BAD MOVIE REVIEW: Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn (1987)

This movie is ridiculously awesome. I got the opportunity to see it at a midnight matinee a short while ago and I could not have been happier with the results. I'd seen the movie several times already but there's something about seeing it all on the big screen with a crowd of hardcore fans that really makes it all that more enjoyable.

There is only thing you need to know about this movie...Bruce Campbell. I'm sure the hairs on the back of your neck are tingling because that's what Campbell does. Anyway his performance is awesome as always. I think Ash's character gets massive definition in this movie. I enjoyed him in Evil Dead and Army of Darkness but it is here where I think he shines the most. His going insane, his kicking royal deadite ass, his continuous battle with being possessed, and that always enjoyable...groovy.

I swear I've never heard a crowd erupt more loudly in my entire life then the moment he said groovy. That is the power of Ash and that is the power of Bruce Campbell. It's just a word but when spoken by that man it just lights a fire inside like no other. There were numerous times throughout the film that the crowd went nuts but none like at that moment. You could actually FEEL everyone waiting in anticipation for him to say it. We all knew it was coming but still we waited and wanted to hear it.

Mr. Sam Raimi should not be without mention. His genious and brilliance behind a camera makes this whole thing work. His love of the Evil Dead (being the creator) and his just splendid camera shots make this movie so much more exciting. The camera moves around in such bizarre fashions that you'd never think it possible but there are some very cool shots that tend to show up repeatedly throughout his movies. He definately is a trademark director.  You probably know him from the Spiderman Trilogy.

The effects are pretty laughable. It's what gives the movie its charm. Don't get me wrong, they all look good and work perfectly, but the scene with the beheaded girlfriend wielding a chainsaw...hilarious. The scene with the torn up bridge...hilarious. Other than that, the make up effects are excellent. I would not have this movie any other way.

If you are unfamiliar with the Evil Dead films (including Army of Darkness) you really should be shot...or at least mamed with a chainsaw. What is wrong with you! These movies are brilliant. You probably should just go watch it anyway. Actually just buy them all, they're worth it. At the very least give it a shot and rent it from the store. They are truly a great set of films and I hope someday to see a 4th.