Friday the 13th Part Three-- Where it Ranks in the Series

With Friday the 13th fast approaching, I would be remiss in not dedicating a post to the longest running slasher series of them all.  While if you asked 13 different people, you would get 13 different responses as to what is the best Friday the 13th film.  As for me the answer is simple--part three, which I am sure will draw some laughs, confusion, disagreements, and finally some approvals.

Because of the following:

Originally released in 3D billed as a New Dimension in Terror
Featured a 3 member motorcycle gang replete chains, which you gotta love
Ample nudity
Jason dons the iconic hockey mask for the first time

Although, I was to young to see the film in 3D at the theaters I can certainly remember, the excitement it caused during the 3D revival of the early 80s culminating in Jaws 3D.   Also, how can one argue with a three person motorcycle gang paying a visit to Camp Crystal Lake.  As a teenage boy viewing the film on VHS a few years later, the films T & A scenes are the best of the early films.

More importantly, for the first time in part three, Jason puts on his trademark mask. In my opinion, the mask defines the character and unifies his persona throughout the series. Even more than his deadly machete, the mask is the true staple of his character.  It appears from other stories and interviews that using a hockey mask was an on set serendipitous decision by the special effects supervisor that was later endorsed by the film's director, Steve Miner.  If true, I hope the effects supervisor has found away to get some royalties off coming up with the mask idea. 

Lastly, part three is the last film of the series to have the same look and feel of the original.

For diehard fans of part three there is a great where are they now YouTube clip of the cast and crew. Part three produced doctors, lawyers, and game show winners, apparently Jason scared some sense into some of them.  Here is the link Where Are They Now