Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives

Dir: Tom McLoughlin

1986

***

Friday the 13th Part VI is the reaction to the previousfilm's poor reception, an apology to Jason fans and a firm confirmation that the hockey masked one lives (even though he's been killed several times already). It's a firm statement that the producers realise that the story and character should not be taken too seriously and now that Jason is essentially a Ghost, don't expect the franchise to be sensible ever again. A relief for Jason and horror fans in general but as inventive as it is, I did get a little bored towards the end. I think by this point far too much time has been spent at crystal lake, every slasher sequel should have a different location and although Jason had gone further afield once before, why they had him return to the camp is beyond me, especially as they had essentially reinvented the character quite brilliantly in this chapter. New lessons learned but old habits still keep this franchise back from being the horror masterpiece it could have been. Cult fans would disagree though I'd sure. I still love it, and visually I found it to be the most pleasing of the series.