13 Days of Friday the 13th: From boogeyman, to drinking buddy.

The year 1980 unleashed one of the worlds most prolific mass murderers. Though not an integral aspect of the first film, Friday the 13th introduced the world to Jason Voorhees. If you were to ask anyone in their late 40s, or early 50s what was one of the most scariest movie moments for them, they are likely to say when Jason jumps out of the water at the end of the first Friday the 13th. I have my aunt to thank for exposing me to this iconic killer. Being a teenager when she babysat me at the age of 4 or 5, what better way to pass the time than to watch a horror flick? I remember vividly, my aunt jumping out of her seat, and screaming at the top of her lungs, as a young, deformed Jason popped out of the water during the dream sequence at the end of the film. While I more than likely shat in my underoos as well, I can remember the sense of exhilaration that filled my entire body. I was hooked, and from that point on, the video store was my home away from home.

Much like my own reaction, it seemed the entire world was about to become obsessed with the masked murderer as well. Shortly after the unexpected success of the first film, a sequel was released. This time, Jason actually steps up to the plate. Pissed off that that his mother was beheaded, Jason embarks on an endless killing spree, slaughtering anyone that crosses his path. If you were to watch all of the Friday films, back to back, you would notice an evolution in attitude. The first two movies, released while the slasher sub genre was still in it's infancy, were obviously created in order to terrify the viewer. As the series continues, it slowly becomes a parody of it's self. No longer made to terrify audiences, Jason became a pop culture icon. Originally intended to make young teenagers think twice before they engaged in promiscuous unwed sexual activity, and the recreational use of drugs and alcohol, Jason slowly became a household name. People would flock to the cinema to cheer him on, rather than to fear for the teenagers in peril.

The late 80s and early 90s were Jason's heyday. It would be hard to travel anywhere in the world without running into some representation of the icon. From dolls, to Halloween costumes, and even an appearance on the Arsenio Hall show on Fox TV. Sure, Jason had kicked our door in, but at least he wiped his feet, right?

As each film passed they started to become more and more ridiculous, but fans like myself flocked to every one of them. The bigger the body count became, the louder the cheers would be. Jason was no longer the boogeyman he was intended to be, but had became something much larger than anyone anticipated. Some may even consider him a role model, asking themselves “What would Jason do” before making any tough decisions.

Whatever your opinion, Jason was here to stay. Every time we thought they had put him to rest for the last time, he'd get back up, dust himself off, and start dropping bodies again. Even with the complete dismemberment of his body in Jason Goes To Hell, he managed to find his way back into our homes, and into our hearts.

Audiences may be split on the recent reboot of the franchise, but one thing that is for sure, Jason is back, and he'll probably be sticking around for a number of years to come. I wonder, after the dramatic shift of public perception that has occurred within the 30 years of his reign, what the Jason films will be like another 30 years from now. Will they dip further into ridiculousness? Or will they pull a complete 180 and become terrifying once again. Either way, it's been a hell of a ride thus far, and I look forward to the bloody future of the franchise.