Crossover films that merge two beloved franchises have the potential to deliver an absolutely epic viewing experience when executed effectively. However, it takes a keen understanding of what makes each franchise work in order to pull off such a feat. Alien vs. Predator tried and failed to meld two beloved IPs, ultimately watering down the visceral nature of each property to secure a family-friendly PG-13 rating. Fortunately, screenwriters Damian Shannon and Mark Swift understood the assignment when they conceived the premise for Freddy vs. Jason. Their script maintains the essence of each respective franchise and brings them together in an epic, unforgettable fashion. The film observes a release date anniversary today, so we’re eager to dig in and get to the bottom of what makes this flick a campy good time that we’re still keen to discuss 22 years later.
Screenwriters Swift and Shannon deserve credit for dreaming up a rather clever scenario that brings the primary antagonists together in a manner that feels organic to each character. Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) has lost the ability to stalk and kill the children of Springwood in their dreams thanks to a cover-up of grandiose proportions. Members of the community have banded together to eradicate all memories of Freddy and keep the children from dreaming. With the fear that has kept him alive for all those years suddenly in short supply, Freddy gradually becomes powerless.
Not content with his new lot in life, Freddy summons Jason Voorhees (played by Ken Kirzinger this time around) to strike fear into the hearts of the teens of Elm Street. Jason quickly goes to work, paving the way for Freddy to get back to doing what he loves most. Yet, the pair eventually clash, setting the stage for the epic face-off promised by the film’s title.
The writing duo renders a logical setup that feels organic to both characters. It makes complete sense for Freddy to step in as the mastermind and Jason to serve as his puppet. Jason has never been a deep thinker, whereas Freddy has always been a quick study. Moreover, each character claims their own piece of the film, while still sharing the glory. Freddy has a more active role in the narrative, but Jason steals the show in terms of kill count. That is a thoughtful approach that ensures neither character oversteps nor outshines the other.
Also helpful in ensuring that neither antagonist shines too brightly is the way director Ronny Yu brings everything to life. Freddy vs. Jason doesn’t look like a Nightmare on Elm Street movie, nor does it look like a Friday the 13th film. Yu creates a visual aesthetic steeped in primary colors that is unique to this picture. In doing so, he helps the flick carve out its own path, rather than delivering a finished product that looks like it belongs to one franchise more than the other.
No matter which series you favor, you’re likely to come away from the film with a smile on your face. When the titular promise is finally fulfilled, we’re treated to the kind of fan service that makes horror lovers giddy. We get to see the two genre cinema titans face off in satisfying fashion. Better yet, there isn’t really a clear winner. So, no matter who you favor, you’re not going to come away disappointed.
Aside from the carnage associated with the central battle, the film also features a number of imaginative death sequences that are memorable more than 20 years on from release. After all these years, fans are still talking about the scene where Jason literally folds insufferable creep Trey (Jesse Hutch) in half. Not only is this a colorful and imaginative sendoff, it couldn’t have been more deserved. Writers Shannon and Swift have a clear understanding of how to give a shameless jerk his comeuppance.
They famously did the same with Trent (Travis Van Winkle) in Friday the 13th (2009) several years later. Each of the aforementioned send-offs is satisfying because these characters are utterly insufferable, making their eventual demises feel like just deserts for all of the misery they’ve inflicted. In Trey’s case, he’s a complete tool who takes his girlfriend, Gibb (Katharine Isabelle), for granted, belittling her and preying on her low self-esteem. Killing him off in such epic fashion makes for a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion to his arc.
In addition to serving up killer send-offs, the flick also stands out for memorable dialogue that matches the campy tone that permeates multiple entries in each of the respective franchises. Never is this more apparent than in the rave scene, where a pair of partygoers sees Jason materialize behind them. Without missing a beat, one of the gentlemen says, “Well, hey, Jethro. This is a rave, not a Halloween party. Why don’t you go find yourself a pig to f—k?” That single line of dialogue resulted in riotous laughter when I saw the movie in theaters, and it continues to make me chuckle upon every repeat visit.
Despite everything that the film nails, it does have its fair share of flaws. The acting is often hammy; the exposition is really clunky; and the primitive CGI hasn’t aged well at all. The funny thing is that, save for the wonky VFX, I think the film’s imperfections almost work in its favor. The film is perfectly imperfect. It’s meant to be a campy affair that never takes itself too seriously. It’s not intended to be the scariest installment in either franchise, and it’s not necessarily meant to be perfect. Freddy vs. Jason more or less sets out to be a gruesome good time that delivers fan service and builds to an epic showdown between two horror titans. In that regard, the film fires on all cylinders.
On the whole, Freddy vs. Jason delivers on the titular promise, and it does so in a compelling package likely to appeal to fans of both franchises. The kills are undeniably memorable; each character stands out in a different way, never outshining the other; and most importantly, the film delivers satisfying fan service, which is exactly what a crossover like this should do.
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