Friday the 13th part 3

Starring: Dan Kimmell, Tracie Savage, Richard Brooker, Larry Zerner
Written by: Martin Kitrosser, Carl Watson

Director: Steve Miner
Year: 1982

Rating: * * 1/2    Stars       +       (Fan Bonus *   )  Total: * * * 1/2

They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Jason, having survived the events of part 2, is back, and more brutal than ever.

Steve Miner does an excellent job from the get go establishing an atmosphere full of mystery and tension. A few misdirections and false scares keep the audience on edge. He also does what you do with a movie like this, that is to do it better than before.

Similar plot and location, and nothing shockingly new to tell, Friday the 13th, part III simply turns up the dial on the scares, the elaborate nature of the various killings, and the quantity of killings. Plus, this film is shot in 3D, bringing in a whole new dimension to fear.

The victims run the gambit from sweet and lovable losers like Shelly, to a group of biker thugs that get their come-uppance, to some aging hippies looking to get high. The cautionary tale of sex, drugs and rock n roll leading to a dead end is cemented in this film.

Jason Vorhees is certainly more brutal. His strength and stamina seem super-human. Plus, this is the  film Jason earns his trademark hockey mask. The ending of the film is a bit bizarre, with an homage and a twist to the ending experienced in the first Friday the 13th film.

Almost 30 years later, the film takes a few hits over time. The 3D aspect hasn't been utilized since coming to home video, making some of the intense scenes appear comical. Among fans of the genre, the killings are met more with cheers than screams. Still, after three films, Jason is still a compelling killer that people enjoy revisiting.

SEE THE TRAILER: Friday the 13th part 3