I am not a fan of the new Evil Dead. As a horror movie it’s not the worst, but I don’t consider it a worthy entry into the franchise. And no, it wasn’t because no Ash (that made plenty of sense), or updated story elements (the story worked fine) or horrible actors (they were all at least passable). No, my issue with the movie comes down to one very important aspect: the Deadites.
“DEAD BY DAWN!” “I’ll swallow your soul!” “You’re just a little goody two-shoes! Little goody two-shoes! Little goody two-shoes!” These a but a few of the memorable gems spoken by Deadites in the first three films. And here is the most memorable thing said by one in the new one:
“…(groaning noises).”
The Deadites aren’t just zombies. They’re thinking, manipulative creatures that try and make their victims go mad so they’ll be easier to possess. In the new film they’re just mindless
zombies biting and clawing to infect the cabin-dwellers. It loses so much of the flavor that it’s no longer an Evil Dead Film.
I can understand chucking the humorous elements of the Deadites to try and make the film more serious. Horror/comedy is a fine line to walk, and most who try fail at it. But there was a scene at the end of this trailer that managed to do it!
Those lines are direct quotes from the first movie, delivered well and are extremely creepy. Why the hell did they cut it from the film? That tiny taste of personality would have gone a long way towards getting fans on its side!
One Deadite does talk a bit near the end of the film, but it’s nothing more than expository dialogue delivered without style. The personality in this film comes from the human actors and nowhere else. Once they turn, you might as well turn it off.
It has been said that this film takes place in the same universe as the others, and may even be a direct sequel with some of the actors secretly playing Ash William’s kids. There’s also talk of another movie tying the events of this (and any subsequent reboot-y films) in with Army of Darkness and Bruce Campbell returning as Ash. If that’s true, I’ll feel better about this movie, but not great. Not unless it’s said that these creatures aren’t Deadites, or are a brainless subsect, or even Ash saying “They just don’t make Deadites like they used to.” SOME acknowledgment that there is a concrete difference between these things and the real Deadites.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to practice my demonic laughter and getting my head chainsawed off by my husband.
“DEAD BY DAWN!” “I’ll swallow your soul!” “You’re just a little goody two-shoes! Little goody two-shoes! Little goody two-shoes!” These a but a few of the memorable gems spoken by Deadites in the first three films. And here is the most memorable thing said by one in the new one:
“…(groaning noises).”
The Deadites aren’t just zombies. They’re thinking, manipulative creatures that try and make their victims go mad so they’ll be easier to possess. In the new film they’re just mindless
zombies biting and clawing to infect the cabin-dwellers. It loses so much of the flavor that it’s no longer an Evil Dead Film.
I can understand chucking the humorous elements of the Deadites to try and make the film more serious. Horror/comedy is a fine line to walk, and most who try fail at it. But there was a scene at the end of this trailer that managed to do it!
Those lines are direct quotes from the first movie, delivered well and are extremely creepy. Why the hell did they cut it from the film? That tiny taste of personality would have gone a long way towards getting fans on its side!
One Deadite does talk a bit near the end of the film, but it’s nothing more than expository dialogue delivered without style. The personality in this film comes from the human actors and nowhere else. Once they turn, you might as well turn it off.
It has been said that this film takes place in the same universe as the others, and may even be a direct sequel with some of the actors secretly playing Ash William’s kids. There’s also talk of another movie tying the events of this (and any subsequent reboot-y films) in with Army of Darkness and Bruce Campbell returning as Ash. If that’s true, I’ll feel better about this movie, but not great. Not unless it’s said that these creatures aren’t Deadites, or are a brainless subsect, or even Ash saying “They just don’t make Deadites like they used to.” SOME acknowledgment that there is a concrete difference between these things and the real Deadites.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to practice my demonic laughter and getting my head chainsawed off by my husband.
No comments:
Post a Comment