Freddy Vs. Jason

So can Freddy beat up Jason, or what? Let's just say that neither one would have stood a chance against Abbott and Costello.

So can Freddy beat up Jason, or what? Let's just say that neither one would have stood a chance against Abbott and Costello.

Attempts none of the witty, provocative visual and metaphysical set pieces from any of the ''Nightmare'' movies. And it offers none of the real fright of the early ''Friday the 13th'' films. In fact, the movie is deeply, proudly unimaginative.

Considering what the filmmakers had to work with, and the fact that it has all been done before, Freddy Vs. Jason isn't bad. And sometimes not bad is almost good.

Tremendous energy, outrageous humor, dazzling technical finesse -- and a numbing amount of violence, brutality, bloodshed and all-out savagery. It is downright depressing to think about all that vigorous cinematic artistry and expertise aimed so low.

Attempts none of the witty, provocative visual and metaphysical set pieces from any of the ''Nightmare'' movies. And it offers none of the real fright of the early ''Friday the 13th'' films. In fact, the movie is deeply, proudly unimaginative.

Truth be told, the movie isn't among the worst sequels of this summer.

The basic formula of iconic supernatural beings slaughtering plucky teenagers continues with even more graphic violence.

Though a stickler might ask what's at stake in a fight to the death between two guys who are already dead, the hard-core fans aren't likely to be disappointed.

The best way to sum up Freddy Vs. Jason is: good concept, mediocre execution.