Starring
- Jane Levy
- Shiloh Fernandez
- Lou Taylor Pucci
- Elizabeth Blackmore
Original Theatrical Release Date: 04/05/2013
Running Time: 91 mins
Synopsis: In the much anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival. --From Rotten Tomatoes
Review:
Horror movies are always harder to critique, because in the grand scheme of film-making, they are generally considered the red-headed stepchild. With few exceptions, like 'The Exorcist' or 'Let Me In', horror is usually a genre that is picked apart by the critics for the clichés that compose them.
And that's why I don't put too much faith into critics. I love movies. All kinds. But I have a soft spot for horror. 'The Evil Dead', as campy as it was, is a classic and a favorite amongst most horror enthusiasts. It isn't really scary, but especially considering it's time, it had it's moments where it was creepy.
The new 'Evil Dead' remake/sequel/re-imagining definitely lives up to it's predecessor's name. While it trades in most of the humor elements of the original for more disturbing imagery, it works, because believe it or not, it is actually disturbing.
First off, the cast is headlined by Jane Levy, known for her fairly innocent role on ABC's sitcom 'Suburgatory'. And if you love her on the show, which I do, prepare yourself for the complete opposite of her comedic character. In 'Evil Dead', she is vile, demented, disgusting and was perfect at it. The other characters in the movie are more general run-of-the-mill horror flick death-bait, and all easily in the shadow of Levy, but despite that, none were annoying or felt out of place either.
The story is similar to the original, with a few minuscule changes. Jane Levy's character, Mia, is at the cabin with her friends who are there to support her in her attempt to stop using drugs. That part is different. Once the infamous Necronomicon is brought into the picture, the story line treads more on familiar ground, while still displaying it differently enough to not be a boring rehash.
If you hate the horror genre, 'Evil Dead' will do nothing to change your opinion. If you've been waiting for a horror movie to come along that actually keeps you tense, then you will not be disappointed. The movie is rated R, and it rides that rating hard. Yes, there are lots of "gross" shock value moments, not unlike the original back when it was released. But it isn't done in the same vain as, say, 'Saw', where the movie RELIES on the shock factor to entertain you. Despite the gallons of bloods, pounds of body limbs, and puddles of vomit, this movie would have still been entertaining had all of that been reduced by half. That's not saying that it was too excessive. 'Evil Dead' just happened to have enough plot and creep factor to carry itself anyway.
And that's why I don't put too much faith into critics. I love movies. All kinds. But I have a soft spot for horror. 'The Evil Dead', as campy as it was, is a classic and a favorite amongst most horror enthusiasts. It isn't really scary, but especially considering it's time, it had it's moments where it was creepy.
The new 'Evil Dead' remake/sequel/re-imagining definitely lives up to it's predecessor's name. While it trades in most of the humor elements of the original for more disturbing imagery, it works, because believe it or not, it is actually disturbing.
First off, the cast is headlined by Jane Levy, known for her fairly innocent role on ABC's sitcom 'Suburgatory'. And if you love her on the show, which I do, prepare yourself for the complete opposite of her comedic character. In 'Evil Dead', she is vile, demented, disgusting and was perfect at it. The other characters in the movie are more general run-of-the-mill horror flick death-bait, and all easily in the shadow of Levy, but despite that, none were annoying or felt out of place either.
The story is similar to the original, with a few minuscule changes. Jane Levy's character, Mia, is at the cabin with her friends who are there to support her in her attempt to stop using drugs. That part is different. Once the infamous Necronomicon is brought into the picture, the story line treads more on familiar ground, while still displaying it differently enough to not be a boring rehash.
If you hate the horror genre, 'Evil Dead' will do nothing to change your opinion. If you've been waiting for a horror movie to come along that actually keeps you tense, then you will not be disappointed. The movie is rated R, and it rides that rating hard. Yes, there are lots of "gross" shock value moments, not unlike the original back when it was released. But it isn't done in the same vain as, say, 'Saw', where the movie RELIES on the shock factor to entertain you. Despite the gallons of bloods, pounds of body limbs, and puddles of vomit, this movie would have still been entertaining had all of that been reduced by half. That's not saying that it was too excessive. 'Evil Dead' just happened to have enough plot and creep factor to carry itself anyway.
Score:
