Evil Dead Rise

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!

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.

After all the hype, the rave reviews, the revealing trailers, and the silly reaction videos (God, how I hate those), Evil Dead Rise turns out to be exactly what I expected: a serviceable sequel, nothing more, nothing less. Like the remake before it, it delivers on the gore, but is lacking in originality and likeable characters.

The film takes place in a rundown apartment building, home to single mother Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) and her three obnoxious brats, Bridget (Gabrielle Echols), Danny (Morgan Davies) and Kassie (Nell Fisher). After an earthquake hits the area, Danny discovers a secret vault below the building's underground car park where he finds an ancient book and three old records. Playing the discs unleashes an ancient evil that possesses his mother and spreads to other people in the building. On hand to protect the kids and fight the evil is Ellie's sister Beth (Lily Sullivan).

Writer/director Lee Cronin conducts matters in a workmanlike manner, ladling on the blood and slime, killing off characters that might reasonably be expected to survive many a horror movie, and throwing in a few nods to the original movies to appease long-time fans of all things Evil Dead (I particularly enjoyed the EDII flying eyeball scene); unfortunately, the film wastes its promising locale by confining most of the action to one apartment and doesn't generate much in the way of atmosphere or genuine scares (I didn't jump once).

What the film sorely needed was more imagination and creativity (in both story and direction), and characters that I could actually care about -- exactly the qualities that still make the original film the best of the franchise.

5.5/10, rounded up to 6 for IMDb.

Nothing special or original,filled with tired & overdone clichés.

1. Story begins in present day to discover it was (yawn) showing events,that will follow after it rewinds hours to days before.

2. People suffer their fates due to a curse,such a boring theme after awhile.. Plus of course was an earthquake that opens,the ground or portal for mayhem to soon follow.

3. The people are trapped in someplace,where no exit seems to exist suddenly.

4. It's college kids or a single parent basically poor & in crisis,needing to survive more.

5. It's only scary if it's dark,to poorly lighted or with music to cue the movie watcher. If a movie is good,it can provide proper suspense regardless of location,lighting or music.

6. Corny dialog between characters,basically as mentioned clichéd.

7. Tons of blood or gore scenes,doesn't always mean good or creative.. It sometimes is a blinding way to cover-up garbage,so the viewer sees it as otherwise.

8. The plotholes during this,gave me a headache in basic logics.. Eg: Why did mom get attacked first? She didn't find the hidden items,bled on the book or played the records.

Because the demon was taking the elevator instead of the stairs,while traveling to the apartment? Lol.

The overall effects to make-up was ok,but have seen it all before.. Could of skipped half the movie,yet still have known all that went on.

You never got decent character development for caring about anyone,by the time things really got going the credits rolled.. But again,without fresh ideas maybe it being fast-paced was good.

I guess.. Actors to acting was ok to also feeling over-the-top,but how are you supposed to act dead or scared.

If bored or needing a mindless popcorn flick,give this a watch otherwise find another option.

I haven't seen any of the previous Evil Dead movies. I judged this solely on its own merits. It's well made in many ways. It starts with a really cool opening scene that had my jaw dropped. And an epic opening title shot that reminded me of Fury Road's.

The entire movie is so loud and bombastic. You could say the same about the violence. It's brutal. I love that they take full advantage of the R-rating. It doesn't hold back. I liked all of the kill scenes and carnage.

So why didn't I like this more? I have no idea. I was having a decent time. But I wasn't fully engaged or attached. My mind wandered a couple times. I didn't care about the wellbeing of the characters. It doesn't feel like something I will revisit. There are a few dumb moments but nothing too egregious. I just wasn't that into it.

(1 viewing, opening Thursday UltraScreen 4/20/2023)