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Friday the 13th: A New Beginning
1985 92 min United States of America R 18+
★4.3
Horror, Thriller
Director: Danny Steinmann
Trailers
Description
Homicidal maniac Jason returns from the grave to cause more bloody mayhem. Young Tommy may have escaped from Crystal Lake, but he’s still haunted by the gruesome events that happened there. When gory murders start happening at the secluded halfway house for troubled teens where he now lives, it seems like his nightmarish nemesis, Jason, is back for more sadistic slaughters.
Budget:
$2.2M
US Gross:
$21.93M
Worldwide:
$21.93M
Starring
Melanie Kinnaman
Actor
John Shepherd
Actor
Anthony Barrile
Actor
Awards
2 nominations total
Key opinion
Friday the 13th: A New Beginning is a polarizing entry in the franchise, frequently criticized for its lack of the iconic Jason Voorhees and its derivative, low-budget nature. However, supporters appreciate its attempt to pivot toward a mystery-thriller format, its dark humor, and its status as a uniquely rewatchable entry.
| Originality | The absence of the real Jason Voorhees leaves many fans feeling cheated, viewing the copycat plot as a deceptive or meaningless gimmick. | |
| Direction | Director Danny Steinmann’s background leads to an over-reliance on gratuitous nudity and exploitation-style tropes that feel out of place. | |
| Screenplay | The film attempts to revitalize the series through a mystery-oriented structure, with some praising its suspenseful 'whodunit' approach while others find it lacking compared to more straightforward slashers. | |
| Acting | John Shepherd’s portrayal of the traumatized Tommy Jarvis provides a strong anchor for the narrative, though some viewers prefer the characterization in other sequels. | |
| Humor | Opinions on the film's tone are split; some enjoy the injection of dark, campy humor and 'Texas Chainsaw'-style eccentrics, while others find the characters and performances to be over-the-top and poorly acted. |