This movie has some fun and entertaining moments, but it also introduces an excessive level of campiness alongside noticeably poor writing. The initial two films from 1980 and 1981 took themselves seriously, displaying the expected behavior of young people at a secluded camp. However, this third installment brought in a campy feel that would unfortunately stick with the series until the 2009 reboot. I can’t say I minded too much, because these films weren't exactly believable to begin with. Still, this is the biggest problem with "Part III,” which came out in 1982. The song playing during the opening credits gives viewers a heads-up that it isn’t intended as a completely serious horror film—and that impression is reinforced when some of the main characters encounter cartoonish bikers at a convenience store deep in the countryside, roughly 25 minutes into the movie. These thugs are so over-the-top that it's difficult to take the horror seriously. That doesn’t mean I didn’t find parts of it enjoyable; it just happens to be my least favorite entry. The questionable writing doesn't help matters. For example, what was Fox’s reason for going into the barn? Speaking of that barn, why are so many characters fixated on it? It seems like the writer was grasping at any excuse to make the barn a central plot point. Also, why did Vera leave Shelly alone outside? I understand she probably wanted to get away from an awkward guy, but when she tells him she's going outside and will return, she doesn’t really do anything out there. Scenes like that show just how weak the writing is. Another thing that stands out about "Part III" compared to the first two films is that, even though it takes place near Crystal Lake, filming occurred in Southern California instead of on the East Coast—specifically in Santa Clarita, CA, and nearby Melody Ranch (where the barn is). The landscape looks noticeably drier, and the change in setting is quite obvious. While some might argue that a different environment provides a welcome shift in tone, the location feels too simple. As with previous installments, the film thankfully features a diverse group of women: three white girls, a Hispanic woman, and a Black woman—the biker, Fox. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but Chris, played by Dana Kimmell, is probably my top choice, followed by Chili; not to mention Debbie and Vera (Debbie has a memorable bikini scene). Ultimately, "Part III" offers some entertainment and is significant for relocating the filming to arid Southern California. Also, Jason looks bigger and more imposing than in Part II, and he finally gets his signature hockey mask. Nevertheless, it’s my least favorite because of the silly elements, the poor writing, and a limited setting with too much attention paid to that ridiculous barn. The film has a running time of 95 minutes. GRADE: C

Source on TMDB