REVIEW: New spin on “Evil Dead” scarier than original with less humor

Fans of the original “Evil Dead” series who have been waiting for the remake of the classic horror movie knew the film needed to be horrifying, disturbing, funny and needed to kick a lot of butt. Having seen the movie, I can safely say it lives up to this expectation and in some ways surpasses it.

The original “Evil Dead” series revolved around the protagonist Ash Williams, a goofy and at first, cowardly man. Throughout the movies he is forced to become braver because of the evils released by the Necrinomicon, a demonic book that releases evil spirits and possess Ash’s friends, turning them into evil dead or “deadites.” These movies have been known for being dark and gruesome, but having humorous moments, too.

The remake of “Evil Dead” is different in terms of plot line; the largest being that Ash Williams is no longer present. Instead, the story resolves around Mia, her brother David and three of their friends who travel to a secluded cabin to help Mia get over her drug addiction.

But they are not alone in the woods — something evil remains out there, waiting and hungering for them. When one of the friends accidentally releases it, it may be too late for the group to run. For evil lies within and without, and one way or another, it’ll eat your soul.

Remakes rarely, if ever, live up to the grandeur of the original, and “Evil Dead” is no exception. The movie is more horror oriented than it is horror/comedy, and some of the scares or plot devices are so obvious it’s almost ridiculous.

This does not mean “Evil Dead” is a bad movie. The scares and the horror are genuinely frightening, with tense moments that will have you gripping your seat.

The film has just the right amount of gore and disturbing content to feed any horror junkie, without being overdone. And finally, the acting and plot of the movie are solid in some places and brilliant in others. In comparison to some recent horror films, like “Sinister” or “Mama,” “Evil Dead” stands about a head taller than them.

Overall, I give this movie an 8.5 out of 10. While it is not original or frightening enough to be an A-list movie, it is still an excellent film and deserves both the accolades, and its box office success. “Evil Dead” has already netted over $13 million, and in the weeks to come, is likely to pull in more.

This movie won’t be a classic or monster sized horror movie, but it will be something gore fans and scream queens will enjoy for years to come.