Third Viewing: Friday the 13th Part III (1982)

This might be a hot take, but I think this easily contends as the worst in the series. It probably has the fewest redeeming qualities. Jason X has some fun deaths and a laugh or two. Jason Takes Manhattan when it finally gets to Manhattan is pretty satisfying; I like the scene where Jason kicks the dude’s stereo and when he punches off someone’s head. The unrated version of Jason Goes to Hell has some of the best kills and gore, and the characters are surprisingly fun and likable in that one. A New Beginning is enjoyable for just how trashy it is, and it has Debi Sue Voorhees, after all.

What does this movie do well? Not really a whole lot. The deaths are okay. My favorite is probably the harpoon to the eye. I like the head crush, too, even though that’s one of the worst effects I’ve ever seen.

Sure, this is where Jason gets his hockey mask, but that on its own doesn’t make this movie good. It just kind of helps shape the series.

I sort of like Chris, but she’s easily the weakest of the first three final girls in the series. Dana Kimmell is likable, but not very good in the role.

The supporting characters let me down here a bit. Sure, this isn’t normally where these movies shine, but usually we get something. I think Vera is probably the best here, and I’ve done a 180 on Shelly. I used to kind of like him, but now I see him as just a much worse version of the Crispin Glover character in The Final Chapter.

It’s just not a very well made movie. Though it’s got the same director as Part 2, almost all of the grittiness of the first two movies are gone. This movie feels more produced, more polished, and just not as effective.

Rating: 5/10