Jason rises from the grave to wreak havoc upon a new group of campers. As a child, Tommy Jarvis killed mass-murderer Jason Voorhees. But now, years later, he is tormented by the fear that maybe Jason isn’t really dead. Determined to finish off the infamous killer once and for all, Tommy and a friend dig up Jason’s corpse in order to cremate him. Unfortunately, Jason is instead resurrected, sparking a new chain of ruthlessly brutal murders as he returns to Camp Crystal Lake. Now it’s up to Tommy to stop the dark, devious and demented deaths that he unwittingly invoked.
The film largely rests on the shoulders of director Tom McLoughlin (Friday the 13th the TV series). He was also optioned to write the script, and in doing so he asked Paramount’s longtime Friday The 13th executive producer Frank Mancuso, Jr. if he could infuse comedy into the film. Mancuso replied that was fine so long as Jason Voorhees was taken seriously when he was on screen.
This was my first time watching Friday VI, and I found the wacky humor an unexpected kick in the pants. Speaking of humor in horror, by 1986 the Nightmare on Elm Street horror films had overtaken the Friday the 13th films, and one of Elm Street’s strategies was to use dark humor, which did not go unnoticed by the Friday folks. Continuing the character of Tommy Jarvis is certainly a respectful nod to the Friday fans of the prior two films. And new councilors are back as well as kids for the first time. But in resurrecting Jason, does director Tom McLoughlin's self-proclaimed homage to a "Monster Movie" from old Hollywood work? Is Jason scary? Are the gravy train Friday the 13th wheels getting creeky?
It’s mixed bag at this point in Friday the 13th history. Some of Jason’s stalking definitely illicit creepy vibes, especially with Paula. But the kills are so split-second fast (severely violent as they are), I sometimes misunderstood how some folks were killed…thanks to the MPAA demanding cuts. Frankly, I get much more excited given some hand-to-hand combat like in Evil Dead, rather than a quick, “surprise” execution in a horror film (…fight for your life, buddy).
Tommy Jarvis has next to no development outside of badgering the local police of Jason’s return (yawn), despite actor Thom Matthews (Return of the Living Dead) doing a gutsy job. And let’s not forget the stupid 1980s horror rule of worthless characters who are killed; the stage-acting paint ball clowns and the newly engaged couple are mostly fodder to increase the film’s body count. Paramount producers literally said, “we need more kills!” Classy.
No nudity and one goofball sex scene (yeah, laughed at it) in the film don’t really help Friday the 13th Part VI notwithstanding some good-looking actors. I’m not necessarily a cheerleader for it, but…despite the long arguments against sensual sex scenes in horror being exploitive, part of which is certainly true, the fact remains it’s not a total waste on two accounts. With clothes off the folks are clearly more vulnerable to an attack, and the blissful afterglow of sex invokes a false sense of security for our lovebirds.
Both of those sensual elements contrast sharply against a ruthless, lurking killer. The oblivious-to-danger sexual characters were best played out, including a hidden shocker on the top bunk, between Jack and Marci from the first Friday film. But it’s all a moot point by now since it’s one of the biggest cliches in horror history; the folks who screw on-screen get killed.
Oddly, after poking around at some reviews online, I came to the realization that the folks who liked Friday V with Tommy Jarvis’ dark brooding, disliked and considered Friday VI’s strong humor disrespectful. But come on, who are we kidding? Friday VI isn’t Shakespeare. But for what Friday VI is and for many, including myself, it rectifies what Friday V should have done; a return to Camp Crystal Lake and the bona fide Jason Voorhees, albeit now beginning his tenure as a resurrected killing zombie.
Well, after all my vain attempts to review (or take serious?) the merits of yet another unnecessary slasher for a built-in audience, hopefully it isn't a total loss. A lot of hard work made this a better film that it probably deserved to be.
And much credit goes to a great film crew. Jon Kranhouse's (Something More) alluring photography utilized gothic, fog-rolling backgrounds that reach deep into the forest and roads. I especially liked the angled shot at 1:05:26 of the curious cop on the lake's dock and the rising hillside behind him. No rain and much use of wind and moving shadows are employed for a different, dryer visual than previous Friday entries. Friday the 13th: Part VI looks clean and preppy, though it could have used more dirt and sweat a la the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Film editor Bruce Green (Ghosts of Girlfriend's Past) is back from Friday V, so he's certainly familiar with the material. His growth as an editor on Friday VI proves he is more attentive and buoyant to the tone and beats of the film – the snappier pace literally makes the film easier to watch. Also notable is that Friday score maestro Harry Manfredini is back with a more pop-centric score. It works well for the film, and one can’t blame him for changing things up at this point in the series. But the classic Friday the 13th music is better, hands down. And note that Alice Cooper contributes three songs to the soundtrack.
Without going overboard (like my review at this point), McLoughlin aggressively uses many panning shots by crane and handheld means. This plays very well and prevents the film from looking rigid. His confidence with the camera enhanced the urgency and engenders muscle to the action on screen. And it's a testament to his affability in the interviews and audio commentary that all of the actors exhibit an easy comfort with their respective roles.
It is interesting that McLoughlin includes many, many shots of Jason, though posed as they are. And, mostly true to his word, nothing funny intercepts Jason in the same scene – the iconic hockey-masked dude means business. Beefy C.J. Graham (a stuntman and an ex-Marine) as Jason confidently portrays the star antagonist with fluid body movements...it actually looks cool, but it makes Jason seem more alive than walking-dead as he is, but why go there?
Yes, the suspension of disbelief just got heavier at this point in the Friday the 13th cannon. Except for the symbolic but clunky climactic scene, I have to say I was entertained overall. After all these years if you missed Part VI, like I had, don’t fall to your knees and weep at the loss. But if you want to give it a go, Friday VI is definitely a popcorn, 1980s horror flick as it represents yet another imperfect but decent sequel in the weird, twelve-film franchise.
