I appreciate that these "Friday the 13th" movies usually put young adults in a fun, wooded setting; the presence of a killer just adds to the excitement. While many consider this fourth sequel to be flawed, it's the film that got me hooked on the franchise. Despite criticism, “A New Beginning” (also known as Part V) stands out as one of the most entertaining and re-watchable installments. Released in 1985, the story unfolds at a remote halfway house for troubled youths located deep within California (filmed in Camarillo). Tommy Jarvis, still struggling with trauma from previous events, is there, now around 17 years old. Murders begin to occur, leading to an action-packed conclusion. Since Jason supposedly died previously, the question arises: who’s responsible? Could it be Tommy himself? The initial films in the series were serious murder mysteries; Part III introduced campy elements, and that's also true of Part V. Although it maintains a relatively straightforward tone, the film is filled with dark humor—like when the ambulance worker makes a funny remark to frightened teens standing near a mutilated body—and over-the-top, goofy hillbillies. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments that it almost feels like a comedy, though this doesn’t make it bad; as I mentioned, Part V is highly entertaining. If you dislike the campy hillbillies, just consider them an amusing distraction. The setting—a secluded halfway house for people with emotional problems—is intriguing and immediately distinguishes this installment from others. Tommy, portrayed by John Shepherd, is also a compelling character: understandably troubled, he holds a certain mystique (is he a hero, a madman, or both?), and he’s capable of some impressive fighting skills. Speaking of which, one critic questioned the realism of Tommy's combat abilities, but it makes sense that he would have learned martial arts over the past five years to cope with his trauma and loss—that seems perfectly reasonable. The film also boasts a noteworthy cast of women: three blondes, a brunette, and a redhead. Melanie Kinnaman, who plays the lead blonde “Pam,” is striking enough to hold your attention. What’s interesting is that she's one of the few attractive actresses in the movie who isn't shown nude or partially nude; she remains fully clothed throughout (though there’s a wet-shirt scene), demonstrating that a woman doesn't need to cheapen herself to gain attention or admiration. [SPOILER ALERT] Beyond its entertainment value, Part V does something better than any other film in the series: it illustrates the long-term negative impact Jason (and his mother) can have on people. Jason isn’t physically present, but his unsettling influence permeates everything. So much so that a killer emerges who seems to mirror Jason, and Tommy Jarvis ends up wearing the mask. This suggests either Tommy has gone insane or is now an embodiment of Jason, though Part VI implies it was just a dream or product of Tommy's imagination. That theory isn’t entirely far-fetched given “Jason Goes to Hell” (Part IX), which explains that a demonic force possesses Jason and can transfer between bodies. It’s possible Roy and later, Tommy, were possessed by Jason’s spirit in this way. This is supported by the killer's superhuman strength—like smashing through doors, throwing an adult man through a window, or decapitating someone with a single swipe of a cleaver—feats no ordinary person could accomplish unless influenced by a malevolent force. [END SPOILER] The language feels a bit excessive at times; it seems like the filmmakers added it for comedic effect. If you find frequent cursing offensive, this might not be your cup of tea. Ultimately, “A New Beginning” is an enjoyable horror film with plenty to appreciate, including its humor and campy elements. It’s easily the most energetic movie in the series and one of the few that functions as a mystery, like the original. Regarding complaints about the absence of a particular character, it effectively demonstrates what can happen to those deeply traumatized by Jason. Not only is he present in spirit, but literally so. Therefore, it’s an important part of the franchise. The film runs for 1 hour and 32 minutes and was filmed in Southern California (Camarillo, Beverly Hills & Los Angeles). GRADE: B+

Source on TMDB