Review of Freddy vs. Jason (2003) by James S — 19 Apr 2011

If the world of wrestling was a horror movie then this would be the main event of Wrestlemania. Freddy vs Jason is a smackdown that even if the world hasn't been crying out for, it should at least arouse interest in any fans of the either the Elm Street or Friday 13th franchises. At any rate, it's a damn sight better than those Alien Vs Predator films.

Robert Englund could play Freddy Krueger in his sleep (no pun intended) but he is enjoyably cackle some in this outing, camping it up in a style more akin to the later incarnations of Freddy than the earlier versions. Freddy is finding himself at a bit of a loose end as no one remembers him so therefore doesn't dream about him so he unleashes Jason Voorhees on Elm Street to try and provoke memories of his murderous ways in the hope of becoming the stuff of nightmares once again. On the human knife fodder crew this time out are the girl who used to play Abbey in Dawson's Creek, one of Destiny's Child and a girl who looks like Mary Elizabeth Winstead but isn't. Actually the cast are alright and all cope well with the necessary skills that are needed for being sliced and diced, particularly Winstead lookalike Katherine Isabelle who is great.

The film has an interesting sub plot about experimental pharmaceuticals being used to keep Freddy at bay which lends the film a greater story backbone but ultimately, the film's main attraction is the heavyweight bout between the two horror icons.

When Freddy and Jason do finally get it on, it is a tad disappointing but nonetheless quite entertaining and they hurl each other about the screen but it's not quite as cool as some of the stuff they dish out to their victims.

Freddy Vs. Jason is very dumb but aided by some good horror style performances and a decent enough story it manages to be the best crossover, cash in movie yet.