Few horror icons have reached the level of Jason Voorhees. Over the years, the ‘Friday the 13th’ franchise, spanning eight films from Paramount, three entries by New Line Cinema (including the popular ‘Freddy vs. Jason’), and a 2009 reboot by Michael Bay’s production company, has captivated audiences.
The series’ hockey mask-wearing slasher villain, who first donned the iconic mask in Part III, has undergone various portrayals until fan-favourite Kane Hodder took on the role in ‘Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood’. Hodder’s physical prowess and the character’s creepy new design created a Jason who was more terrifying than ever before.
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‘The New Blood’ distinguishes itself from previous entries with its unique approach. While Part V featured a copycat killer and Part VI had a comedic tone, ‘The New Blood’ introduces Tina, a teenage girl with telekinetic powers, reminiscent of Carrie White from Stephen King’s novel. This fresh twist adds depth and offers Jason a worthy adversary.
Despite production issues and the MPAA’s restrictions on violence, ‘The New Blood’ stands out with its memorable practical effects and Kane Hodder’s standout performance. Hodder, who played Jason in multiple films, brought brute force and intensity to the role, including a record-setting stunt involving fire.
His portrayal, combined with Jason’s decomposed look, gives the film a distinctive and chilling edge. Though not the most celebrated of the franchise, ‘The New Blood’ remains one of the best sequels, showcasing Jason at his most frightening.
–Farheen Ali