Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985) - What Happened to This Horror Movie?

Revisiting the Controversial 1985 Horror Classic

Horror fans, prepare yourselves for a deep dive into one of the most controversial entries in the iconic Friday the 13th franchise: Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. Released in 1985, this installment deviated from the series' established formula, leaving many fans scratching their heads.

A Shocking Departure From the Norm

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning begins with a prologue that seemingly kills off Jason Voorhees, the franchise's infamous hockey-masked killer. However, the movie then shifts focus to a new group of characters, led by Tommy Jarvis (John Shepherd), who survived the events of Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter.

Viewers are introduced to a group of troubled teens at a halfway house, who soon become targets of a mysterious stalker in a Jason-like mask. The movie plays out as a whodunit, with the identity of the killer remaining a secret until the climax.

Mixed Reactions and Critical Controversy

Upon its release, Friday the 13th: A New Beginning was met with a mixed response. While some fans appreciated the film's departure from the formula and its focus on character development, others were disappointed by the absence of Jason Voorhees and the more conventional slasher elements of the previous films.

Critics were also generally negative, calling the film "a disappointment" and "a far cry from the franchise's roots." The movie's director, Danny Steinmann, has stated that he did not have creative control over the project and that the studio's interference resulted in a film that did not fully reflect his vision.

The Legacy of A New Beginning

Despite the mixed reactions, Friday the 13th: A New Beginning has gained a cult following over the years. Some fans view it as an underrated gem in the franchise, while others see it as a misstep that should have been avoided.

The movie's legacy is also complicated by the fact that it was the last Friday the 13th film to be released before the series was rebooted in 2009. This has left some fans wondering what direction the franchise would have taken if A New Beginning had been more successful.

Conclusion

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning remains a controversial and divisive entry in the iconic horror franchise. While it may not have lived up to the expectations of some fans, it still offers an interesting and unique take on the slasher genre. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that this movie has left an indelible mark on the history of horror cinema.