Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

 

Movie: Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

Produced by: Don Behrns

Directed by: Tom McLoughlin (Date with an Angel, The Unsaid, numerous Freddy’s Nightmares and Friday the 13th: The Series episodes)

Genre: Slasher / Horror / Comedy

Summary:

After years of trauma, Tommy Jarvis (now grown and played by Thom Mathews) returns to Crystal Lake—renamed Forest Green—hoping to finally destroy Jason Voorhees once and for all. Instead, a bolt of lightning revives Jason’s corpse, turning him into an undead killing machine. What follows is a breakneck mix of gothic horror, black comedy, and classic ‘80s slasher mayhem as Jason carves his way through cops, counselors, and unsuspecting campers.

Reception:

Upon release, Jason Lives stood out for its self-aware humor and high production value, revitalizing a franchise that was beginning to feel formulaic. While critics were divided in 1986, fans have since embraced it as one of the strongest—and most entertaining—entries in the Friday the 13th series. Today, it’s celebrated for striking a rare balance between scares, satire, and pure fun.

Fun Facts & Watching Notes:

• Director Tom McLoughlin was inspired by classic Universal monster films, particularly Frankenstein (1931), leading to Jason’s supernatural resurrection.
• This is the first Friday the 13th where Jason is officially undead—establishing the version of the character that dominates the rest of the series.
• The film features songs by Alice Cooper, including “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask),” which became an MTV favorite.
• For the first time, real children appear at the camp, adding genuine tension to the chaos.
• McLoughlin opens the film with a James Bond-style parody—Jason slashing through a gun barrel intro, complete with music cue!
• The production was shot in Georgia, giving “Camp Forest Green” its lush, misty look.

Stars & Notables:

• Thom Mathews (Tommy Jarvis): Also known for Return of the Living Dead (1985) and Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988).
• Jennifer Cooke (Megan Garris): Known for V: The Final Battle and V: The Series on TV.
• C.J. Graham (Jason Voorhees): A nightclub manager turned stuntman, Jason Lives was his first acting role—he later reprised Jason at conventions and fan films.
• David Kagen (Sheriff Garris): Also appeared in The Fall Guy, Hunter, and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995).

VIDEO BUNKER WATCHING TIP:

Pair Jason Lives with Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) for a full-circle Tommy Jarvis experience—from traumatized survivor to accidental necromancer. Don’t forget to crank Alice Cooper’s soundtrack between films for the full 1986 Crystal Lake vibe.