#13 - Friday the 13th: Jason Lives - 1986
"I've seen enough horror movies to know any weirdo wearing a mask is never friendly."
-- Lizabeth
It's weird to describe a film in which our killer comes back to life after being struck by lightning as "Good". But you know what? This film is just that. On any given day it's a toss up between this film and 'Part 2' as the best of the bunch. Both have something to recommend them.
This installment was written and directed by a gentleman named Tom McLoughlin who has hardly set the world alight but did deliver a knowing script which falls just short of 'Scream' level winking. He's aware of the genre's (And the series) flaws and happily sidesteps them to deliver what's a legitimately good film. Top of his list (Aside from the excellent kills) is of course, character. I've mentioned this a few times in my other reviews, and it's something that's dear to me, particulary in films like this. Not only does it show effort on the part of the film maker, but it helps draw you in, and actually makes you...*Gasp*...FEEL something when these characters are killed.
I mentioned in my last review that this is the end of the Tommy Jarvis arc, and he is of course our main character. He opens the film by digging up Jason and is about to burn him when lightning strikes and hits our friend, reanimating his (likely poorly smelling) corpse. Showing a shocking amount of common sense he heads straight to the Police to tell them. Of course, they don't believe him, but it's nice to see him make an effort right? Anyway, you know the drill by now, there's some more kids (And some corporate outdoors types. You don't actually mind seeing them get offed) and a hell of a lot of death (18 according to IMDB, which was the series highest bodycount until the under-rated 'Jason X' topped it with 28). The film probably has the series best deaths (Apart from the guy who's walking on his hands in 'Part 3D') and of course, it suffered some cutting by the MPAA. The footage is out there for all to see though, as are most of the uncut deaths from all the films, but Paramount won't reincorperate them into the DVD's due to some idiotic policy they have. There's supposedly ANOTHER boxset of all the films due out next year, so hopefully they'll change their mind, but it seems unlikely.
I can't really say much more about this than I did with my last two reviews. Other than give it a go. It has good acting, likeable characters, particulary the local Sherrif who constantly butts heads with Tommy, and who happens to be the Father of his love interest. He also gets the film's best death (Backbreaking doesn't begin to describe it...well actually it does, how about that).
Sadly this was it for the 'Friday' films, they were never the greatest films to begin with, and couldn't keep continuity in line whatsoever, but they suffered greatly after this one. The biggest lowpoint being 'Jason Takes Manhatten' which had a fantastic teaser poster but was a massive waste of everyone's time. 'Jason X' manages to salvage it all somewhat though, and like this film is respectful of the previous chapters while having its tongue planted in cheek, maybe a little too firmly though.
Tomorrow I'm going to pay a little visit to the Crypt Keeper. But until then...
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