Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sixth horror outing has violence, language, added humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives
What's the Story?
In FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI: JASON LIVES, after killing the masked murderer years before, Tommy Jarvis (Thom Mathews) returns to Jason Voorhees' (C.J. Graham) grave to exhume and destroy the body, and finally put his demons to rest. But when his plan goes awry in a storm, he accidentally brings the killer back to life. Soon Crystal Lake -- renamed Forest Green so locals can move on from the past -- is being stalked by a familiar hockey mask-wearing, machete-wielding evil. But can Tommy finish what he started before the body count piles up?
Is It Any Good?
Another sequel, another actor steps into the shoes of Tommy Jarvis, with Mathews making a much more engaging hero to root for than the lifeless, underwritten version of the previous film. In Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, Tommy recovers some of his bloodthirsty killer-killing energy -- with one scene poignantly reminiscent of his original big moment back in Part IV -- and with it comes not only a rebranding of the area from Crystal Lake to Forest Green, but a welcome new sense of self-awareness, post-modern references, and moments of humor amid the bloodshed. Characters announce "I've seen enough horror movies to know a weirdo wearing a mask is never friendly," and knowingly comment that "some folks have a strange idea of entertainment," while blood spatter hits the camera lens. Elsewhere, Jason manages to look indignant when struck with a paintball, and a kid reads the philosophy of Sartre amid a pile of comics. It makes for a much more enjoyable ride for many, though some may miss the reliable presence of the more grisly violent details and nudity of previous franchise outings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the level of violence in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. Have you seen any other movies from the franchise? How did the violence compare? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Jason found himself in situations where any regular human would die. How did his capacity to survive beyond what feels realistic affect your view of him as a character? Did it make him more scary or silly? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
This chapter of the franchise added post-modern elements, showing self-awareness and humor. Were there any lines or scenes that stood out? How did it affect your experience as a viewer? Scream is a famous example of a post-modern horror franchise, but can you think of any other genre movies that incorporate similar elements? How do they compare?
This is the first film in the franchise where the kids actually arrive at the summer camp and feature in the narrative. How did that affect the movie? Did you experience kids in danger differently to adults in danger? Did the film show different rules for kids and adults -- do the kids feels safer or does their presence increase the sense of threat?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 14, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : September 25, 2001
- Cast : Thom Mathews , Jennifer Cooke , C.J. Graham
- Director : Tom McLoughlin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 5, 2024
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