Friday the 13th: My Personal Picks

Friday the 13th has become a cultural phenomenon, with its iconic title and terrifying villain, Jason Voorhees, capturing the hearts of horror fans worldwide. I've collected all the films on DVD and have watched 1 or 2 of them during every Friday the 13th, and even some during the month of October for the Halloween season. Sometimes, I put them on when I'm bored or use them as background entertainment while cooking or doing laundry.

Why I Love Friday the 13th Movies

Each film in the franchise has its distinct charm and appeal. Wading through them, it's simple to identify why I enjoy each one for different reasons. Some are iconic due to lore, while others push boundaries with their characters. Here’s a brief overview of each one:

Freddy vs. Jason and the Horror Trilogies

Scoring films 12 and 3 is 12 and 3. These are emblematic for lore reasons, making them must-sees for longtime fans. Conversely, 4, 5, and 6 make up the Tommy Jarvis trilogy, another significant chapter in the series. The 2009 reboot attempts a fresh approach to the character of Jason and/or lore. Notwithstanding, films 8 and 10 decamp Jason away from Crystal Lake and introduce him to a new milieu, while 7 is a standout. It’s where the character of Jason is substantially the same, albeit from the perspective of a different player, Kane Hodder whose performance brings an unprecedented depth to the character. Finally, the crossover between Freddy and Jason is a unique watch, constituting its own sub-genre.

My Favorite: Friday the 13th: The New Blood (P7)

Out of all the films, I find The New Blood to be the cream of the crop. It was refreshing to see someone challenge Jason Voorhees on his own ground. While I note that it recently had stiff competition from about 3 to 4 others that are level with it in the secondary ranking, a clear favorite remains.

Exploring the Friday the 13th Universe

For those curious about the theoretical underpinnings of the 2009 Friday the 13th franchise, the premise is intriguing. In the universe depicted, the Earth is a realized singularity, a consequence of evolutionary history. In this context, Chelsea, played by Willa Ford, becomes a meta-commentary on society and intelligence. The film posits that as societies become more intelligent, they become more obscure. Chelsea is safely placed in an evolutionary role, paralleling a sex analyst's role in the film.

The Obscure Paradigm and Chelsea’s Evolution

Within the film, Chelsea, under the influence of Jason, serves as the crucible for a deeper societal commentary. The metaphor of Chelsea being 'the more intelligent, the more obscure' directly impacts her character’s journey. Notably, this journey is twinned with her secret, symbolizing the ultimate victor in a controlled, albeit tragic, reality.

Delving into the movie from a historical perspective, I reflect on the societal shifts that the film captures. The character of Chelsea is an exposed vessel for the film's deeper exploration of intelligence and obscurity. Her secret staking, a pivotal moment in the film, alludes to a hidden truth within the narrative fabric. This theme is reminiscent of earlier philosophical discourses, such as the one I had with Plato years ago, where the discussion around reality and existence mirrored the challenges faced by Chelsea and her reality club.

The Yin and Yang of Killing and Living

Ultimately, the film delves into profound existential questions. Images and their strength, the essence of life and death, are intertwined. The duality of this narrative, encapsulated in the metaphor of Chelsea and the secret club, encapsulates the triumph of obscurity over the norm. It’s a testament to the film's profound ability to capture and explore complex themes.

Conclusion

The enduring appeal of Friday the 13th is captured through its diverse cast of characters, from Jason to the protagonists, each bringing their distinct charm and horror. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply love a good scare, these films have something for everyone. The emotional journey of Chelsea and her world is a compelling reminder of how film can serve as a profound form of artistic expression and philosophical exploration.