Movie Review: Evil Dead Scott Caldwell, April 7, 2013April 7, 2013 Flat out, it takes a lot of balls to say that you are going to do a remake of Evil Dead. Even a bigger set if you are going with a “new vision”. You better be prepared for what’s coming to you. You also better be prepared to make a great film. The original is a staple of horror fans all over and with the latest in not so great horror remakes, well the odds are just not in your favor. So how does the Fede Alvarez film hold up now that’s it’s out? Does it join the lower ranks of letdowns of past or does it set itself apart? Keep reading to find out my thoughts. The story goes back and forth with creating new plots as well as using the original ideas whereas you have a group of people visiting a cabin. In this story it is to help Mia (Jane Levy) with her drug addition. In fact it uses both of the first two films in a mesh of well-placed details that seem to flow very well. A little trip to the basement of the cabin and we are greeted by a familiar book and of course, it’s opened and the words read aloud releasing the demon. Albeit different words, it’s the same outcome.‘Evil Dead’ is a phenomenal movie. Giving it the terminology of a new vision is exactly correct and there is zero wrong with that. As a fan of the originals, you appreciate the nods and at the same time, you enjoy the new touches. The book is explained in much more detail and shows you that it is not just some demon released based on spoken words. It gives you an idea of what others have had to go through prior. It plays a much greater part in this film and I personally enjoyed that change.With very little wrong with the film, you get to enjoy the greatness, particularly with that of Jane Levy. Not knowing any of her work I thought she was a massive standout with her scenes and played an incredibly terrifying character. She simply gave you the creeps. She played the role of possession so well with just facial expressions alone and then completely flipped it with scenes of helplessness, fear and strength. I wasn’t overly thrilled with the rest of the cast however go back to the original and I can say the exact same thing. Doesn’t really matter though in a film like this.While the poster tells us that this will be “the most terrifying film you will ever experience”, and that is nowhere near true, it does give us things that you haven’t seen in a while sitting in a movie theater. The gore and the blood are plentiful and so well done and the fact that little CGI is used is simply mind blowing. There is so much blood! The practical effects are so in place and together that you will definitely cringe and look away a few times but there are other films that could hold that mentioned description. But hey, what’s a little over hype.In short, go see this movie. It’s fun, scary, gory and when you think it can’t get any better, you are wrong.After credits: Stay Reviews evil deadFede AlvarezJane LevyThe Evil Dead
“Carrie” Review: Necessary Or Not, This Update To The Classic Stephen King Story May Surprise You October 18, 2013October 18, 2013The 1976 Brian DePalma directed classic Carrie, based on a short story by horror icon Stephen King, is widely considered a landmark film for the genre. Fabled film geek and revered filmmaker Quentin Tarantino named it as one of his top 10 films ever made. Accolades have been showered upon… Read More
“The Purge: Anarchy” Review – Gritter, Darker, And Better Than The Original July 18, 2014July 18, 2014Some sequels are superior than their predecessor, than there are those that aren’t. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is clearly not better than its predecessor, but that really isn’t saying much since the first film set the bar so low. And considering how other sequels this year are better their predecessor,… Read More
“Marvel’s The Avengers” Review: Some Assembly Required May 4, 2012May 2, 2012 When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. The only question… Read More