Every classic horror franchise has at least one ‘black sheep’ film
By Billy Cripps
When you think of all the classic horror franchises there is always at least one film in the franchise that’s a black sheep. That film is either loved or hated by fans. There is no in between. Don’t believe me? Read on residents of Elm Street.
Horror franchises are like family, there’s always a black sheep…
Think of a classic horror movie franchise. I bet there is at least one film in that franchise that is either loved or hated by fans — the black sheep of any given franchise. Some even have more than one. Be it Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday The 13th or even A Nightmare On Elm Street, there’s one film dividing the fan base. Most of these are the byproduct of a franchise changing the status quo.
Let’s start with the most obvious one, Halloween 3: Season Of The Witch. A departure from the first two films which involved Michael Myers. So fans weren’t happy when the third film left Michael Myers dead and a new story involving a sinister mask company involving a detective played by the legendary Tom Atkins.
Sure it isn’t Michael Myers, but I think Season Of The Witch is a great film in it’s own right. I feel like most people won’t give it a chance when they learn of the absence of Michael. Even though this is the direction John Carpenter wanted the films to go after Halloween II. A different Halloween tradition themed plot in the sequels. If the film didn’t have the “Halloween” name, I believe more people would like. As it stands fans weren’t happy, so part 4 saw The Return of Michael Myers.
The next black sheep film is different from the others. It has the characters of the original fans love. However, it completely changes the tone. The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a terrifying psychological film. Anyone who says they can see the dark humor Tobe Hooper meant is either lying or on something. Then comes The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.
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It isn’t just dark humor, it’s flat out camp. The sadistic Sawyer clan turns into dumb rednecks. There was a time I hated this installment, but it grew on me. I dare you not to fall in love with the campiness of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 with a great performance from late character-actor Dennis Hopper. However it’s Bill Moseley’s Choptop who really steals the show.
Finally there’s the film that inspired this piece. A film that is arguably the most divisive of all. Friday The 13th Part V: A New Beginning. The first time I saw the film, I hated it. In truth, I was probably just mad that I didn’t realize the killer isn’t Jason. I mean it’s kind of obvious even the hockey mask is different than Jason’s. However, I’ve come to appreciate the film more in recent years. Another film that most fans ignore for the same reason they don’t like Halloween III.
Friday The 13th Part 5 is a fun film. The second to involve Tommy Jarvis, it’s truly is ‘A New Beginning’ as a parent goes insane over the wrongful death of a child. This takes the franchise back to where it all began. Alas, fans weren’t having it and come Friday The 13th Part VI, Jason lived again.
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