“Army of Darkness” was officially released in 1992. (same year Reservoir Dogs came out) The third film in “The Evil Dead” series earned positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. It was a modest success at the box office. The series became a cult following ranging from merchandise, video games, comic books, a TV series known as “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” two films from 2013 and 2023 without Ash Williams as the main protagonist. I already wrote an article on Evil Dead II.” So, don’t forget to check it out.
Anyway, it’s Halloween Month 2023. I’ll be watching and reviewing several Horror films throughout October. Which Horror film 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 The Evil Dead series.
Good & Evil Aspects
Good: Bruce Campbell reprises his role as Ash Williams. He did an excellent job for his performance. Bruce also plays an evil version of Ash.
Sam Raimi did a great job directing. He also co-wrote the script with his brother, Ivan.
Dino De Laurentiis served as an executive producer.
Action Sequences are pretty good.
Joseph LoDuca (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, Chucky TV series) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Unlike Vincent’s Price’s House on Haunted Hill,” Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. Story begins right from the get-go.
Humor has more Funny Moments than the last film. Especially slapstick elements heavily inspired by The Three Stooges. Sam’s a huge of the comedy trio. He also named a stuntman, Fake Shemp.
Practical Effects and Stop-Motion were heavily involved to create the Deadites. For a low-budget film, it still holds up.
Prosthetic Makeup transformed Bruce into Deadite Ash.
Cinematography retains its unique shot of a deadite flying straight towards Ash.
Memorable Dialogue’s unforgettable. My favorite line from Ash is, “Hail to the king, baby.” You cannot forget, “This is my boom stick!”
Fun Fact: Shelia’s played by Embeth Daviditz. Miss Honey from “Matilda.”
Ash’s car, a 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale is actually owned by Sam. The vehicle also appeared in “Spider-Man,” “Darkman” & “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” I guess Sam’s a car enthusiast like Jay Leno.
Sam’s brother, Ted (Hoffman from the Spider-Man Trilogy) appears as an S-Mart employee.
Ash narrates a recap of Evil Dead II and how he was transported in the year, 1300.
Bridget Fonda (Danny Elfman’s wife) makes a cameo appearance as Ash’s girlfriend, Linda.
There are four different endings. I liked the first one better. Universal Pictures dropped Sam’s original downer ending in favor of an upbeat one.
- Theatrical Cut
- Director’s Cut
- Television Cut
- International Cut
Ash recites the phrase, “Klaatu barada nikto.” A reference to “The Day the Earth Stood Still.”
Evil: Opening Scene changes Evil Dead II’s ending. Ash never shot a flying Deadite. King Arthur and his knights react differently to Ash’s arrival. Continuity matters if you wanna begin a sequel after the previous entry.
Unlike the last installment, this one lacks ultra-violence and gore.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BOOM STICK!
Not a 10/10 film like Evil Dead II, Army of Darkness is an entertaining entry to The Evil Dead series. If you’ve a already seen the former, now’s the time to watch the latter.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 