Slasher Nostalgia: Friday the 13th (1984) - A Final Chapter Review

Simon (0:00)

Hello, movie lovers. Welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. Today I'm reviewing Friday the 13th, The Final Chapter.

Us, Friday the 13th. The Final Chapter, directed by Joseph Zito, is the fourth installment in the iconic Slasher series. Released in 1984, this film was marketed as the conclusion to Jason Voorhees' Murderous Saga, though it was far from the end. The plot picks up immediately after the events of the third film, with Jason presumed dead but quickly proving otherwise. He escapes from the hospital morgue and returns to Camp Crystal Lake, where he resumes his killing spree. This time, his targets include a group of teenagers renting a house next to the Jarvis family, consisting of young Tommy, played by Corey Feldman, his sister Trish, played by Kimberly Beck, and their mother.

The film follows the familiar formula of the series, a group of unsuspecting teens, a secluded setting and a relentless killer. However, the final chapter attempts to add depth by introducing Tommy Jarvis, a resourceful young boy with a fascination for makeup and creature effects. This character portrayed by Feldman brings a fresh dynamic to the series, as he ultimately becomes a key player in Jason's temporary demise. Critics have noted that the film suffers from a lack of plot and relies heavily on the typical slasher tropes. The storyline is thin, with Jason's rampage serving as the primary focus. The film's pacing is deliberate, with an emphasis on the carefree antics of the teens, which some viewers may find tedious. Jason's first significant appearance occurs over an hour into the film, which may test the patience of some audiences. Despite these shortcomings, the final chapter is often praised for its strong ensemble cast. Crispin Glover stands out with his quirky performance as Jimmy, a teen struggling with self-doubt. The film also benefits from the return of makeup artist Tom Savini, whose gore effects add a visceral edge to the kills, even if they are less graphic than in previous installments. The film's direction by Zito is competent, though it lacks the suspense and tension found in other horror classics. The movie's atmosphere is more about delivering shocks than building genuine fear. However, the film does succeed in creating memorable moments, such as Tommy's climactic confrontation with Jason, which showcases Feldman's ability to convey both vulnerability and determination.

While the final chapter may not be the pinnacle of the series, it holds a special place for fans due to its blend of horror and humour. The film's title may have been misleading, but it captures the spirit of exploitation cinema, where the promise of finality is often just a marketing ploy. For those who appreciate the slasher genre, this instalment offers a mix of nostalgia and entertainment, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessors.

That's my take on Friday the 13th the final chapter, and I'm giving it two and a half stars out of five stars. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed what you've heard, please like, subscribe, and I'll see you next time on Mindset Movie Reviews.