Evil Dead: El despertar

Evil dead 2013 absolutely shocked me to the core when I saw it opening day in theaters. I wasn't a huge fan of the original 2, but that one struck me to where I watched it multiple times in the theater. Needless to say I was very intrigued at what this decade later film could offer. Luckily I was able to attend an advanced screening in my city.

The gruesome brutality is clearly what people flock to see in this franchise. Maybe somewhat of the wacky dark comedy a bit as well. This film takes a classic franchise and tries to brand it to the younger generation and it can be to a fault somewhat . At times it meanders within the rather plain story that we've seen in other possession films. All the while still providing shocking and disgusting sequences.

A great blend of CGI and practical effects still being utilized really holds the film up imo. The SFX work is also top notch . Unfortunately I cannot say that I enjoyed the cast and the way their characters are written. Sometimes it felt like more of a Netflix horror film based on the mediocre acting as well as the cliche writing. There are some moments that I cannot believe we're even put in an evil dead film . This is where a few times I was displeased. I get trying to relate to a newer generation but it was overkill.

Overall this film brings the blood and the scares and at the end of the day that's what people are there to see. I just can't help but think it's a dramatic downturn in quality from the 2013 film. If you're a fan of the franchise it's definitely a must see but I think there will be some mixed reactions.

Wow, what an insane movie! In fact, I think it was a little better than Evil Dead (2013).

First of all, I thought the story idea was excellently written. Once it makes you realize what kind of situation it is, it adds a lot more fun than you'd think. The plot worked much better and was more fun than Evil Dead (2013).

The opening scene was decent, with possibly one of the greatest movie title cards in modern horror days. It started well, but later it just got more and more insane. The cast of not-so-well-known actors was really great, with performances that felt like real people who became possessed. Alyssa Sutherland, who played the lead role, absolutely killed it; she was terrifying. I also really liked the night and rainy vibe, which added to the atmosphere. The kills were very fun and gory, exactly what I expected from a movie like this. The special effects were incredible. Although nothing beats the ending of Evil Dead (2013), I thought the ending was decent and cleared up all loose ends. It also added some comedy elements that reminded me of Evil Dead II.

Overall, I was honestly entertained by this movie, which made me feel tense and impressed. I thought it was a very well-done horror movie.

How would I compare this movie to Evil Dead (2013)? I think Evil Dead (2013) was more brutal and gory, with lots of blood, while Evil Dead Rise was more insane and creepy, with a better plot.

For those who have never watched any movies in the franchise, note that you absolutely don't need to watch any of the other movies to understand and enjoy this one.

Groovy!

I really liked Evil Dead 1 and the 2013 version. The acts/sections were good, overall they were solid, and had scary moments especially the 2013 one. I was expecting this to be the same level or near it, but it was not. It's okay on its own, but just break-even compared to the films in the franchise I watched.

Maybe I just expected much. Some of the kills/gore were good but it isn't really a big criteria to films that aren't slashers, and to me personally. Some of the acting were wanting, too, and the main characters weren't presented in a way where you'll really root for them. The kid was cute and I wanted the lead to survive because of her baby but there was just something missing with these characters. I think I cared for the neighbors more, actually.

The setting also was kinda weird. Cabins and the woods just match seamlessly with these types of stories. How and where they discovered the book and recordings were questionable, too, but that was something a viewer can let slide. Like the other reviewers here, there was just something missing for me, or maybe it was just insufficient in a lot of areas.

It's not bad. It may even be good for someone whose first film in the franchise is this. It was just pulled down by high expectations.

**Mom gets possessed by demon**

**Entire family and room full of neighbors standing there watching**

**Spine contorts to impossible shape**

"Mom? You okay?"

**Crab-walks up the side of a wall and onto the ceiling**

"Mom? Is everything alright, Mom?"

**Projectile-vomits twenty gallons of blood**

"Are you okay, Mom?"

**Speaks ancient language in hideous demonic voice, eyes rolling around in their sockets**

"Mom, it's me. What's wrong, Mom?"

**Grabs shard of broken glass, proceeds to dig it into arms and face**

"Mom, listen. I hope you're okay. You're starting to worry me."

**"I WILL MASSACRE ALL OF YOU AND FEAST ON YOUR GUTS. NO ONE WILL SURVIVE THE NIGHT. YOU ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!!!"**

"Mom, are you feeling okay? It seems like something might be wrong."

**Bites through neighbor's jugular vein, cackles maniacally while covered in the arterial spray**

"Guys, I think something might be wrong with Mom. I don't know, she's acting weird. What should we do?"

Decided to give this a rewatch tonight. Came away feeling very much the same as I did upon first viewing. The annoying young adult boy can't stop making poor choice after poor choice to get the events of the movie kicked off. I get that these movies almost always start out with these sorts of events, but it's very glaring in this film.

Unfortunately, it detracts from a wonderful performance from the mother, and some delightful blood and gore as the movie marches on to its climax. I also like that they changed the setting of this one to an urban area, which gives it a different look and feel. It's a mixed bag, to be sure.

It's probably the least impressive of the movies in the best horror franchise of all time.