Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) Review

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

Jason Lives once again follows Tommy Jarvis, who after accidentally raising Jason from the dead must find a way to put him back after he goes on an unstoppable killing spree. 

After the mishmash of conflicting tones in Part V, Part VI feels like a return to form, while also giving us the biggest change, one that has pretty well defined the series since. In terms of momentous moments in the franchise, zombie Jason ranks up there with his big arrival in Part II and him getting his mask in Part III. His turn as an undead nightmare is honestly kinda fun (if not hilarious as well) because this is a Jason who simply does not give a shit, he’s gonna kill anything that gets in his way and that is only bolstered by Dan Bradley’s robotic performance as the man behind the mask #thiccJason. 

Once again though, Part VI introduces a lot of characters and conflicting story lines, just to kill them off. It’s a genius move if you’re trying to increase the body count but in terms of consistency in story, it’s really odd. For once though, this feels like a true victory. Every movie thus far has been full of shallow wins—wins, but at what cost? Here though, it feels like a genuine win for Tommy (who is so fucking cool), as he really has nothing to lose at this point and even gets the girl, a major win for such a damaged character. 

We get a pretty solid cast, featuring Vincent Guastaferro, Dan Bradley, C.J. Graham, David Kagen, Jennifer Cooke, and Thom Matthews. Matthews run at Tommy is nothing short of legendary, as he replaces the PTSD-ridden Tommy of Part V, with a cool, smack talking kid, with a serious bone to pick with ol’ maggot head. I’ll never tire of seeing him hurl insults at Jason in the final act. 

Jason Lives, directed by Tom McLoughlin, is a hilarious new venture for the series that feels fresh and fun, giving us a bloody, slaughter-fest that also doubles as a perfect wrap to the storied Tommy Jarvis trilogy (though you can always see Thom Matthews reprise Tommy in the Never Hike Alone series).

7.6/10