In Friday the 13th Part II we finally get to see Jason Voorhees as the killer!  But it is not the Jason we all know and have grown to love.  When considering counterparts such as Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers or even Chucky, Jason has evolved and improved the most over the years.  Some would argue that Freddy, Michael, and Chucky peaked in their first appearance and have never reached that sort of greatness since.  Not Jason. He takes a lot of time to achieve his iconic status. Jason was a child and only had a brief cameo in the first Friday the 13th.  In Part II, he is a goofy hillbilly in overalls, a plaid shirt, and a pillowcase over his head.  A far cry from terrifying.

Friday the 13th Part II establishes the premise for the entire franchise.  Not only do you not go to Camp Crystal Lake, you don’t go anywhere near Crystal Lake at all or Jason will get you!  If you think of Part II as Jason’s rookie year into killing, a lot of this movie can be excused.  He is just trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. For instance, don’t try to stand on a rickety old wooden chair if you want the element of surprise.  Because it will break, you will fall, and lose all credibility as a viable scary movie threat in the future.  Also a pillowcase over your head isn’t intimidating at all. Perhaps next time go for a hockey mask.