Set five years after the tragic events of the original “Friday the 13th,” the cursed Camp Crystal Lake is overshadowed by the neighboring Camp Packanack.
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Friday the 13th – Part II (1981)
Set five years after the tragic events of the original “Friday the 13th,” the cursed Camp Crystal Lake is overshadowed by the neighboring Camp Packanack. A new batch of unsuspecting camp counselors, including the smart and resourceful Ginny (Amy Steel), are gearing up for the summer.
Local legends of Jason Voorhees, the boy presumed drowned, continue to haunt the area, with townsfolk cautioning about his rumored revenge. As darkness takes over, one by one, the counselors are hunted down by a shadowy figure.
It soon emerges that Jason (Warrington Gillette), contrary to the tales, didn’t drown but has lived reclusively in the woods. Now an adult and deeply affected by his mother’s death, he wears a sack over his face as he embarks on a murderous rampage.
The film culminates in a suspenseful face-off between Ginny and Jason in his rustic hideout. Ginny’s psychological insights into Jason provide her a momentary upper hand. Yet, as the film closes, there’s an eerie sense that Jason’s reign of terror is far from over, setting the tone for the sequels to come and cementing Jason Voorhees as a mainstay in horror lore.
Crew
Director: Steve Miner.
Producer: Steve Miner and Daryl Haney.
Screenwriter: Ron Kurz.
Cinematographer: Peter Stein.
Composer: Harry Manfredini.
Special Effects: Carl Fullerton.
Cast: Amy Steel, John Furey, Adrienne King, Kirsten Baker, Stu Charno and Warrington Gillette.
Trivia
Continuing the Story: Following the unexpected success of the original “Friday the 13th,” the decision to produce a sequel was almost immediate. While the first film concluded with the surprise revelation of Pamela Voorhees as the killer, the sequel shifted the focus to her son, Jason, who would go on to become the central figure of the series.
Director: The film was directed by Steve Miner, who would also direct the third installment. Miner had previously worked as a producer on the original film.
The Look of Jason: One of the most talked-about aspects of the sequel was the appearance of Jason Voorhees. In this installment, he’s shown wearing a sack over his head, a far cry from the iconic hockey mask that would define the character in later sequels. This was partly inspired by the 1976 film “The Town That Dreaded Sundown.”
Location: The film was primarily shot in Connecticut, with several locations used to represent the fictional Camp Packanack and its surrounding areas.
Stunts and Effects: Much like the first film, “Friday the 13th Part II” relied heavily on practical effects for its death scenes. While Tom Savini, who had worked on the first film, did not return for the sequel, the team ensured the film retained its graphic and shocking moments.
Reception and Legacy: Upon release, “Friday the 13th Part II” faced a mixed critical reception but was a box office success, solidifying the series’ status as a profitable franchise. It’s particularly notable for establishing the character of Jason Voorhees as the series’ central antagonist.
Controversies: The film faced some challenges with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) due to its graphic content, resulting in cuts to several death scenes to avoid an X rating.
Merchandise
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Amy Steel
American actress best known for her roles in horror films during the 1980s.
Steve Miner
Steve Miner is an American film and television director known for his significant contributions to the horror genre.
