The “Friday the 13th” Slasher Franchise: Ranking the Films from the 1980 Original to “A New Beginning”

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning – A Divisive Entry in the Franchise

Introduction

The “Friday the 13th” franchise has become synonymous with the slasher genre in the realm of horror movies. While some entries have garnered critical acclaim and achieved cult status, others have left audiences divided. Among the latter is “Friday the 13th: A New Beginning” (1985), directed by Danny Steinmann, a filmmaker with a controversial history in the world of pornography. This seedy slasher film presents a mix of gore and humor, although its final act leaves much to be desired in terms of coherence.

The Final Girl/Boy and Their Predicament

In “A New Beginning,” the final girl, Pam Roberts, portrayed by Melanie Kinnaman, is a counselor at the Pinehurst Youth Development Center, a rehabilitation facility for juvenile delinquents. Unfortunately, she is portrayed as helpless and lacking agency, relying on sheer luck to survive and frequently stumbling in the mud. Pam’s role as a counselor also leaves much to be desired, as the film clearly depicts the need for more competent guidance for the troubled youths at Pinehurst.

The Most Memorable Kill

One of the standout kill scenes in the film involves Eddie Kelso, played by John Robert Dizon. Unwittingly fondling his girlfriend, Tina McCarthy (Debi Sue Voorhees), who is already dead, Eddie meets a gruesome end. He is pinned to a tree while a leather belt is tightened around his eyes, ultimately resulting in the crushing of his head. While the killer may not be Jason, their unique style infuses this scene with a distinct sense of horror.

Evaluating “A New Beginning” in the Franchise

From a canonical standpoint, “A New Beginning” strays significantly from the essence of the iconic Jason Voorhees character. This deviation raises the question of whether it should be considered a true installment in the franchise. However, in terms of structure and function, the film adheres to the formula of a traditional “Friday the 13th” movie. Similar to the recent “Halloween” reboot directed by David Gordon Green, “A New Beginning” presents a host of eccentric characters that bring an element of fun to what could have been a thrilling whodunit.

Issues that Detract from the Film’s Quality

Despite its adherence to the franchise’s core elements, “A New Beginning” falls short in several areas, which contribute to its low ranking among the Crystal Lake chronicles. The film employs a mean-spirited use of nudity, which not only crosses into exploitative territory but also suggests that some cast members may have had an unpleasant experience during production. Additionally, the film lacks the logical consistency that would have strengthened its narrative. Furthermore, the overall tension is surprisingly lackluster, failing to effectively generate fear or suspense.

Conclusion

“Friday the 13th: A New Beginning” is a divisive entry in the “Friday the 13th” franchise. Though it strays far from the canonical portrayal of Jason Voorhees, it still fulfills the basic requirements of a slasher film. The unique characters and attempts at a whodunit storyline inject some much-needed entertainment value into the movie. However, its mean-spirited approach to nudity, lack of in-universe logic, and weak tension prevent it from rising above its contemporaries. As fans react differently to this particular installment, it remains a point of contention among enthusiasts of the genre.