Dark Novel, Even Darker Screen Play & Film- Jason Lives

Rating: 2/10 (3 May 2008)

There are often times when a dark novel becomes a screen play & a film and the latter do not remain faithful to the novel. This is one of those occasions.
There is some great acting by Tommy Lee Jones & several of the cast members. Some of the West Texas Scenery & settings are breath taking. The trouble is this film degrades in another (warning spoiler) new version of Jason going on a needless/meaningless killing spree. This means a new version of s slasher film just won best picture last year, & Hollywood thinks this exercise is intellectual. Oscar blew this one, as it is well produced, splendidly acted trash.
The Coens got a big reputation with earlier films like Fargo. This film is no where near that one. There are 3 main characters who keep looking for and missing each other throughout the film. Upon further review, it appears what is tried for in this film is irony.
The ending is done for intellectual effect but it makes no sense. Tommy Lee Jones cop should have been smart enough to be at the widows house to meet this version of Jason. It does show some parallels between this version and the folks in pursuit of him.
After viewing this, I'd read the novel before looking at it again. The film has an open ended finish that makes no sense (or for sequels like Jason?). If you like guns, blood, & senseless maniac violence this is a film for you.
If you want smart intellect, watch Fargo. There are few fine moments in this, but this is not a Best Picture that will be remembered 30 years from now. It is a slasher film which won best picture. That is indeed amazing.