Opening with flashbacks to the previous entry (something that would pretty much become standard for this series) this soon has a bunch of twenty-somethings heading to a farmhouse close to Crystal Lake and falling victim to Jason who it turns out didn't get killed at the end of part two.

With the funkiest musical score of the series (a disco-ish electronic laugher) and originally shot in 3-D (which is obvious since the gimmick is catered to tons of times) at the time of release this was the weakest of the series (it's still down there but part five holds that distinction).

That doesn't mean it's not entertaining because it is in a formulaic "boy is this stupid" way. The killings don't come nearly as quick as most entries in the series but when they do they are a mostly satisfying bunch with a neat pitchfork pin-up, a 3D eye pop that's sort of cool and (in what is one of the best deaths in the series) a great handstand moment; just forget about the junky "harpoon in eye" one.

The finale is pretty damn silly (and goes on too long) with a final scene that harkens back to the original but this isn't too bad for fans of Jason with a fairly cute lead actress (Dana Kimmel), enough memorable moments and the fact this is the first time Jason donned the hockey mask.

Also manages to pre-date Scream (and to a lesser extent 1986's Evil Laugh) by having a horror movie fan character that likes to pull gory pranks on everyone. Not great but satisfying for fans.

The next film (The Final Chapter) despite promising to be the last, wasn't.

Directed By: Steve Miner.
Written By: Martin Kitrosser, Carol Watson.

Starring: Dana Kimmel, Paul Kratka, Tracie Savage, Jeffrey Rogers.