Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

I often go through months without looking at a calendar. However, when a month has a Friday the 13th in it, it is hard not to count down. I love that day, one because I am somewhat superstitious, but because there is always a push made to watch some of the greatest slasher flicks of all time, the Friday the 13th franchise and Jason Voorhees. Those movies were my favorite growing up and continue to be a source of enjoyment. My movie selection to kick off the week is Freddy vs. Jason from 2003.

Plot/ Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees return to terrorize the teenage population. Except this time, they are out to get each other, too.

  

OK, let me start by saying, I remember watching this at the drive-in when this came out, what a blast that was. Movies like this, with their lore entrenched in horror history should be seen in exactly that manner. While there are some flaws, this one is a treat. The were so many moments that took you back into the heyday of each franchise, making it an entertaining slasher that paid homage to some incredible works. This movie did have a strange context, and some head scratching moments in the storyline.  Sure, the acting is hit and miss, but, the visuals are awesome and the open ended ending was perfect for this one. Honestly, it was just an entertaining tribute and mindless battle between two icons of horror cinema. If you have not seen it, check it out!

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)

Last night, after Celebrity Ghost Stories, I finally got to see the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street. Having been unimpressed with many of the redux attempts, I was unsure what to expect. Luckily, I had very few expectations.

Plot/ Death stalks the dreams of several young adults to claim its revenge on the killing of Freddy Kruger. Chased and chastised by this finger-bladed demon, it is the awakening of old memories and the denials of a past of retribution that spurns this hellish vision of a dreamlike state and turns death into a nightmare reality.

As a horror fan, I was a fan of the original Nightmare on Elm Street. Now, it was not my favorite series, I actually liked the Friday the 13th series more, but I felt it was a great franchise and offered quite a bit to people like me. After seeing the remake of Friday the 13th, I honestly cringed when I heard they were remaking this, after all, NO ONE can ever take the place of Robert Englund as Freddy, he was and is the only person for that role. From there, the movie was so unoriginal in the attempt to subtly change the story. The cinematography, acting and plot were uneven and lacked spirit. In fact, there was little to no character development, which could have at least made the characters interesting. In all, this really missed the boat and I hope that people stay clear and stick with the original series (even the worst sequel is better)!