In 1992, Director Sam Raimi ended his Evil Dead Trilogy with the practical effects extravaganza known as Army Of Darkness (Originally titled Bruce Campbell Vs. Army Of Darkness).
This time instead of releasing the film independently, like the first two, Army Of Darkness was distributed through
Universal Studios, making it the only studio film out of the three. Using like
humor of Monty Python and The Three Stooges, the concept for Army Of Darkness was supposed to be the
sequel to 1981’s The Evil Dead, but
the recourses weren’t there at the time. So, what was then-called Medieval Dead was put on hold and Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn (1987) was
made as a middle film. Army was made
for a PG-13 rating, hence why there’s not nearly as much gore as the prior two
flicks. However, as ridiculous as it is, the MPAA gave the film an NC-17
rating! So after editing nothing, the film was resubmitted and garnered an R
rating. People involved in the making of Army
wonder if the film would have been gorier had Raimi known the MPAA was going to
screw the film in the end anyway. Some even assume that the MPAA deliberately
put the boots to Raimi because of him bypassing them and releasing the first
two films unrated. Either way, it doesn’t matter because since the studio
didn’t want the film’s title to have Evil
Dead in it, fans didn’t identify it as a sequel in the series. In effect,
it failed miserably at the box-office and was pulled from theaters quicker than
you could say “boomstick”. However, the film has since become an immediately
recognizable cult classic thanks to word of mouth and home video releases…
WRITER(S)- Sonny Laguna, David Liljeblad, and Tommy Wiklund
STARRING- Patrik Almkvist, Lisa Henni, and Patrick Saxe
DIRECTOR- Sonny Laguna and Tommy Wiklund
Synopsis taken from IMDb
Ida and Albin are a happy couple. They set off to a cabin in the vast Swedish woodlands to have a fun holiday with their friends. But under the floorboards waits an evil from Sweden's dark past.
A friend of mine gave me the title of this film, and told me it's the Swedish version of "The Evil Dead" (1981). Upon hearing which, I quickly found this flick and had to give it a watch. Those of you who read my reviews from time to time know that I'm obsessed with "The Evil Dead" series. So, telling me this is similar to the films I love so much isn't going to get any sort of reaction out of me other than me rushing to watch it.
Reading up on it, I came to discover that a lot of miss information has been spread about this movie, mostly by Swedish newspapers which stated that it was the first Swedish zombie film. False. The first Swedish zombie film is 2005's "Die Zombiejager". However, while reading, I found a quote from a critic stating that this is "the film that 'Evil Dead' 2013 should have been." So of course, my interest was only piqued even more.
What is clearly a low-budget production, opens with a paranoid and gory beginning. Right from the go, you know what type of motion picture you're in for. It's got balls like the original "Evil Dead", and isn't afraid to go to new lengths of brutality. About a minute into it, I knew I was going to like it. It was a little eerie watching such a crazy flick late at night, by myself. But, it's not scary.
Although the plot is far from original or inventive, it managed to keep me enthralled. Though, there's a lot of predictability, it's still a very fun watch for those who love their violence with an abundance of gore. You can smell the influence that Sam Raimi's classic has had on this entire project, and some can even say that this is a foreign remake. The lead character even has a blue button-up shirt on, and other obvious nods to Bruce Campbell's portrayal of the hero, Ash Williams.
There are differences though, such as, what's in the basement isn't a creepy book and a shotgun with some ammo. Instead, it's a Vittra. A nature spirit that lives underground and one of the animistic elements of the Norse religion. Again, while not scary, there is a level of creepiness to this creature and the entire film.
The only problem is, if you've seen the "Evil Dead" series, then you know what to expect from this. It doesn't really offer anything new that's worth mentioning. It's just very graphic and bloody. It's definitely a gore flick, for sure. There's not much story or character development, much like the "Evil Dead"remake. There's just a ton of chaos and confusion spread amongst characters.
My criticism would be that while I appreciate a good homage to a classic movie, you also need to have something of your own to offer. And this is one of those films where you've seen what's in it before several times over. I'm sure for the Swedish population who haven't ever seen "The Evil Dead", that this is something mind blowing to them. However, to me and the rest of us, this is just a fun rehashing.
So, if you're in the mood to see a bunch of young adults turn on each other due to possession, and start hacking each other up with various weapons, you should probably check this out. For those of you who have the "been there, done that" attitude, you're probably better off sitting this one out. I don't think there are too many positive things someone with that mentality will have to say about it.
Not the best thing I've ever seen, but I am definitely a fan. To me, it's fun seeing other cultures take a stab at this type of thing. And it's a testament to how Sam Raimi's original film is still as influential as ever, and one of the greatest horror films ever made.
STARRING- NATASHA CALIS, JEFFERY DEAN MORGAN AND KYRA SEDGWICK
DIRECTOR- OLE BORNEDAL
Synopsis taken from IMDb
A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicious ancient spirit. The girl's father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child.
