I’m a huge Friday the 13th series fanatic, and I’ve seen most entries dozens of times (not counting the abomination known as Jason Goes To Hell), and while I enjoy several of them, my go to movie to cheer me up is still Friday the 13th part 3. Some of it may have to do with nostalgia, but I still think it’s overall the best entry of the series, even though part 2 is pretty damn close. Here are my 13 reasons why it stands a cut above the rest.

13. The 3D Factor
I know most people haven’t been lucky enough to see it in this format, but I’ve seen it several times this way. Yeah it’s the old school 3D which didn’t have as crisp color as the new fangled Real D 3D, but the depth perception ”in your face” factor was much better. When Rick’s eye popped out or when the snake jumped out of you, you actually felt it was coming right for you. Yeah it was gratuitous, like having the yoyo and normal objects pop out at you for no good reason but that was half the fun. Plus the spear gun kill is one the coolest kills of the series and still one of the best scenes in 3D history.

12. The Pacing
I think this entry by far has the best pacing of the whole franchise. From the very beginning of the flick until the very end, you don’t go more than 5-7 min at a time without seeing Jason stalking, observing, or killing a mother fucker. There’s no scene in the movie that had me wishing it hurried up and went to the next scene. Great pacing and editing.

11. Great Set Pieces
From the opening of the movie with the small market/house, to the cabin, to the barn, all of the set pieces were awesome. The layout of the barn with all the decorations, the loft (which led to some cool moments) was just pitch (fork) perfect. Even the cabin with the little lake behind it was an awesome set design. Even the layout of the house with all it’s nook and crannies were used to perfection. Absolutely loved it.

10. Great Kills
It may not have collectively the best kills in a single movie, but it has some pretty damn good ones. The aforementioned spear gun is top notch, not to mention some other gnarly ones such as the knife puncture, eyeball pop, the hot iron poker and the very brutal machete to the back when Andy is walking on his hands. Very solid.

09. The Disco Song
Yeah it’s kind of cheesy but at the same time it’s cool as hell and iconic. I couldn’t imagine watching this movie without this music grooving during the credits.

08. Great Characters
Damn this movie has some likable characters. Even the bikers which you are suppose to hate, played their role perfectly. Shelly was annoying as hell, but you felt sorry for him, plus he is another iconic character in the series. None of the chicks were annoying bitches and the dude felt like regular guys and not pompous douches. Overall a great cast of characters.

07. Scary Moments
Not only are there some great jump scares like the snake scene or the hippies bumping into each other, but there are some intense scenes. The whole last chase is intense, but I think the dream sequence is the topping of the cake. When Chris defeats Jason and wakes up in the canoe in the morning, she awakens to find Jason looking at her from a window in the house. She frantically tries to paddle away while Jason breaks down the door and rushes the lake. She turns back…he’s gone. Talk about a white knuckling bad ass scene. One of the best of the series.

06. Smoking Hot Chicks
Oh man talk about some hot tail in this movie. You can arguably make a case that none of the chicks are as hot as “stupendous tits” Julianna Guill from the remake, or even Terry “what an ass” Kirsten Baker from part 2, but collectively the three main leads are hot. Chris (Dana Kimmell), Vera (Catherine Parks) and Debbie (Tracie Savage) could all be the hot leading lady of most horror movies, but all three of these lovely ladies all star in this one movie. It’s a shame that Tracie was the only one who got to show any goods. When I was younger Catherine used to be my favorite but each time I watch it now I have a new favorite. Hell the hippie chick was the ugliest one and she isn’t even half bad.

05. Richard Brooker
The best Jason. Period. Fuck Kane Hodder. I’m sure he’s a great guy and he did a great job in the “zombie Jason” phase of the later movies but no one has played Mr. Voorhees as magnificently as Richard Brooker. His presence, the way he moves confidently, stalks his victims, and even runs and falls are easily top class of the series.

04. Great Ending Chase Sequence
Not only the best ending chase sequence of all the Fridays, but one of the top in slasher history. It starts with a cool chase sequence through the house with Chris holding her own, stabbing Jason and eventually knocking the shit out of him with a log. Then the van sequence which was set up perfectly earlier in the film is just bliss. Finally the final encounter at the barn was a perfect ending.

03. Great Ending
So this leads right into the awesome ending. The whole sequence in the barn always has me gleefully smiling. Even the biker part was far fetched, I thought it was a cool part they threw in. When Jason is hung and she opens the barn doors. That was some freaky ass shit. I also loved the ending, it worked as both a finale and open ended for a sequel if they wanted. (which they did)

02. The Hockey Mask
This is the film that propelled the legend of Jason Voorhees. If Jason would have never got the hockey mask in this installment, I have serious doubts that the series would have continued as long as it has.. The mask is known around the world, and is just flat out iconic.

01. Rewatchability
You combine all the elements together, great pacing, great characters, cool kills, 3D, disco song, among everything else, and what you get is a damn near perfect slasher. This entry is easily the most digestable and can be thrown on at anytime to get your Jason fix. As a matter of fact I’m about to watch it for the 113th time. Later!

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