We all dread Friday the 13th because of the superstition surrounding the number “13”. Thanks to Sean S. Cunningham now we fear it because of giants with hockey masks and machetes. However, according to a survey reflected in a History Channel article, there is about 10% of our current population which legitimately the number 13. In fact, there are some hotels that won’t even feature a 13th room in fear of superstition. Or so I've read at a young age. Paraskevidekatriaphobia, which is the fear of Friday the 13th, apparently results in huge financial losses every year. Sometimes those losses can be upwards of $800 million dollars. Just to be clear I am talking about the actual day and not the film franchise. I would implore you to read a bit more on the history of this day and number. This incredible article from History Channel does a fascinating job at capturing the history. A few facts were pulled from this article and it can be found in its entirety here.
What happens after Friday the 13th, though? Does life go back to normal? Well not quite. Like we said a couple of years ago in our Friday the 13th episode, the first film of the franchise stands alone tremendously well. The filmmakers never had any intentions of continuing on in that franchise with the Voorhees dynasty. It was actually slated to be an anthology approach. That was until Jason was so well received with the 1980 film; he forever changed the face of horror. Carving out a legacy for himself on the forefathers of the genre. His heightened body count and gore even challenged filmmakers behind Halloween to make their sequel far more gory. The masterful 1978 film by Carpenter barely has any blood in it at all. Sure enough as Jason began to inspire other horror icons; he equally begged the question what comes next after Friday the 13th?
Surely, it would be Saturday the 14th. I mean that’s how calendars work, right? Set one year after Friday’s box office success comes the B-movie, Saturday the 14th. Many will read the title and think that this movie is a parody of the Voorhees cinematic adventures but you’d be mistaken. On the contrary, this is completely a satire of the classic horror monsters like vampires, Van Helsing, Creature from the Black Lagoon and more. The movie tells the story of a family of four who inherits a house from a relative. Upon moving in, their son stumbles upon a book which lets loose a pantheon of monsters. It’s hard to judge movies like this. It’s clear that the filmmakers behind this movie intended to purposefully make a bad movie. That’s where the comedic genius comes into play.
Lines are delivered in a ridiculous manner. That if you came to this movie for anything other than entertainment - you’re going to be sorely disappointed. The character of Van Helsing is perhaps the best example of this. Helsing, played by Severn Darden, embodies the mad scientist trope so incredibly well; he could make Denzel Crocker blush. There’s one scene in particular where Helsing is having dinner with the family and he overemphasizes the word “evil”. It’s a moment that is so ludacris you can’t help but laugh. This movie is overflowing with moments just like that. Despite it’s 10% on Rotten Tomatoes, Saturday actually has a fun and cheesy time to offer. It’s not a film of quality by any means but it offers so much more than the classic monsters of cinema. It offers a good time, excellent pacing and wondrous practical effects.
Overall, Saturday the 14th won’t be for everyone. It is most certainly an acquired taste. However, it’s tight narrative and goofy antics blend well to create a short, memorable and hilarious riot that is guaranteed to make you laugh. The practical effects of the movie echo a love letter to the exact movies which it dares to parody. Jason might have Friday the 13th but the comedy gold lies with Saturday the 14th.
RORSCHACH RATING:
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Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by) and more. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Saturday the 14th is property of New World Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights. Saturday the 14th is now streaming on Tubi and Shudder.
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