This was a film I was extremely excited to see. Going to see it was actually a late birthday present, so I'm thankful for that. And it didn't turn out to be a bad gift at that.
Anything with Sam Raimi's name tagged on it in any way has my vote and I'm bound to go see. So for this one I was hoping I could see a good possession movie for once.
The movie starts off with us seeing a wooden, creepy box and we're hearing a raspy old woman's voice coming from it. Speaking in what appeared to be a muffled language.
There's an old woman starring at the box in terror. She proceeds to grab a baseball bat and attempt to sneak up on the box. However, the box senses the attack and causes a gust of wind to throw the woman across the house and slam her face into tables and making her fold in unnatural ways.
Her son arrives at her doorstep only to see the aftermath and we here him scream.
The movie picks up with us seeing the Dad, Clyde, (Jeffery Dean Morgan) pick up his two daughters for the weekend and thus introducing us to the fact that the family is broken and separated. Dad is then told not to feed his daughters pizza, only healthy food. He swears to follow instructions.
That night they have pizza and have fun as a family making shadow puppets on the walls and laughing, enjoying the time together.
The next day after stopping at a yard sale, Em, Clyde's youngest daughter is intrigued by a wooden box and wants it. We learn that the yard sale is from the house in the beginning with the old woman and her son is the one selling the stuff. Clyde allows her to get it thinking it is only a simple wooden box. Not knowing it's power. This part was particularly because after buying the box Em looks in the window of the house to see the old woman from the beginning of the film in bandages from head to toe. And when the woman sees the box she starts flipping out requiring having to be restrained.
That night Em is restless and tries to open the box although it appears to have no seems, it wasn't intended to be open. She finds the way to open it and does so. Searching through it's contents to see weird trinkets and miscellaneous items. She closes the box and goes to sleep.
The next day almost as if it were instantly, Em starts to feel ill and not like herself. And we start to see some strange behavior.
Clyde walks in on Em looking into her new mysterious box, only the reflection isn't hers. It's of what looks like an older lady with white eyes. Clyde turns Em around to see she's normal and fine and you can see in his gut that he knows somethings wrong.
Em's behavior starts becoming out of control. They start to see horrible attitude from her and know she's not feeling like herself.
She stabs Clyde in the hand with her fork at breakfast for him raising her voice at her for how rough she was being with eating her pancakes. He sends her to her room.
Then Em's older sister, Hannah, sees the house infested with flying insects I believe they say is moths but they don't look like moths. And after getting Clyde they both discover the source of them infesting the house is from under Em's door. Upon opening the door they see Em sitting on her bed calm as the bugs fly all around her. Clyde gets her out of the house and calls the exterminator.
Her next act-up is when she starts smacking herself and blaming Clyde of doing to to make Hannah believe her and turn against Clyde since Clyde decided that Em shouldn't have the box. Em runs from the house in the middle of the night and is mysteriously heading toward the box's direction, only there's no way she could know where he put it.
We see her open the box and talk to an invisible being and she begins to sound panicked and scared. We then see her scream as a moth flies down her throat.
After this incident the girls' mom and Clyde's ex- wife Stephanie, files a claim to refused visitation rights against Clyde and blaming him for this incident.
Clyde takes the box to some Jewish men who can identify the box for him. He goes to them after researching some possession videos and articles online. The Jewish men are scared and intimidated by the box and are unwilling to help him. They do say however, that the box is from the early 1820's and that the box contains a demon that wants life and that was held in that box as prisoner. That's also why it wasn't intended to be opened. The demon is known as the taker of children.
Clyde then goes by the house, against the registrations regulations and goes into Em's room and reads her a passage from the bible. After she turns and looks at him the bible is then thrown from his hands and into the wall.
Em takes her anger out on her mom's new boyfriend who's making himself to comfortable for her. So she gives him an evil, aggressive stare and causes his teeth to fall out. He gets in his car and drives off.
Stephanie takes her daughter to get some tests done on her to figure out the problem, alot like in The Exorcist (1973). However, these test results show that their is someone else inside Em and it shows up on the X-ray machine looking sinister and threatening. It is taking claim of Em. It wants her life.
There's a particular scene in this movie that stands out as creative but it's also one that's been shown on the commercials where Em is looking in her mouth with a flashlight and we see fingers come up her throat and touch her tongue.
The son of the old Jewish man Clyde saw decides to help him get the spirit out of Em and back intot he box.
Stephanie joins side with Clyde and they all work as a team and family with their other daughter, Hannah. And their friend Tzadok. Together they manage to threaten the demon and cause a violent outrage from the demon and it runs loose in the dark hospital. Clyde chases after her leaving the others behind and this led to the creepiest scene in the movie to me.
There's no light in the room but a red tint from an EXIT sign. Em is standing under it making weird noises and repeating "You hurt me daddy." over and over again until the light goes out completely and we get to the film's climax.
