- Release year: 1986
- Director: Tom McLoughlin.
- Producer: Don Behrns.
- Screenplay by: Tom McLoughlin.
- Cinematography by: Jon Kranhouse.
- Music by: Harry Manfredini.
Synopsis: Tommy is convinced that Jason is still alive. To prove it, he exhumes his body during a thunderstorm, when a thunder falls and the electricity runs through Jason, reviving him like Frankenstein’s monster.
Shotgun Commentary: hilarious and ridiculous, one of the best films of the franchise.
Review
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is, funnily enough, the first film of the whole franchise where Jason’s appearance makes sense. The only one where it’s justified. In fact, in the sphere of 80s slashers, this is one of the most logical storylines ever.
Despite being an unnecessary sequel, it is the first instalment with Jason as the killer that is worth watching. The only one who actually has a hero whose actions are interesting enough to watch the whole time, no naps or phone breaks in-between.
A winning combo
Tommy (Thom Mathews) has been re-casted again and now somewhat looks like the age he is supposed to have, another great win in the story of the saga. In a great ironic twist, by trying to make sure that he is dead, Tommy unburies Jason (C. J. Graham), providing the opportunity for a lighting bolt to fall and its electricity to reach Jason, reviving him.
Dr Frankenstein would have been proud…and probably facepalmed, like the rest of us witnessing this incredible scientific achievement. After narrowly surviving him, he spends the whole film trying to get the police to believe Jason is alive, and then to believe that he is not a murderer. In the meantime, the sheriff’s daughter, whose friends are dying at a summer camp while she remains ignorant, takes an interest in Tommy and decides to help him.
The combination of adventure and horror works fantastically on a film like this. Slashers can often feel boring if similar circumstances have already been repeated in multiple stories. Adding a likeable, dynamic hero with a compelling storyline makes all the difference, even if his background is a bit spotty and not that great.
Additionally, there are small nods to the audience with self-aware characters, or horror connoisseurs, that make short cameos. These build a bridge between the viewers and the characters, improving the engagement in the story. Having at least one character recognise the shadiness of their circumstances or how cliché their deaths are going to be adds a layer of humour that makes the experience all the more enjoyable.
Out with the M.O.
Despite the great updates in the script, there are some decisions that go against the core of the story. Furthermore, they are so obviously ridiculous that they sort of pull you away from the account. Surprising as it may be, in this movie there are some honest-to-god good, responsible, loving counsellors taking care of the children at camp. Because of their kind spirit, and, let’s be honest, because they don’t have sex or drink alcohol, you are convinced that Jason will just ignore them, much like the children, who had never been in his target demographic until Tommy.
However, this instalment seems to double down on the nonsensical idea that Jason will just kill anyone. Maybe Jason is a brainless killer with no target victims, unlike his mother. Still, it is hard to believe that he would go for children who are quite literally the same as him when the accident happened. Or, for that matter, for counsellors who are very clearly protecting and caring for the children 24/7.
Best in comedy goes to…
It’s time to mention something that stands out quite unexpectedly: the editing. One never expects to be surprised by the editing of a slasher. At least, not in a good way. Nevertheless, despite being a pretty formulaic genre, it does leave some room for the editor to add some expression or an extra emotion that will keep you alert.
In this case, said emotion is fun. From the 007-looking intro, to the cleverly set transitions and close-ups whose order brings forward the ridiculousness of the situation, the editing manages to bring out a chuckle, if not a full laugh from time to time, making the viewing experience a lot more enjoyable.
All in all, Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI is ridiculous and very much aware of it. This awareness is what makes the feature so charismatic and entertaining. Sure, it still has in-law humour, sexism, and chubby characters whose only actions are eating and dying, but at least it has solved the boring part, which is a huge step. Now they just need to make the story a tad more logical and treat people like human beings. Simple, no?
Advice to take from this movie:
- If you watched this film right after the previous one and still thought, who the hell is Tommy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
- A 007 intro is always appreciated, even if your film has NOTHING to do with spies.
- If you want your kid to get a SAG card, just get him into a Friday the 13th film! Apparently they are completely okay with giving ridiculous lines that go nowhere to kids.
What’s your take? Have you watched Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