(the following text refers to the theatrical release)

Freddy vs. Jason

(Ronny Yu; 2003)

(New Line Cinema)

Two of America’s favorite horror icons are pitted against one another in this long awaited sequel that took way too long to come to fruition. The plot is thus: Freddy is in Hell or some sort of limbo because the residents of Elm Street have managed to make everybody forget about his previous legacy. So naturally, he needs people to fear him again so he can continue his reign of terror. Enter: Jason. Freddy manages to find Jason’s essence or what have you in this limbo Hell thingy (hope I’m not being too technical :-P) and manipulates him into thinking that the young fornicating teens of the new Elm Street need to be punished. Thus Jason is resurrected again, walks to Elm Street and starts butchering younguns. Soon Freddy discovers that Jason is too good at his job and is robbing him (Freddy) of his much needed victims. Suitably ticked, Freddy decides that he needs to be rid of his newfound undead nuisance behemoth once and for all. Mayhem ensues.

I have to admit I did not want to like this film. It’s been over hyped for way too long now and some of the casting decisions seemed questionable to me. Alas, I really enjoyed the film. First off (and surprisingly so) it’s chock full of unnecessary nudity and bloodshed. I mean, I had a feeling that it was going to be good when about 5 minutes into the film some hottie strips totally naked, and was then suitably butchered. Things were looking up, indeed. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of blending the two “worlds” together, although it did seem more on the Nightmare on Elm Street vibe more than the Friday the 13^th. So be it. Decent back stories on both icons have been provided for the casual viewer, and they didn’t drag on too long to bore the long time fans. Robert Englund is true to form reprising his role of Freddy Krueger. Over the top and well done. I was disappointed that Kane Hodder wasn’t going to be cast as Jason, but I have to admit that Ken Kirzinger did a fine job. The film has a bit of bad CGI but it more than makes up for it with some decent prosthetic effects and the two are blended nicely together. Freddy vs. Jason is more like watching a live action horror comic than a “serious” horror film, and that’s the way it should be. I was also pleased to see that the stupid humor was kept to a minimum and didn’t detract from the film one bit (apart from Kelly Rowland’s one stupid rant). Sorry, Bruce Campbell cronies… no retarded slapstick here (well maybe a little). I had to dock the film a half point due to the fact that Kelly Rowland was in it. Unforgivable. She’s annoying and unnecessary. Monica Keena did a fine job as Lori but I have to say that her ample busom was just begging to be let free of that restrictive shirt. I wanted to set them free. Go free, beautiful breasts, go free! But I digress. Freddy vs. Jason will appeal to the casual viewer and horror aficionados alike. Just go into it expecting what it is, and you’ll be fine. Oh and if you’re wondering who wins…. the answer is Michael Myers. ;-P

Overall Score: 8

(Rating scale is out of 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best)