Friday the 13th Part 2, released in theaters on May 1, 1981 is a classic slasher film directed by Steve Miner, and a direct sequel to the 1980 original. This installment further establishes the iconic horror villain, Jason Voorhees, as the central antagonist, though he isn’t yet sporting his signature hockey mask.
The film picks up five years after the events of the first movie, with a new group of camp counselors training at a camp near the infamous Camp Crystal Lake. As the counselors begin to fall victim to a mysterious killer, the legend of Jason Voorhees, who supposedly drowned as a child, becomes a terrifying reality.
Friday the 13th Part 2 delivers more of what fans of the original enjoyed: suspenseful stalking sequences, creative and gruesome kills, and a cast of young, attractive camp counselors. However, it also begins to expand on the mythology of Jason, showing him as a more physical and imposing threat. The introduction of his burlap sack mask and his dwelling in the wilderness around Crystal Lake contribute to the character’s mystique.
While perhaps not as groundbreaking as the original, Part 2 is often considered one of the stronger entries in the Friday the 13th franchise. It refines the formula of the slasher genre, delivering a satisfying blend of horror and entertainment. Amy Steel’s performance as Ginny Field is also a highlight, as she proves to be a resourceful and intelligent “final girl.”
Adrienne King and Betsy Palmer return from the original Friday the 13th, which was released in 1980 on the heels of the popularity of John Carpenter’s Halloween starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence.
John Furey, Kirsten Barker, Walt Gorney and Russell Todd round out the cast.
Friday the 13th Part 2 (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for Friday the 13th Part 2
Friday the 13th Part 2 grossed $6.4 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $21.7 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
Friday the 13th Part 2‘s impact on the slasher genre is undeniable. It solidified many of the tropes that would become staples of the genre, and it cemented Jason Voorhees as one of horror’s most enduring icons.
