EVIL DEAD II (also known as EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN) is a 1987 horror comedy directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell. A sequel to 1981's THE EVIL DEAD, the film begins by recapping the first film. Now, when I first watched this, I was confused. Ash arrives at the cabin with just his girlfriend, while in the first film he is there with his friends, too. Some people think that this film is a remake, but that is not the case. When they were making the film, Sam Raimi did not use footage from the first film, and instead made a rough recap of the first film. It tells new viewers basically everything they need to know to watch this film. After the somewhat confusing beginning, EVIL DEAD II picks up where the original film left off. I won't spoil anything here, but this film explains that the cabin was owned before by a professor who discovered the Book of the Dead. After reading passages, he was killed by the demons he unleashed. The basic plot of this film is that the family of the professor comes to the cabin to find Ash battling the demons. Again, like the first film, this movie has a very straightforward plot.
But this film is also very differant from the first in the fact that Sam Raimi decided to go in a differant direction than the first. While THE EVIL DEAD was a horror film, EVIL DEAD II is a mix of horror and comedy. Yes, there are still some creepy moments in this film, but there are also a lot of funny moments, too.
PLOT: Like the first movie, EVIL DEAD II has a very straightforward plot with no mystery. Unlike the first film, this movie has a plot twist at the end that leads directly into ARMY OF DARKNESS. And, like the first movie, this film benefits from the simple premise. Many films you watch and you think, "this is alright, but I wish the plot had more substance." Not the EVIL DEAD series. I wouldn't have this series any other way. These are very fun films with over the top gore scenes, great scares, and, in the case of EVIL DEAD II and ARMY OF DARKNESS, some great laughs.
ACTING: Everyone in this film looks like they're just having a great time. The actors recognized that this film has comedy in it, so they could have more fun with it. Bruce Campbell stands out, again.
SPECIAL EFFECTS: This film has more special effects than the first one, including a great stop motion sequence and some fantastic gore effects by Greg Nicotero. Ted Raimi wears a great latex witch suit as he plays a possessed woman who lives in the cellar.
ATMOSPHERE: When I reviewed THE EVIL DEAD, I included scares as a part of this catergory. With EVIL DEAD II, I don't think the film makers were aiming to scare the audience, I think they just wanted to make a fun film. Although it has some creepy scenes, this film balances comedy and horror perfectly.
Overall, EVIL DEAD II is a fantastic film that I think improves on the original and is just a great time. It's creepy, it's funny, it's just a great film, and I would give it:
10/10, or 5 stars, or, in real world terms; this film definitely earns its place in your DVD collection, and you'll watch it again and again. You'll watch it, and the moment it's over, you'll rush to the DVD store to buy ARMY OF DARKNESS.
EVIL DEAD II is a great film, with a great ending. I won't spoil anything, but it leads directly into ARMY OF DARKNESS, just the way THE EVIL DEAD leads right into EVIL DEAD II. It's an awesome film, and the best of the trilogy.
What did you guys think of EVIL DEAD II? What's your favorite film in the trilogy? How do you guys think the remake will be? What do you guys think of the fact that EVIL DEAD 4 might not be happening now? Leave a comment below, and let me know!
COMING SOON: I will review ARMY OF DARKNESS, the third and final part in Sam Raimi's trilogy. I may also review DRAG ME TO HELL, because it is a Sam Raimi horror film with some references to the trilogy.