If you remember sitting around watching the original Evil Dead movies, you know what I mean by the first part of the title. The Evil Dead was a B movie, meant to be classified as horror, but often thought of as an unintentional comedy. It was a campy movie horror lovers and haters alike could watch together because the scary parts were exaggerated. Sequels were deliberately humorous, while keeping to the horror genre, and a huge cult following was born. Now we await the April 2013 release of The Evil Dead remake, produced by none other than Sam Raimi, producer of the original Evil Dead movies, and Bruce Campbell, producer and star of the Evil Dead movies and hero of fans of the quaint and gory. This time they’re taking the same story in another direction. Scenes that were previously innocuous are rendered truly gruesome.
How gruesome? Well, I have seen the dark shadows moving in the woods, and I have no doubt that they are nothing compared to Jane Levy cutting off a chunk of her face and Elizabeth Blackmore parting with a limb. The rape, dismemberment and terror in the reboot is shockingly realistic – a boon for lovers of true horror, but perhaps only nauseating for those who limit their selection of horror movies to spoofs and low-budget over-the-top types. Opinions on whether this rendition of The Evil Dead was a good or bad idea are bound to be divided, and the split between fans’ opinions doesn't end there.
Bruce Campbell’s character Ash is iconic, and if you look at the cast of characters for the new film, you’ll see no Ashley ‘Ash’ Williams. Some fans are wondering how one could even consider an Evil Dead movie sans Ash, while others say that no Ash at all is better than Ash played by anyone other than Bruce Campbell. Now look again at the cast of characters and compare it to the original. Ash isn't the only name missing; the new movie is made with all new characters. In an interview with digital spy interview with Bruce Campbell explains, “It’s basically five new kids who are going to have a really bad night with a brand new director – Fede Alvarez, who was handpicked by Sam Raimi,” assuring fans that the reboot of the classic movie is in good hands.
What are your thoughts on the reboot? Comment below.
EVIL DEAD - Official Redband Teaser Trailer - In Theaters 4/12/13:
IGN talks Evil Dead Resurrected - NYCC 2012:
The Evil Dead 2013 Facebook
The Evil Dead Original Facebook
