I enjoy watching horror films.

PLOT

The story is based around a crazy man called Jason, who basically kills anyone who enters his surroundings, Camp Crystal lake. The reason behind the killing, is due to the fact that he witnessed his mother being beheaded, by a young woman trying to escape her murderous rage.

MODERNISATION

Similarly to other re-makes, or re-imaginings, of films, Friday The 13th has the modern, young America feel to it. For instance, the The Texas Chainsaw Massacre re-make. By American feel, I mean a young group of males and females, with not a care in the world, perhaps driving around in a camper van, drinking beer, smoking weed e.t.c. This fun, modern feel to the film, does help to enhance the horror. For example, one minute we are watching a group of young adults playing drinking games, the next we are witnessing a brutal murder!

There are also quite a few sex scenes, which act similarly to as in films such as Scream, where a couple having sex seem to be the next to be subject to a killing. However, these scenes again are very American-ised, displaying cheesy lines, and many topless women.

GORE

The gore in Friday The 13th is very graphic, and quite realistic too. From what I remember from the original film, the deaths were fairly straight forward. However, very are much more imaginative in this film, which makes it all the more gruesome!

PREDICTABLE

Despite Friday The 13th being fairly intriguing to watch, at the same time, it was quite predictable. For example, when a character wonders off into the darkness, away from the rest of the group, it is quite obvious that they are going to be killed. Similarly, when a character is aware than Jason is nearby, and the are slowly searching around the room for him, we know that it a 99% chance that he will suddenly appear behind them.

In summary, it's a very "old school" type of horror film, where the plot consists of nothing more than a bunch of characters aware that there is a killer, and trying to escape from them. Something that made other film series such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Halloween popular.

I think in new modern films, we expect a bit more than this, as the 'hide and seek' theme of horror films has been covered quite well. Although, it can be forgiven in this film, seeing as is Friday The 13th, not a brand new idea.

CONCLUSION

Overall, it is a good film to watch whilst gathered round with friends, looking for a good old-fashioned scare. If you know anything about the original Friday The 13th series of films, you will probably know what to expect.

The fun, young, American characters do bring enjoyment to the film, making it into more of a comedy/horror film, such as the film I previously mentioned, Scream.

3/5