SuperReviews: Evil Dead

Evil Dead is a 2013 horror film directed by Fede Alvarez and based on the film by Sam Raimi. While technically a remake, I consider it to be canon with the series. It takes place in modern day, with five new character spending time in the cabin, and they accidentally unleash demons. Instead of Ash, our hero this time around is the recovering junkie Mia. Now, I will start off by saying that Evil Dead is a good, fun movie. It is not the best of the series, Evil Dead II still holds that title. It is not better than the the original Evil Dead, but it is a good, creepy movie that is much better than most of this generations' horror.

PLOT: The plot of this film is the same as the original Evil Dead. The ending differs a lot, and there is more backstory of the Book of the Dead. Alvarez has said that after Army of Darkness 2 and his Evil Dead 2, they will make a 7th film that will team Ash with Mia. Because they said that, I am assuming that this film is canon with the original trilogy. There is also a prologue which shows a possessed girl in the basement of the cabin. I am not sure what time this takes place, but I am assuming it is after Army of Darkness. But, I'll let the sequel explain that. It has a good plot and differs from the original just enough that you are able to enjoy it.
ACTING: This is where the film suffers a bit. The cast is decent enough, but there are times where they seem like the standard horror victims. Jane Levy is good as Mia, but this film suffers because there is no one like Ash to root for. But overall, the cast is alright and they do a decent enough job.
SPECIAL EFFECTS: This movie has pretty much all practical effects, which is really cool and nice to see. Everything looks realistic, and the fact that it is mostly all makeup gives the viewer the impression that there was some real effort put into this film.
ATMOSPHERE/SCARES: This film is not particularly scary, but it has a great, creepy atmosphere. Like the original, once it gets started, it never stops. There are some great, disturbing moments that are really enhanced by the excellent makeup effects. As soon as this film starts, it feels like it fits right in with the Evil Dead series, as opposed to most remakes which look and fell like a cheap imitation of a better movie.

So all in all, Evil Dead is a great, fun horror flick, and a worthy installment into one of my favorite horror franchises of all time. You could tell that the filmmakers really put a lot of effort into this film, and it shows. I had a lot of fun, and cannot wait for the sequel. All in all, I would give it:

6 out of 10, or 3 stars, or in real world terms; I will buy this on DVD as soon as it comes out, and it will be proudly set next to my other Evil Dead films. I'll buy, watch it often, and be very glad that I saw it.

So yeah, I really enjoyed it. Even though it's not the best in the series, it's a great film. (SPOILER ALERT!) Stick around after the credits to see everyone's favorite demon slayer back on the screen. A little Easter egg for Army of Darkness 2, perhaps?

What did you think of Evil Dead? How would rate the films in the series? Are you more excited for Alvarez's Evil Dead 2, or Raimi's Army of Darkness 2? Sound off below, and let me know!