FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2

By Raymond Knowby

 

Not too shabby by sequel standards. While it copies the layout of the original to a note, first time director Steve Miner (WARLOCK, HOUSE, and later H20) squeezes out some cool moments and knocks a particularly eerie confrontational ending sequence between heroine and killer.

Five years after Alice (Adrienne King) survived the nightmare at Camp “Blood”, all that remains of the Crystal Lake legend are the drowned memories of little Jason Voorhees. As a new camp facility begins to open nearby, a slew of nubile counselors head for the hills to become primary targets for yet another evil presence hiding in the woods. The murders start again and decimate half of the staff, until Ginny (Amy Steel) discovers the threat and tries to stop the man behind the mutilation.

Apart from a few wooden performances and the already wearing novelty, FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2 is worth a shot. Carl Fullerton, effects man later noted for THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, conjures up some nice work that is on par with Savini’s in the first film, although most of his creations are shown for far less screen time since the R-rated American release of its predecessor took such heat for its graphic depictions. Regrettably, it appears the deleted footage has been permanently destroyed, so an uncut version continues to elude fans.

Jason picks up the family tradition in FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2.