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Posted by: Cyclonus at October 20, 2002, 2:00 am

Topic: Friday the 13th part 8 jason takes manhattan (0/10) Forum: JoBlo

Friday the 13th, Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989) Director: Rob Hedden Cast: Jensen Daggett, Kane Hodder, Scott Reeves, Peter Mark Richman, V.C. Dupree, Sharlene Martin Screenwriter: Rob Hedden Producer: Randy Cheveldave A Paramount Pictures release Friday the 13th, Part VIII is one of the more entertaining entries in this infamous slasher series. Most fans disliked it, partly due to its new settings, but I found it a refreshing, long-overdue change of pace. After the six previous sequels, I was getting tired of that same old summer camp, and I suspect even Jason might have felt that way by this point. It's an entertaining movie if not taken too seriously, especially the final act, where he chases potential victims all over the back alleys of New York City. The sewer finale is what a Jason movie is like at its cheesy best; pretty goofy if held up to the light of day, but fun to watch if you're in the right mood. Actually, its subtitle is a bit misleading. Much of the film takes place aboard a small cruise ship filled with students. That makes things a bit more interesting, due to their isolation in a confined space; it's not like they can just get up and run off. Perhaps it's too convenient that the bodies remain undiscovered for so long, but logic was never a priority in most slasher movies. Another point of consternation among fans was Jason's new teleporting ability, but that didn't bother me too much. If he truly has a supernatural hellspawn living within him, as the next film would reveal, it only stands to reason that he has other supernatural aspects that have not yet been touched upon. The bizarre subplot about the heroine's telepathic powers (shades of Friday 7) are not adequately explained, but exposition never fit comfortably in the series. If it makes things more interesting, why not include it? All in good fun. On a technical level, this is arguably the most polished film in the series (with the possible exception of Jason X). More effort than usual was put into the lighting, and the camerawork is smooth and assured. Most of the time, it doesn't even look like a slasher movie. Though most of the Manhattan scenes were actually filmed in Canada, director Rob Hedden manages to preserve the illusion by a couple of brief, carefully inserted Times Square scenes. The acting is much better than usual for this type of film, especially a strong supporting performance from Peter Mark Richman as a coldhearted, overprotective uncle. Jensen Dagget is likable as the troubled heroine; overall the performances are credible, if not outstanding. At the very least, the characters are not nearly as obnoxious as they were in previous outings. Even the obligatory "slut" character is somewhat more tolerable than usual. The most ironic part is that the Big Apple is portrayed in such a nasty light that Jason himself doesn't seem too bad in comparison. Kane Hodder still makes him a compelling killer though. Grab a beer and enjoy. 6/10.

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