HOLLYWOOD—The 1980s was not the best decade for horror pictures.  If anything, it was the decade of countless knockoffs, but there was a tiny picture named “The Evil Dead” that stood out amongst the bunch.  Fast-forward nearly 30 years later and we have the remake to that 1981 classic that starred Bruce Campbell (Ash) and was directed by Michigan State University alum Sam Raimi.

This frightening tale is not for the faint of heart, as some twisted imagery and unexpected frights will keep audiences literally on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This tale unlike its predecessor focuses on a group of young adults who ventures into the woods for a weekend getaway to help a friend, Mia (Jane Levy) kick a bad drug habit.

It’s in the woods that they stumble upon a mysterious book that contains weird phrases and stunning images.  Like almost every character in any horror flick someone inevitably reads from the book even after being warned not to do so. Cue, the entrance of strange sounds and some weird sightings that will freak out not just the characters on the screen, but the audience.

This is hands down one of the most visually appealing horror flicks I’ve seen in a long time.  The freakish occurrences only heighten the horror that is being depicted on the screen. Some things are quite gruesome to say the least.  You will turn away from the screen, no matter how strong of a stomach you may have, but that’s the fun of “Evil Dead.”

Director Fede Alvarez brings such a dark tone to the movie. This remake in my opinion surpasses the original in the intensity department; you’re expected to take what is happening as very serious and not a joke and the audience becomes engrossed with these characters. Other notable players in the picture include David (Shiloh Fernandez) who is Mia’s brother, Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci) who unleashed the Necronomicon, Olivia (Jessica Lucas) and Natalie (Elizabeth Blackmore).

Alvarez participated in writing the screenplay alongside Oscar-winner Diablo Cody.  The dialogue is well crafted amongst the terrified young adults and the progression of the picture’s plot is well-shaped.  Audiences may enter the theater with an idea of how the movie will turn out, but may be surprised with what actually takes place.  The suspense factor is a critical element to the success of the movies unexpected frights and screams.

It’s hard to generate fear in horror nowadays because if you’ve seen one horror flick you’ve seen them all, but “Evil Dead” takes a 80s classic and makes it appeal to die-hard fans as well as to a new generation. It’s a treat to watch, trust me!

By LaDale Anderson