I loved this movie and I was so, so thankful that a good possession movie was made to try and ease the hurt The Last Exorcism and The Devil Inside left. This a good horror movie and a good possession movie. Especially for a PG-13 rating.
I thought the special effects were good and the story was totally original and it was good to see a fresh take on the possession angle. The acting was well done and sympathetic as well.
Today I had the pleasure of going to see The Evil Dead: The Musical for the 2nd time! After I saw it for the first time a few years ago I was convinced that was the last I'd ever see of it seeing as I live in the middle of nowhere. But I was wrong, and like any deadite would do, I jumped on the opportunity to see it again scoring front row seats. And it was the goriest it's ever been, especially for people in the "Splatter Zone" like myself.
Before I ever saw it in person I owned the CD of the original play and I must've listened to it 100 times. It's funny and endearing and pure fun. They captured the spirit of the greatest horror trilogy ever in a handful of well written songs.
The first time I went to The Evil Dead: The Musical was a great experience and I had the luxury of meeting the cast and having a few word before the show as well as having the entire cast sign my play program. It was one of the best things that could happen to a hardcore The Evil Dead fan like myself, and the fact that I got to go again was a blessing and an awesome early birthday gift.
There are such good songs on in this play! They're both funny and commanding. I've learned the words to the songs from listening to the album so much, but nothing compares to seeing and hearing it live.
"What The **** Was That?" is a hilarious song and regardless of how many times I hear it I always laugh. I mean, you have Ash and Scottie both singing a song about how the craziness going on. It's a funny tune and an seeing it performed really ices the cake.
"Stupid B****" is another song involving Scottie and Cheryl, Ash's sister. It's rude, over the top and a superb choice for a good laugh.
"Housewares Employee" is a song by Ash and Linda, and is actually one of the best songs, if not the best song on the soundtrack. It's not as comical as the others but it gets the point across with just enough humor and harmony to make it charming.
"Good Old Reliable Jake" is one of the funniest and most enjoyable songs due to how over-acted the part is. They deliberately make him a charismatic character who even steals a few scenes from other actors due to his humor and likability.
"Do The Necronomicon" is also one of my favorites because it's a good track and is one of the most visually stunning songs due to the deadites dancing and singing their anthem. It's quote: "Like the Timwarp but only better!"
"Blew That ***** Away" is the concluding song of the musical and is also one of it's gems. It is the re-enactment of the ending to Army Of Darkness, taking place in S-Mart. It's got a good rhythm and like all the others, is very funny.
There's a good handful of other songs that I didn't mention so I had to narrow it down to favorites or else I start rambling.
I was one of the "Splatter Zone" people who got to sit in the good seats allowing you to be in direct shot of the blood. For those of you who don't know, yes, the play has lots and lots of blood and they have not problem soaking the audience in it. I myself, was drenched. One of the prop girls even rubbed me down with blood as an early birthday gift. The goriest scenes were definitely at the end, it was an experience one doesn't forget.
It's one of the many things that separates this musical from others, but it's a great experience and very compelling. I plan on going again when they come around (if they come around...) again.
In conclusion, I think this play was a phenomenal idea and is something everyone who loves horror should experience at least once. It sums up the trilogy of greatness into an hour and fifty minute show, exposing the passion, fun, heart and true core of the Evil Dead saga, as well as the scares. In both of my times going the acting has also been on par and very diligently done. Good job to the actors and actresses.
I'll be keeping the clothes I wore to the play and I'll be keeping them unwashed in all their bloody glory. I made sure to wear a white shirt and safety goggles.
I was also very pleased that not only did I get to see this celebration of one of the greatest horror series' ever made for a second time, but I also got to take pictures as you see above. Sorry some are blurry. Lots of movement going on.
When and if the day comes when I get another opportunity to see this play again I'll be jumping on the opportunity again.
I've seen this movie several times and loved it. However it wasn't until last weekend that I've owned it and thus rewatched it. It had been a few years since I've watched it, so watching it again was like watching it for the first time. The gore and kill scenes are brutal. Hardcore. I loved it.
Although let me warn you that the fact that Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi's names are on the cover is only for publicity and promotion. Bruce Campbell is in the movie maybe all of 2 minutes. Sam, on the other hand has a small part, but still has a part unlike Bruce Campbell. So don't run to see this thinking it's a Bruce Campbell flick, it's not. Watch this movie if you want to see a good old fashioned slasher film.
Synopsis taken from IMDb
The ex-boyfriend of a check-out girl at a supermarket returns at closing time to make trouble. They quarrel and the boyfriend is ejected from the store. After they lock the building up to take inventory, the employees start dying off, and the survivors must eventually find a way to escape with their lives.
3 stars for me. Now, the trailer gives alot away about the movie and it's twist. Cheaply made trailer. So I don't advise you watch the trailer but I'll throw it in there for those of you who want to watch it anyway.
