Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) Review – A Gory, Thrilling Revival of a Slasher Icon

Introduction

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), directed by Tom McLoughlin, is a highly entertaining and self-aware installment in the Friday the 13th franchise. This film reinvents the iconic slasher series with a more tongue-in-cheek tone, leaning into its own absurdities while delivering the brutal kills fans love. The sixth entry in the saga introduces a supernatural twist, bringing Jason Voorhees back to life and setting the stage for a new era of terror in Camp Crystal Lake. This review explores the film’s plot, performances, themes, and its legacy in the slasher genre.

Plot Summary

The film picks up years after Jason’s apparent death in Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning. Tommy Jarvis (Thom Mathews), the young man who had previously defeated Jason, returns to Crystal Lake to ensure the infamous killer’s body is finally put to rest. However, when he exhumes Jason’s grave, things take a gruesome turn. A lightning strike revives Jason, turning him into an unstoppable, supernatural force.

Now, Jason is back in action, terrorizing the area around Crystal Lake, and Tommy must once again confront his old tormentor to prevent more bloodshed. With the help of some new friends and a local sheriff, Tommy attempts to stop Jason, who is more lethal and relentless than ever.

Themes and Symbolism

Resurrection and the Supernatural

One of the most notable themes in Jason Lives is resurrection. Jason’s return is not just a simple continuation of the slasher formula—he is brought back to life through a supernatural event, transforming him into an even more terrifying and invincible force. The film explores the idea that some evils cannot be vanquished and that resurrection comes with a horrifying price.

The Legacy of Trauma

Tommy Jarvis’s return highlights the trauma caused by Jason’s previous rampages. His obsessive determination to destroy Jason reflects the lasting scars left by the killer, as Tommy finds himself unable to move forward. The film’s portrayal of trauma underscores the emotional and psychological toll Jason has on those who survive his attacks.

Humor and Self-Awareness

Unlike some of the earlier Friday the 13th films, Jason Lives embraces humor and self-awareness. The film incorporates dark comedy, both through character interactions and its approach to Jason’s reanimation. This balance of horror and humor gives the film a unique feel compared to other slasher entries and provides a refreshing tone for the series.

Performances

Thom Mathews as Tommy Jarvis

Thom Mathews brings a likable, relatable energy to Tommy Jarvis. His portrayal of the traumatically scarred hero is both earnest and amusing, making him a compelling character to follow. Mathews’s performance is a perfect fit for the tone of the film, balancing seriousness with moments of humor and absurdity.

CJ Graham as Jason Voorhees

CJ Graham’s portrayal of Jason in Jason Lives is iconic, showcasing the character’s terrifying presence and supernatural strength. As Jason is revived and becomes even more unstoppable, Graham brings a sense of sheer malevolence to the role. His intimidating performance helped cement Jason’s status as one of the most iconic horror villains of all time.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast, including Jennifer Cooke as Megan, and David Kagen as Sheriff Garris, add depth and charm to the story. Megan, in particular, becomes an essential ally to Tommy, and her character helps ground the more over-the-top moments with her resourcefulness and determination.

Cinematography and Visual Style

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives employs the typical slasher visual style, with a few creative additions to showcase Jason’s new supernatural abilities. The film is filled with tense, eerie moments, as well as gory kills that were staples of the Friday the 13th series. Director Tom McLoughlin uses darker lighting and dramatic shots to amplify the terror, and the eerie settings around Crystal Lake add to the sense of isolation.

One of the standout visual moments is the reanimation of Jason, with the lightning strike serving as a dramatic and memorable sequence. The effects team uses practical and visual effects to bring Jason back to life in a way that feels both grotesque and thrilling.

Music and Sound Design

The score for Jason Lives, composed by Harry Manfredini, is classic Friday the 13th—ominous and intense, building tension throughout. Manfredini’s iconic ki-ki-ki ma-ma-ma theme returns, adding to the film’s atmosphere of dread. The soundtrack complements the pacing, with music underscoring the key moments of suspense and horror.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Upon its release, Jason Lives was met with positive reviews from both critics and fans. It revitalized the Friday the 13th series, introducing a supernatural element that would go on to influence future entries in the franchise. The film also stands out for its lighter, more self-aware tone, which set it apart from the darker entries that preceded it.

The introduction of Jason as a supernatural force marked a shift in the series, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the slasher genre and making Jason even more formidable. The film’s dark humor and memorable moments, such as Jason’s first appearance after being resurrected, have made it a fan favorite in the series.

Final Verdict

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is a thrilling and fun entry in the Friday the 13th series that expertly blends slasher horror with supernatural elements. With a perfect mix of humor, horror, and iconic moments, it stands as one of the franchise’s best films. CJ Graham’s portrayal of Jason and Thom Mathews’s performance as Tommy Jarvis make this film a standout in the slasher genre.

For fans of the Friday the 13th series or horror enthusiasts looking for a classic slasher with a supernatural twist, Jason Lives is a must-watch. It expertly combines the franchise’s signature scares with a fresh sense of humor and inventiveness.