So I've noticed a pattern that, with a handful of horror franchises, my favorite happens to be the sixth installment. I'm not going to do any futile numerology unpacking why but maybe there's something there about how, by the time the sixth one rolls around, they decide enough is enough: it's imperative to make a good one.
Which, that doesn't make much sense, just look at Freddy's Dead*, Halloween: The Curse Of Michael Myers, or Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning - all of which are actually my least favorites. But, again, there's another pattern...just like how Cabin Fever, Seed Of Chucky, and Smokin' Aces all feature a scene where a child suddenly does karate (??). There is no why. It's a cool little oddity. Just like little white kids pulling out Asian fighting techniques.
*To be fair to Freddy's Dead, the Nightmare On Elm Street remake would probably be my least favorite if I ever saw it but I managed to avoid it because of years of unanimous word of mouth; I don't think I've ever encountered a single person, online or in the wild, who likes it.
6. JASON LIVES
Balances consistent humor and a variety of horror surprisingly well. There are spooky/creepy moments, like when he's stalking Paula outside the window. Moments of gory slapstick, like when he slashes the paintballers. And obviously the gothic opening in the graveyard, evoking Universal Monsters. I also fucking love the chemistry between Tommy and Megan, not to mention her dynamic with her Dad (a great character in his own right). She's just so instantly lovable and never loses that infectious luster; the car chase is such a left-field delight. Then the climax is genuinely thrilling leading to a sensible, satisfying ending. All-around this holds the whole Friday The 13th house of cards together because every movie before it was leading to this and nothing since has ever perfected the blueprint. Among Black Christmas and Candyman as one of my favorite slashers ever made.
6. FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES
Most of the victims in the previous movies are either unlikable, unremarkable, or just fucking repugnant. Here they feel like people with interior lives and feelings; it helps that they're actually funny and enjoyable. Obviously Erik is the standout and so is his magnificent M.R.I. kill. There was a stagnancy by the time the fifth one rolled around (that isn't forgiven because of its crazy twist) but here they tweak the formula. Doing 'generational trauma' in a Final Destination is the most logical place to take this series.
When the Grandma sacrifices herself to prove a point to her Granddaughter, I knew I was watching something special. And, of course, Tony Todd's improvised, meta self-eulogy solidifies this as the definitive Final Destination. As far as I'm concerned, I can see so many creative ways to take this series, but it also feels like this should be the last one: end on a high note.
6. SAW VI
And speaking of series-that-should-have-ended-with-the-sixth-one: Were Saw3D, Jigsaw, Spiral, and Saw X really worth it? I mean, 3D has the long-awaited reverse bear-trap kill and the camp of Hoffman going full Terminator but that's all I can stand from what is definitely the series' low point. VI has Hoffman's murderous antics and it's actually good, so, again: was Saw3D really worth it?
VI has every element of the previous 5 movies but it's the most effective; the typically twisty soap opera plotting never seems to stop transforming here. Fuckin' Boyhood is celebrated for Being Filmed Over 12 Years but Saw VI is the end result of 5 years of the most insane game of telephone. Most of or all of the previous movies' i's are dotted and t's are crossed in the process. It escalates to a surreal level of character knots that I'm always kind of in awe. And speaking of awe, Jesus Christ! The central run with the healthcare CEO, including the incredible Shotgun Carousel, is a torrent of the series' most upsetting carnage. The 'Hold Your Breath' kill is, to date, the only time a horror movie has ever gotten me close to fainting.
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