Give Remakes a Chance: An SML Review of “Evil Dead”

All fans of The Evil Dead franchise need to give this year’s remake a chance. Whether you’re a hardcore fanatic of the original movies or just a casual follower of the humorous horror genre, it’s just a damn good flick to watch. Now, there’s no Bruce Campbell – or his chin – but you should still give it a chance.

The premise for this remake starts out a bit darker than the original. Instead of a group of friends heading to a cabin in the woods for a getaway, they are there to help their friend Mia detox off of heroine.

And, yes, the “Ash”-type character is a woman. But that’s okay.

The relatively newcomer director Fede Alvarez, who also helped write the film, spins us a tale of possession, madness, murder, and a sinister supernatural force that is hellbent on running amuck in our world. Vivid and stirring performances are given by a sparse cast of virtual unknowns (unless you watch as many random movies as I do, in which case Lou Taylor Pucci would have popped up here and there).

My only qualm with this film is actually the tagline: “The most terrifying film you will ever experience.” That’s an extremely bold claim to make.

That’s not saying there weren’t things that made me jump out of my seat and my girlfriend screech into my ear, but I’ve definitely left theatres with a more completely terrified feeling. But, I could be wrong. Things affect people differently.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one thing. The infamous scene depicting the um, tree “violation,” is tastefully done. If that’s at all possible. It’s still icky, but anyway, if you’re squeamish, you don’t really have anything to worry about. The scene is short and not terribly vivid.

So, enjoy.

Click here to watch Evil Dead on Amazon Instant Video.

Chris Moore is a freelance masochist and an aspiring wordsmith. His travels have made him a self proclaimed expert on all things frightening, odd, and entertaining. On breaks from jet setting and bourbon guzzling, he graces SML with pithy and satirical commentary on what – or what not – to watch. All hail the Maniacal Master of Movie Reviews! The second most interesting man in the world. Read more from Chris here.

 

 

 

Chris Moore

Chris Moore is a freelance masochist and an aspiring wordsmith. His travels have made him a self proclaimed expert on all things frightening, odd, and entertaining. On breaks from jet setting and bourbon guzzling, he graces SML with pithy and satirical commentary on what - or what not - to watch. All hail the Maniacal Master of Movie Reviews! The second most interesting man in the world.

Comments are closed.