FRIDAY THE 13TH PART II (1981)

KEEP WATCHING THE SCREENS
~By Vox Vocephus

Friday the 13th Part II is undoubtedly the most unintentionally hilarious film in the Friday the 13th thrillogy, which places it high in the running for most unintentionally hilarious horror film of all time. Having come back to life and emerged from Crystal Lake, Jason Voorhees stalks the patrons of a likewise named camp in a bumbling effort to avenge his mother's death. Having yet to don his trademark hockey mask and Sears coveralls, we find Jason clad in Osh-Kosh-B-Gosh overalls and a pillow case over his head. Not quite the epitome of fright, Jason fumbles around defeated by such tactics as a kick to the groin, or a fall from a broken chair.

Our favorite teen heroes are Wheel Chair Guy and Token Wacky Guy, each of whom meet an appropriate end. While Wheel Chair Guy is further disabled by a blade through the skull, Wacky Guy gets away scott-free, apparently forgotten by the writers when last we see him knocking back some drinks at a local bar. He is never seen nor accounted for again.

The rest are your typical hot 80's teen fare, decked out in short-shorts and other tight-fitting gear not particularly suited for camping. As usual, they are hunted down one by one, until the inevitable final showdown with the last girl standing. She manages to lure Jason to his hideout, where he is defeated by a game of make-believe. Posing as Jason's mother proves to be a sufficient distraction to deliver the blow that, well, doesn't kill but effectively rescues our heroine while setting up for yet another sequel.

The Scale Of Pain

The movie sort of goes about it's business, apparently oblivious that anyone might be watching it. Thought not a direct assault on the senses, it is by no means worth keeping the full five rental days.

Rippability

Friday the 13th Part II practically plays out like a video version of Mad Libs, making for easy (but not cheap) rips and a good time for all.

Nudity

Some decent skinny dipping sequences will keep you around, followed up by some nice underwear shots. The movie clearly knows who it's audience is.

Redeeming Qualities - The sight of a grown man in overalls and a pillow case mask is enough to keep you chuckling throughout the whole movie. Wheel Chair Guy rolling down a flight of stairs with a machete stuck in his head will bring joy to your heart. And cheers to Wacky Guy for making it out alive, though seemingly by a editing accident.