Evil Dead Rise Is A Bucket Of Bloody Fun

Evil Dead Rise is a bucket of bloody fun that pushes the boundaries of gore while bringing something new to the well loved franchise.

For those who love the Evil Dead franchise, the new movie takes the heart and soul of it, while offering something new. Evil Dead Rise goes so far as to feature a different Necronomicon than we have seen in the past. This is a smart way to indicate that the torch has been passed on, so to speak. 

If you are a fan of blood and gore, boy do I have some good news for you. This film is filled to the brim with moments that will have you watching through your fingers (in a good way). You will never look at a cheese grater the same way again, I can promise you that.

The Evil Dead franchise has always pushed the envelope when it comes to this side of things but they raised the bar with this one. It doesn’t take long for viewers to realize they are about to go on a wild and bloody ride. The majority of effects seem to be practical ones, which makes it feel more connected to the originals.

As mentioned before, this is a Necronomicon that we have not seen in the past. It is a new one, with a whole new look. However, it is still a book of the dead and should not be trusted. It doesn’t take very long for the main characters to figure that one out. This one comes with an instruction manual of sorts. A collection of three vinyl records, one of which features franchise star Bruce Campbell’s voice.

That is all we get of him in the movie, but it is quite clear he has had his hands all over this thing. He and director Sam Raimi are Execute Producers on Evil Dead Rise, even if they aren’t the ones directing and starring this time. Lee Cronin writes and directs this time, but he very much took inspiration from those who paved the path for him. I can only imagine the conversations they had about cinematography, lore, and story, because this fits into the Evil Dead franchise nicely.

This movie will hook horror fans right from the start, as it wastes absolutely no time at all diving into the intensity. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats just moments in, holding their breath and waiting for all Hell to break loose. 

While this is an incredible opening sequence that really sets the mood for the film, it also makes the whole thing predictable. Don’t get me wrong, I know that most horror films are exactly that, and it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However three words, “One Day Earlier”, will cause the audience to know exactly how the events of the rest of the film must end. They might now know the journey, but the first scene will be ingrained in their brains, causing them to know the outcome of it all. It doesn’t make it any less enjoyable, however.

In true horror movie fashion, none of these characters know how to make a smart decision. Over and over they subject themselves to the evil that is wrecking havoc on the apartment building. If you see it in a packed theater, some moviegoers might be yelling at them, so just prepare yourself for that. Heck, you might be one of them. 

Besides that, the story itself if actually really good. Relatable, even. Two sisters, played by Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland, have been estranged for a while. On the night that they come together, an earthquake hits the near condemned apartment building. This causes a hole in the ground that leads to an old bank where, you guessed it, the Necronomicon has been kept hidden. Of course someone decides to bring it back to the apartment, it unleashes a demon, and you can probably figure out where things go from here. 

Overall Thoughts

Evil Dead Rise reinvigorates the franchise, complete with a new Necronomicon. There is a massive amount of blood and gore, however practical effects are still utilized whenever possible. If you go in expecting and Evil Dead movie, you will be quite thrilled with the results.

It pushes the boundaries whenever possible, while still delivering a really good and entertaining story. The subtle messages about family however, will have everyone with an estranged sibling or parent eager to pick up and call them when the credits start to roll. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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About Evil Dead Rise

New Line Cinema and Renaissance Pictures present a return to the iconic horror franchise, “Evil Dead Rise,” from writer/director Lee Cronin (“The Hole in the Ground”). The movie stars Lily Sullivan (“I Met a Girl,” “Barkskins”), Alyssa Sutherland (“The Mist,” “Vikings”), Morgan Davies (“Storm Boy,” “The End”), Gabrielle Echols (“Reminiscence”) and introducing Nell Fisher (“Northspur”).

Moving the action out of the woods and into the city, “Evil Dead Rise” tells a twisted tale of two estranged sisters, played by Sutherland and Sullivan, whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.

Evil Dead Rise comes to theaters April 21st.