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Sackhead: The Definitive Retrospective on Friday the 13th Part 2
For fans of the genre, 1978-1984 is the Golden Age for slasher movies. Towing the line is FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2 , the first follow-up in the Friday the 13th franchise, released in 1981. Beloved for its hooded antagonist, its cunning Final Girl, and its likable supporting cast, it is a tour de force in low-budget filmmaking. Directed by Steve Miner and starring Amy Steel and John Furey, it is a movie that has stood the test of time despite being a product of its time.
From cast interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and character analysis to production tidbits, obscure facts, and scholastic answers to over 30 narrative questions, R. G. Henning ’s retrospective is the most detailed examination on how and why FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2 is a sequel without equal.
From cast interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and character analysis to production tidbits, obscure facts, and scholastic answers to over 30 narrative questions, R. G. Henning ’s retrospective is the most detailed examination on how and why FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2 is a sequel without equal.
277 pages, Paperback
Published January 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 1, 2024
As its title suggests, “Sackhead” is a through look back at “Friday the 13th Part 2,” a forty-plus-year-old slasher sequel that maintains a large and loyal fanbase to this day. Chances are, if you’re considering picking up this book, it’s because you already know the movie in and out. If you haven’t seen this fantastic sequel more than three or four times, this book probably is not for you.
So, the most important thing, then: for die-hard fans, does “Sackhead” contain any new material?
Yes, it does. For instance, you probably know that Steve Dash and Warrington Gillette each took turns portraying killer Jason Voorhees in this movie—but were you aware that two other crew members stood in for the crazed madman in several scenes? I wasn’t! So, there you have it; there’s stuff like that throughout, that will be informative to even those who are no stranger to the second “Friday the 13th” film.
I appreciate author R. G. Henning’s admiration of the film. He makes no bones about the fact that he’s been in love with this movie for many years, telling the reader that his own family and friends and coworkers are generally mystified by his love of all things “Friday 2”.
The book is set up so that each chapter takes on a different character from the film, giving background info on the actor, with quotes provided directly to the author in many cases, and background on the character portrayed by that particular actor. This is where you’ll find my main criticism of the book. While the five or six pages dedicated to each character’s backstory is sort of interesting (providing full names for those whose full names were never specified in the film; I assume these were taken from the novelization, which was released several years after the theatrical release), it gets repetitive quick. By the fourth or fifth time you’re reading about so-and-so’s perspective of head counselor Paul’s campfire tale, it feels like too much.
I’d also suggest there are some small bits that could be edited to remove some repetition. It’s not a huge deal, and the book is slim to begin with, but a heavier hand at editing would have benefited overall.
“Sackhead” is a labor or love, if I’ve ever seen one. You can see how seriously Henning takes his subject matter, and he’s absolutely put in the work, hitting up conventions, helping to organize talent meet-ups, and just communicating his enthusiasm onto paper. I’m glad there are a few folks like him out there, making a record of this stuff for my and future generations.
So, the most important thing, then: for die-hard fans, does “Sackhead” contain any new material?
Yes, it does. For instance, you probably know that Steve Dash and Warrington Gillette each took turns portraying killer Jason Voorhees in this movie—but were you aware that two other crew members stood in for the crazed madman in several scenes? I wasn’t! So, there you have it; there’s stuff like that throughout, that will be informative to even those who are no stranger to the second “Friday the 13th” film.
I appreciate author R. G. Henning’s admiration of the film. He makes no bones about the fact that he’s been in love with this movie for many years, telling the reader that his own family and friends and coworkers are generally mystified by his love of all things “Friday 2”.
The book is set up so that each chapter takes on a different character from the film, giving background info on the actor, with quotes provided directly to the author in many cases, and background on the character portrayed by that particular actor. This is where you’ll find my main criticism of the book. While the five or six pages dedicated to each character’s backstory is sort of interesting (providing full names for those whose full names were never specified in the film; I assume these were taken from the novelization, which was released several years after the theatrical release), it gets repetitive quick. By the fourth or fifth time you’re reading about so-and-so’s perspective of head counselor Paul’s campfire tale, it feels like too much.
I’d also suggest there are some small bits that could be edited to remove some repetition. It’s not a huge deal, and the book is slim to begin with, but a heavier hand at editing would have benefited overall.
“Sackhead” is a labor or love, if I’ve ever seen one. You can see how seriously Henning takes his subject matter, and he’s absolutely put in the work, hitting up conventions, helping to organize talent meet-ups, and just communicating his enthusiasm onto paper. I’m glad there are a few folks like him out there, making a record of this stuff for my and future generations.
February 12, 2024
Nostalgia played a big role in why I was excited to read this book. Friday the 13th Part 2 is my favorite film in the series, and getting to read a book specific to it was exciting. Of course being an ultimate F13 fan, I also read Crystal Lake Memories, which was phenomenal and highly recommended! Even if SACKHEAD wasn’t as good, it was still a cool read. There were character profiles with added information about the actors, and just some general details about the filming and how the movie has held up forty years later (it is a true fan favorite). I wasn’t aware that there were FOUR different actors that filmed scenes as Jason! We get more behind the scenes information on why original Final Girl Alice only had a cameo, and why Part 2 Final Girl Ginny didn’t return for Part 3. We also got probably the closest answer we’ll ever get to the biggest mystery of this film: what happened to Paul? I won’t spoil it, but it was good to get more of an explanation as to what they were thinking with the ending. Highly recommended for any F13 or 80s slasher fan.
March 25, 2024
While I, too, think f13 p2 is the best of the franchise, and appreciate this author and fan put this book together to celebrate that, i sadly found it lacking.
When you remove the clunky fan fiction accompanying every character/actor introduction this book is mostly RG Henning’s fanboyish musings of skin deep level observations. I did learn a few things about the personal lives of the crew but this is by no means some deep dive like the book ‘On Location in Blairstown’.
Not like this review will stop any hardcore fans; lord knows I would have purchased it regardless of bad review, but believe me, it isn’t worth your time.
When you remove the clunky fan fiction accompanying every character/actor introduction this book is mostly RG Henning’s fanboyish musings of skin deep level observations. I did learn a few things about the personal lives of the crew but this is by no means some deep dive like the book ‘On Location in Blairstown’.
Not like this review will stop any hardcore fans; lord knows I would have purchased it regardless of bad review, but believe me, it isn’t worth your time.
December 28, 2023
This book is absolutely bonkers in the BEST way! The author loves this movie so much and his excitement and enthusiasm is infectious which makes the book charming. The passages of novelization of the movie are worth the read alone!
May 21, 2023
A detailed, informative look back at one of my favorite slasher films as a young teen. Lots of great interviews, tidbits, and answers to longstanding burning questions.
January 19, 2023
Thoroughly researched, and endlessly entertaining, this is a must for Ft13thP2 fans. Think you know all about the infamous sequel? You’ll be surprised how much you didn’t know! Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews