SLASHER REWIND: “FREDDY VS JASON” (2003)
“It’s been nearly ten years since Freddy Krueger terrorised people in the dreams, and the towns folk want to keep him erased from their memory. Freddy still has one more plan on getting back to Elm Street. He resurrects Jason Voorhees and sends him off to kill. The more bodies which fall to the ground, the stronger in which Freddy becomes. This is until, Freddy realises that Jason isn’t going to step aside easily, and must be taken down himself.”
What sounds like a crazy idea may have not been so bad after all, as many horror lovers became unhinged at the thought of two of the biggest icons in horror clashing in a battle of the ages. With Bride of Chucky director Ronny Yu at the reins, I could not have been more surprised; Yu brought both slasher icons together in one film without making it way too idiotic, which is saying something.
Even though I am a huge fan of both characters, I couldn’t help but root for Freddy from the get go. Mr. Krueger is pretty bad ass and his one-liners are as hilarious as ever in the mouth of Robert Englund. As for Jason, he is better than he has ever been with gory and violent kills from start to finish, although I found myself wishing Kane Hodder could have been involved… you know, continuity.
Another thing this movie has going for it, is colour and atmosphere. There is a grim and magical feel in the sets and lighting used and both Elm street and Camp Crystal Lake have never looked or felt so sinister. I wish they would have expanded on the story of Westin Hills Hospital too. I don’t have many issues with the movie overall, but truth be told I would have nixed a few of the stupider moments, such as Freddy using martial arts kicks.
The film’s box office success was just as big and bold as the movie itself and undoubtedly helped to re-introduce audiences to the power of the horror icon, reigniting an interest from studios to funnel funds into sequels and remakes of other franchises. Love it or hate it, FREDDY VS JASON stands as a horror fan’s wet dream movie and a Freddy Vs Jason Vs Ash sequel would have been a great follow up. It remains one of the best throwbacks to 80s slashers, and will unquestionably be remembered for re-invigorating the genre in the early 2000s.
Originally posted to Rue Morgue
https://rue-morgue.com/slasher-rewind-freddy-vs-jason-2003/