This is the first episode that started Friday the 13th, the Series. And while it's interesting and creepy enough, it's got problems.
I never thought I'd ever say that Sarah Polley gave a mediocre performance. On Road to Avonlea she was terrific. And every movie I've ever seen her in, she gave nothing less than a highlight. However, in this one, she gives a surprisingly uneven performance. At first she's good but once she gets the doll and learns of its evil nature, she just isn't believable as the bad seed. I don't blame her, though. I blame the low budget.
The opening sequence, where Lewis Vendredi turns on his deal with Satan and is claimed, is surpisingly good for the low budget. It's creepy, spooky, and effective. Once the store is taken over by Micki and Ryan, however, it kind of drags until Jack shows up. It sets everything up for what's to follow after that point though, so it's a necessary evil.
The doll, in my opinion, isn't threatening enough to be scary. When it kills the stepmother it's believable. It isn't when it tries to kill the babysitter. The final confrontation has moments where it'll make one's neck hairs stand on end, but it also has some really cheesy moments.
All in all, a decent start to the series, even if it stumbles out of the gate. Stick with the series, though. Until about midway you get a mixed bag of satisfying episodes and stinkers. Just remember patience is a virtue, and it'll pay off.
I never thought I'd ever say that Sarah Polley gave a mediocre performance. On Road to Avonlea she was terrific. And every movie I've ever seen her in, she gave nothing less than a highlight. However, in this one, she gives a surprisingly uneven performance. At first she's good but once she gets the doll and learns of its evil nature, she just isn't believable as the bad seed. I don't blame her, though. I blame the low budget.
The opening sequence, where Lewis Vendredi turns on his deal with Satan and is claimed, is surpisingly good for the low budget. It's creepy, spooky, and effective. Once the store is taken over by Micki and Ryan, however, it kind of drags until Jack shows up. It sets everything up for what's to follow after that point though, so it's a necessary evil.
The doll, in my opinion, isn't threatening enough to be scary. When it kills the stepmother it's believable. It isn't when it tries to kill the babysitter. The final confrontation has moments where it'll make one's neck hairs stand on end, but it also has some really cheesy moments.
All in all, a decent start to the series, even if it stumbles out of the gate. Stick with the series, though. Until about midway you get a mixed bag of satisfying episodes and stinkers. Just remember patience is a virtue, and it'll pay off.