"This is the movie where the series first fully realized its true DNA as a slasher with atmosphere fantastical enough that siding with the masked maniac was okay. More importantly, it was wiling to add fun to its frights. If at all possible, see the film in 3-D at a revival screening with a live audience and what the film accomplishes will be thoroughly evident. With Jason's character and behavior relatively settled at this point, and with the familiar mask finally adorning his face, "Friday the 13th" was free to be more comfortable in its identity and surer of its stride as the saga continued to develop. There is definitely a sense of déjà vu with the third chapter, in both the kills and in several mundane moments. But entrenched in its own formula, there is enough blood, enough brutality, enough comedy, and enough "Friday the 13th" to make "Part III" one of the most memorable installments, and the first real benchmark for everything that fans would come to expect from the series." - Ian Sedensky, Culture Crypt