Friday the 13th (1980)
Okay, so I feel like this is a horror fan sin but, I don't like this movie. I don't necessarily dislike the franchise; I feel like as you get further into the series and the films get campier, they become pretty enjoyable. But as for this first one... it kind of sucks and I honestly don't understand why people like it so much. As far as summer camp slashers go, there's far better out there. This film was one of the early influencers of the slasher genre and was partially responsible for the slasher boom of the '80s.
This movie follows a group of camp counselors at Camp Crystal Lake who are terrorized by a mysterious killer. The camp was previously shut down after a camper drowned, but the new batch of counselors aren't too concerned about rumors of the camp's death curse. The counselors are setting up before the campers arrive and engage in a little teenage fun, basically lots of sex. They are soon being picked off one by one and must fight to survive.
Okay, so there's nothing I can point to as being WRONG with this movie. The acting isn't offensive, the filmmaking is pretty on par for the budget and era, and the story isn't ridiculous or anything. I think my main beef with this movie is that it's basic as hell and just plain dull. Some of that could merely be that newer slashers have spoiled me, but at the same time, I enjoy Halloween, which is just as simple and low budget, so I don't know. The characters aren't exceptionally likable but don't necessarily do anything wrong enough to make me happy when they're offed. I think that may be this movie's biggest downfall... nothing about it elicits emotions. I just don't care one way or another. This movie's biggest asset is its killer. The performance is equal parts creepy and sympathetic, and I think it's brilliant.
Would I recommend watching this film? Yes, because dull or not, it is a classic and had a MASSIVE impact on the genre. One thing I will say is I recommend sticking with the franchise because the later ones are campy and awesome. You just kind of have to plod through some meh movies before you get there. Is this like Dorm that Dripped Blood level terrible? No. Is it Halloween? Also no.
Netflix available: DVD only
Hulu available: No
Xfinity available: Yes, for a fee
Rating: 3/5