In 1981, Sam Raimi directed a Horror film titled, “The Evil Dead” starring his bestie, Bruce Campbell. It’s about Ash and his friends who stay in an abandoned cabin in the woods. They find an audio tape. Whoever plays it, summons demonic spirits. Ash must find a way to put an end to the Deadites. Six Years Later, Sam directed another film known as “Evil Dead II.”
Released in 1987, (same year Predator came out) it received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, the film barely recovered its expenses at the box office. Five Years Later, a follow up known as “Army of Darkness” came out. “The Evil Dead Series” gained a cult following. Plus, it spawned comic books, merchandise, video games, a TV series called, “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” a self-contained 2013 film and its most recent entry, “Evil Dead Rise.”
The Evil Dead series influenced the video game series “Doom.” James Rolfe/Angry Video Game Nerd mentioned Evil Dead II as one of his favorite films. Anyway, it’s Halloween Month 2023. I’ll be watching and reviewing several Horror films throughout October. Which Horror films should I review next? Please leave a comment and I’ll reply back.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving newcomers a chance to see this gem.
Lifted & Cursed Aspects
Lifted: Bruce Campbell did an excellent job for his performance as Ash Williams.
Fun Fact 1: Bruce mentioned Evil Dead II’s his favorite film of the franchise.
Sam Raimi did an awesome job directing. He also co-wrote the script with his pal, Scott Spiegel.
Fun Fact 2: Ash’s 1973 Oldmobile Delta 88 also appeared in other movies directed by Sam including “Darkman,” “Spider-Man” & Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” I would assume, Sam’s an old school car enthusiast like Jay Leno.
Sam’s brother Ted (Hoffman from the Spider-Man Trilogy) provides the voice of Henrietta possessed by a Deadite.
Dino De Laurentiis produced the film. Courtesy of his production company, Rosebud Releasing Corporation.
Joseph LoDuca (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, Chucky TV series) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography has some camera techniques. A POV shot of a deadite flying straight towards Ash, Dutch Angles effectively capture an uncomfortable atmosphere and the camera occasionally becomes distorted.
Unlike the original, the Humor contains more elements of dark humor and slapstick.much of the slapstick is inspired by “The Three Stooges.” Sam’s a huge fan of the comedy trio. He even named a stuntman, “Fake Shemp.”
Special Effects uses Practical and Stop-Motion. Both techniques still hold up.
Prosthetic Makeup transformed a few actors into demonic creatures, the Deadites.
Pacing didn’t feel slow. I was intrigued since the Opening Scene.
Unlike Lon Chaney Jr.’ “The Wolf Man,” Evil Dead II immediately sets the stakes right from the get-go.
Although a sequel, it has zero connection to the original. Which means you can skip it.
A disembodied hand pays homage to Thing from “The Addams Family.”
My favorite line from Ash is, “Swallow this!” I also like his other line, “Groovy!”
The Ending sets up Army of Darkness.”
If you own a DVD/Blu-Ray copy, Sam & Bruce reflect on making Evil Dead II.
Cursed: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Sam and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Evil Dead II is one of my favorite films of 1987 along with “Predator” “RoboCop” and my number one pick, “Spaceballs.” If you’re new to The Evil Dead series, it’s optional to watch the 1981 original. Evil Dead II is where the fun starts.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 