Oddly enough, this film uses the same premise as the first one. Someone buys Camp Crystal Lake & tries to reopen it. Fodder starts dropping off one or two at a time.
Rather than focus on details like plot & character, I'll attempt to relay what I think the director, producers, writers, & cinematographers tried to do.
What we've here is some "Psycho" thrown in w\ "Halloween" & "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Jason's motives are clearly parallel to those of Norman Bates. Goddamned momma's boy. The close up or POV shots of Jason stalking the fodder are painfully similar to techniques used by John Carpenter. Even his outfit looks like a cross between Leatherface & Michael Myers. The outdoorsy atmosphere is meant to remind the viewer of a superior horror flick involving previously mentioned Leatherface.
The problem is that Steve Miner isn't John Carpenter. While he can copy a screenplay, he can't copy talent. Jason isn't Norman Bates cos he isn't subtlely frightening. He looks like the redneck version of Michael Myers. & just cos the film quality is next to crap & is shot in some trees doesn't mean you get the same level of raw violence or suspense that Tobe Hooper made possible.
You can't take elements from successful films & try to toss them all in a pot & pray to Christ that they all take.
Verdict : 1.5 stars