Many horror movies start as a creator’s attempt to communicate some larger theme that interests them, like Tobe Hooper tackling government distrust in Chain Saw or Wes Craven digging into the teen sleep shortage in Nightmare. But perhaps the most pure origin place is where Camp Crystal Lake began, with director Sean S. Cunningham wanting to make a “roller-coaster ride.” Yet this slasher series debut is maybe the least theme-park schlock centric of the franchise, with no hockey mask, ironic kills, or New York ferry ride that later come to characterize the date-dependent features. No, no: The first is just a solid scream fest with a fun twist that I urge longtime fans not to spoil for first viewers. All that connects the 12-film franchise is that perfect scary score: ch ch ch ah ah ah… – James Scott
