Is Evil Dead Rise The Revival We Need Or One To Avoid?

Cult classics do something that other movies can't: they last for generations. While some have risen to new levels of fame, others have managed to keep a firm grip on their original audience, who will go to just about any length to protect their beloved. The 'Evil Dead' franchise is no exception. Forcing horror and comedy in ways no one ever asked for was just the beginning.

While the first movie hit the big screen in 1981, 'Evil Dead Rise' hopes to pull the franchise into the 21st century with ease. Is 'Evil Dead Rise' the revival we need or one to avoid? Thankfully, it takes the original theme of the franchise and gives it a highly-anticipated makeover in all the right ways.

Evil Dead Rise offers a fresh spin on the franchise

Being the fight movie in a franchise can instantly make some feel 'Evil Dead Rise' has already outstayed its welcome. Thankfully, that's far from the case, as the movie puts a fresh spin on it all from the get-go. Instead of sticking to a lone cabin in the woods, the film opens with an A-frame house that wouldn't look out of place in the sprawling meadows of 'Midsommar.' While the occupants are yet to find the Necronomicon, it doesn't take long for everything to kick off, all while subverting the usual expectations of such a gory film. You might even go as far as saying the new take is groovy.

The movie begins much like every other on offer

Starting in Los Angeles might seem like a strange choice to some fans, but 'Evil Dead Rise' doesn't take long to get going. Beth (played by Lily Sullivan) is a guitar technician who's visiting her estranged sister Ellie (played by Alyssa Sutherland) after touring abroad. Of course, they're not alone, as Ellie's three children, Kassie (played by Nell Fisher), Bridget (played by Gabrielle Echols), and Danny (played by Morgan Davies), are also set to take center stage when an earthquake hits. As well as being trapped on the top floor of the home, it's enough to unearth some familiar ancient artifacts.

Evil Dead Rise offers plenty of nods to the 1981 classic

Director Lee Cronin knows a thing or two about the original 1981 'Dead Rising,' as he's incorporated all the sweeping camera angles and swoops you need to feel right at home in the franchise. The cracked concrete and broken buildings of the city quickly show why a change of location was perfect for this revival, with plenty of other nods to the original along the way. As well as adding a 'Nightmare on Elm Street' joke that shows Cronin's understanding of the genre, 'Evil Dead Rise' helps to make the images even more nightmarish than ever before while still adding the perfect blend of comedy and horror.

The casting couldn't be much better in the revival

It can be easy for horror movies to jump into the gore without getting to know the characters. Still, having such an excellent cast for it all means it's hard not to fall for the leading ladies. The only time things start to falter in the story is when we forget what's at stake as the events unfold, but it's easy to fall back into the natural family dynamic that develops on the big screen. Plus, being in the city means we get the addition of some side characters that help add even more substance to an 'Evil Dead' movie.

A blend of comedy and horror sees Evil Dead Rise shine

Although 2013's take on 'Evil Dead' was meant to be a reimagining of the 1981 classic, it seemingly forgot about the comedy along the way and instead rammed horror into the eyes of anyone close enough to reach. It was spine-chilling and had some incredible effects, but it lacked what the original gave the world. That's where 'Evil Dead Rise' comes in. Now, the humor is back to take those violent visuals and turn them into something that have you wondering how you're meant to feel.

Is Evil Dead Rise the revival we need?

In a word, yes. Sure, nothing will ever quite be the 1981 original, but there is something about 'Evil Dead Rise' that just leaves audiences wanting more. The balance between comedy and horror teamed with the even sharper-tonged Deadite means there is plenty of room for another sequel without the franchise feeling oversaturated or overdone. There will always be the ones that refuse to accept anything other than the original, but 'Evil Dead Rise' could be the thing we need to see the franchise taken to exciting new heights.

Is 'Evil Dead Rise' the revival we need or one to avoid? If you're a fan of the franchise or simply want something different from the usual gore-fest we're so used to seeing on the big screen, there’s something for everyone in the latest installment of the franchise.