Evil Dead Review

13th Apr 2013

This new Evil Dead film has its work cut out for it. After a decade of largely forgettable and wasted opportunities when it comes to the remake of a horror Classic, Evil Dead is one of the few untouched treasures. But it is here, inevitably we guess. But it looks like hard work wasn’t going to be an issue for the film-makers.

Whilst this film doesn’t feature the character of Ash, the rest of the film is fairly familiar. Five youngsters go to a remote cabin and eventually fall foul of a demonic force in the woods. Once the demonic possessions start, the blood and violence level ramps up through to the finish. There are, however, various nods to first two films, and whilst many are expected; none of them seem forced. This is also clearly a film for adults. There are some very painful looking shots of personal injury and there are plenty of prolonged shots of blood oozing. And yet somehow the film still has a slight hint of “Theatrical Cut” about it.

Part of the issue with the film could be down to the fantastically blood drenched trailer campaign which really sold the heavy rating the film was sure to get – and yet the cinematic adventure still feels held back in places. There is a tongue splitting sequence featured in the first red band trailer that went down so well the marketing campaign though it wise to release a second red band trailer that featured an even longer version of said scene, only for the theatrical version to cut away and show alternate angles instead, which while still effective, is a step down from what we saw in the trailer. There is graphic violence and blood for sure, but it feels a little bit trimmed here and there (which usually means UNRATED DVD release). But don’t let us make you think this film is in any way tame. Trimmed maybe, but far from tame.

There are some character beats set up between the players only for most of it to be dumped in favour of pondering the book of the dead (which is a real shame and does prevent any decent interplay between the characters).

The book proves to be the most problematic issue for the narrative. The film-makers are unsure how to make the characters in the narrative aware of the book’s powers, so decide to go for slow realisation. The issue here is that slam bang in the middle of the action there are regular breaks so that a couple of the characters can lock themselves in a room and ponder the scripture; yet still giving very little information about how the book works. That may set up a few of the spellbinding rules, but it also interrupts what should be a head first drive into non-stop mayhem right through to the finish. Instead there is a very staggered feel to the middle of film, again, which diminishes the effect of the next attack.

On the upside it is worth mentioning that most of the cast do a good job, in particular Jane Levy who has probably the best written role and very bravely tackles the role with the sort of relish that will see her remembered and is likely to open a few doors for her along her career trajectory. There is also a decent climax that teeters on the edge of brilliance.

Basically in the end it feels like they got a not too shabby first script to use as a blue-print but forgot to update it. The effects teams went off and did sterling work (and the practical effects are where the majority of the gold is in this film), the actors brought the best game they could to the lines; but the plot itself, character interplay and depth didn’t get added as no-one thought to build on what could have been some very interesting themes. Instead what we get is a fairly raw, yet cheesy, effects laden horror film that delivers chills, spills and most definitely thrills. But then if the original film pretty much did the same thing for its time, we shouldn’t go too hard on a film doing the same thing in ours. Recommended; just not as great as the trailer suggests.