Friday the 13th Part III (1982) is the third installment in the iconic slasher film franchise, directed by Steve Miner. This film continues the story of Jason Voorhees, who has become a central figure in horror cinema. Released in 3D, Part III marks a significant moment in the series as it introduces Jason's now-famous hockey mask, which has become synonymous with the character and the franchise itself.
The plot picks up immediately after the events of Friday the 13th Part 2, with a badly injured and unmasked Jason (played by Richard Brooker) seeking refuge at a lakefront store. Here, he murders the store owner and his wife before making his way to Higgins Haven, a nearby vacation home owned by Chris Higgins (Dana Kimmell). Chris returns to her family property with friends for a weekend getaway, including her boyfriend Rick, and other characters such as Debbie, Andy, Shelly, and Vera. As they settle in, they encounter Jason, who begins his relentless killing spree against the unsuspecting group.
Throughout the film, Jason employs various weapons to dispatch his victims in gruesome ways. The tension escalates as Chris experiences nightmarish visions of Jason and struggles to survive his attacks. In a climactic confrontation, Chris manages to fend off Jason by striking him with an axe, but the psychological toll of the night leaves her traumatized. The film concludes ambiguously with Chris being escorted away by police after a harrowing night filled with horror.
Upon its release, Friday the 13th Part III received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, grossing approximately $36.7 million against a budget of $2.2 million. The film is notable not only for its introduction of Jason's hockey mask but also for its use of 3D technology, which was a popular gimmick at the time. Although it follows a familiar slasher formula, it has since gained recognition for its contributions to the genre and remains a significant entry in the Friday the 13th franchise.
The legacy of Friday the 13th Part III continues as it solidifies Jason Voorhees as one of horror's most enduring villains. The film's blend of suspenseful storytelling and innovative visual effects has left an indelible mark on slasher films and popular culture.