Released in 1989, takes the iconic slasher Jason Voorhees out of his familiar Crystal Lake.
Click the image to expand.
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
“Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan,” released in 1989, takes the iconic slasher Jason Voorhees out of his familiar Crystal Lake setting and into the urban landscape of New York City. The film begins with a boat trip to Manhattan by a group of high school graduates. However, their journey turns into a nightmare when Jason Voorhees (Kane Hodder), accidentally resurrected, stows away on their ship.
As the ship sails towards New York, Jason begins his relentless pursuit of the students, including Rennie (Jensen Daggett), who has a mysterious connection to Crystal Lake, and her boyfriend Sean (Scott Reeves). The confined spaces of the ship provide a new and claustrophobic setting for Jason’s murders.
Upon reaching Manhattan, the surviving students find that the terror doesn’t end, as Jason follows them onto the streets of the city. The film showcases various New York City locations, including Times Square, adding a new urban dimension to the series.
The climax of the film unfolds in the Manhattan sewer system, where Rennie confronts her fears and the truth about her past with Jason. In a dramatic final battle, Jason is exposed to toxic waste, which seemingly destroys him.
“Jason Takes Manhattan” attempts to refresh the franchise by changing the setting and adding new elements to the story. However, the film spends a significant portion on the ship before reaching New York, and the city scenes are somewhat limited.
Crew
Director: Rob Hedden.
Producer: Randy Cheveldave.
Screenwriter: Rob Hedden.
Cinematographer: Bryan England.
Composer: Fred Mollin.
Special Effects: Jim Isaac and Al Magliochetti.
Cast: Jensen Daggett, Scott Reeves, Barbara Bingham, Peter Mark Richman, V.C. Dupree and Kane Hodder.
Trivia
Direction and Concept: Directed by Rob Hedden, the film aimed to innovate by moving Jason to a new and unexpected urban environment, hoping to add freshness to the series.
Casting: Kane Hodder reprised his role as Jason, bringing his menacing physicality to the character. The film featured a relatively unknown young cast, including Jensen Daggett as Rennie and Scott Reeves as Sean.
Filming Locations: While the film is titled “Jason Takes Manhattan,” much of it was actually shot on a boat and in Vancouver, Canada, due to budget constraints. Only a few scenes were filmed in New York City.
Special Effects and Makeup: The special effects team faced the challenge of creating believable and horrifying death scenes in the constrained settings of a ship and urban landscapes.
Music and Soundtrack: The score, composed by Fred Mollin, continued the series’ tradition of suspenseful and atmospheric music, with some adjustments to fit the urban setting.
Reception and Box Office: The film received mixed reviews, with criticism for its limited time actually spent in Manhattan. However, it performed reasonably well at the box office, demonstrating the franchise’s enduring appeal.
Challenges and Controversies: Budget constraints significantly impacted the production, limiting the scenes set in New York City and affecting the film’s overall scope.
Legacy and Impact: “Jason Takes Manhattan” is often remembered for its ambitious attempt to take the franchise in a new direction, despite its execution limitations. Kane Hodder’s portrayal of Jason continued to be a highlight.
Fan and Critical Reaction: The film has a mixed reputation among fans. While some appreciate its attempt to try something new, others feel it didn’t fully deliver on the promise of its title. The scenes set in Manhattan, particularly in Times Square, are often cited as memorable moments.
Merchandise
More F13
Friday the 13th Merchandise
Discover the ultimate FRIDAY THE 13TH collection!
