Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning

If Jason still haunts you... you're not alone.

     Tommy Jarvis has spent most of his life in mental hospitals trying to put his encounter with Jason Voorhees behind him. He is sent to Pinehurst a place for troubled kids. He befriends a boy named Reggie who sees that Tommy is not crazy, just haunted. Nearby, A crazy old woman named Ethel and her son Junior, despise having what they call a "Nut House" near their property. They want the place shut down. Then after a brutal murder, Tommy starts to have visions of Jason. But are they visions or is it Jason himself? Soon more bodies start turning up and the town Sheriff is convinced that it is Jason Voorhees back from the dead. After a fight with Junior Tommy runs off in the woods as he loses control. When he returns to Pinehurst he comes face to face with the demon that has been living in his head. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning starts the next chapter in the F13 saga. This film has all the feel of past Friday's with a twist at the end that will leave you stunned! If you are still haunted by Jason... you are not alone!

    
     Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, was the first Friday to change the formula a bit, yet keep the feel. Tommy (John Shepherd) is all grown up and dealing with visions of Jason. Again we see a touch of family with the introduction of Reggie (Shavar Ross) and his Grandfather who is the cook at Pinehurst. Later in the film he is reunited with his older brother Demon (Miguel A. Nunez ,Jr.). I think this is why Tommy and Reggie hit it off so well. They have similar family values. This film sticks to it's guns and Tommy's mind is messed up just as you think it would be after meeting and surviving Jason Voorhees. Crazy old Ethel is a very memorable character also, her acting is classic. Melanie Kinnaman, Shavar Ross and Richard Young play their characters very well as well. (Pam, Reggie, Matt.) Very likable characters but, not much background on most. I found myself wanting to know more about the residents of Pinehurst and how they got there. This film focuses on Tommy Jarvis and moves the story along which is good. The opening scene has a great shot of Jason rising out of his grave. Another great shot is where Pam attacks Jason with a chainsaw, while Reggie cheers her on. The characters are written to fit their stereotypes and they work well with the environment. Pinehurst has a very home like feel to it. At one end of the hall you have the punk rockers room (Violet) all done up with posters and is very colorful. Down the hall you have the good girls room (Robin) with a much more feminine look and feel. They all come to the same breakfast table in the morning and it is believable. This Friday is fun to watch overall. There is a hidden who-done-it feel, with the viewer knowing that Jason is dead. Yet, they see killing, with the brutality and gore that fans have come to expect. Suspects, like Victor and Tommy keep this film playing with your imagination while satisfying the inner horror buff. Another interesting twist in the story, that kind of shares similar story elements with the first Friday, is the reaction of a parent who loses a child. So, for you first time watchers, without giving too much away I must warn you... There is a twist at the end that will stun you. Watch this one with an open mind and you will enjoy this one for sure. A New Beginning is a turning point in the F13 saga. One of the most controversial Friday films Ever!

Reviewed by count6string

Release Date: March 22nd 1985

Writers: Martin Kitrosser (Story & Screenplay)
David Cohen (Story & Screenplay)
Danny Steinmann (Screenplay)
Victor Miller (Characters) (Uncredited)

Director: Danny Steinmann

Film Location: Info Unavailable

Total Lifetime Earnings: Domestic $21,930,418

Cast

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