Read User Reviews and Submit your own for The Evil Dead

8

Nesbitt10Oct 14, 2013

Nauseating and amusing in equal measure, "Evil Dead" is one horror movie that easily obtains its cult status, managing to surpass even your wildest imagination of gore and visceral violence. This is the first installment of the popular EvilNauseating and amusing in equal measure, "Evil Dead" is one horror movie that easily obtains its cult status, managing to surpass even your wildest imagination of gore and visceral violence. This is the first installment of the popular Evil Dead trilogy a low-budget, B-grade gore-fest horror film with the Stephen King quote-tagline: "the ultimate experience in grueling terror." A thinly scripted screenplay becomes a kaleidoscope of skewed camera angles and energetic panache under Raimi’s remarkably assured guidance and direction. His debut might be short on budget, but it’s hardly bereft of ideas or spirit.

Five Michigan State University students spend the weekend in a remote Tennessee cabin, and inadvertently unleash dormant, demonic, evil spirits. In the cellar of the cabin, they find an archaeologist's tape-recording describing the contents of the Naturon Demonto (Book of the Dead). Unaware they are unleashing demonic forces one by one they must fight off evil spirits, and avoid becoming demoniacally possessed.

It’s obvious that Raimi takes great pleasure in all of his demented material, and he’s eager to share it with an audience that’s left equally shocked and thrilled. "The Evil Dead" is much more of a straight horror movie than its successors, but it’s no less fun. Heads and arms are frequently severed, but it's all done in such a fun spirit, and in a over-the-top manner that it's difficult not to grin. "The Evil Dead" is at times genuinely creepy, due in part to the imaginative camera-work devised by Sam Raimi, and cinematographer Tim Philo. The "shaky cam" (in which the camera gave us the point-of-view of the demon rushing through the woods), became a staple of the Evil Dead series. Raimi and company empty the tank of all its gore, make-up, camera, and stop-motion tricks into an unforgettable, resounding success of entrepreneurial filmmaking.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

All this user's reviews

10

PvtJacksonJun 16, 2014

This extremely low-budget ($90,000–400,000) movie is undoubtedly a classic work in horror genre, with Bruce Campbell's performance being so scary and haunting that he is probably the first chainsaw psychopath in the long history of horrorThis extremely low-budget ($90,000–400,000) movie is undoubtedly a classic work in horror genre, with Bruce Campbell's performance being so scary and haunting that he is probably the first chainsaw psychopath in the long history of horror flicks. Sam Raimi did a marvelous job that with few characters, and but a small, going-to-the-dogs house, audiences witness what true fear is like, with everything around those young men turning to live demons and trying to make them one of theirs. Compared to many modern stupid, horror-free movies which happened to be considered horror films, The Evil Dead is like Godfather part 1 in horror genre… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

10

FanBoyCritic1Mar 24, 2016

Plot/Summary,The nominal plot involves five vacationing college kids -- Ash (Bruce Campbell), his girlfriend Linda (Betsy Baker), and their classmates Cheryl (Ellen Sandweiss), Scott (Hal Delrich) and Shelly (Sarah York) -- making anPlot/Summary,The nominal plot involves five vacationing college kids -- Ash (Bruce Campbell), his girlfriend Linda (Betsy Baker), and their classmates Cheryl (Ellen Sandweiss), Scott (Hal Delrich) and Shelly (Sarah York) -- making an unplanned stopover in an abandoned mountain cabin surrounded by impenetrable woods. Before settling in for the night, they come across an ancient-looking occult tome filled with dense hieroglyphics and macabre illustrations, a dagger fashioned from human bones, and a reel-to-reel tape recorder. The taped message, dictated by a professor of archaeology, describes the contents of the Sumerian "Book of the Dead," filled with incantations used to bring otherworldly demons to life, giving them license to possess the living.
My Review
It has been called many things great,awesome,best horror,best zombie film, original. And all i have to say is that is a classic that both horror fans and non fans should indeed watch. This is a horror film classic and boy am i glad i saw it. This film starts off as any horror film would, in a place where none of the characters of heard about but claim to have found out from a friend,and unleash evil. This is actually no one of my favorite horror films of all time. I put this at number four . This movie stars Bruce Campbell who plays Ash who gives the best performance out of the whole cast but my second favorite actor in this film is Hal Derich as Scott. This movie is so damn bloody and brutal and great and the atmosphere of this is also pretty amazing. This film is all out fun and a really great horror film but i have one small problem the ending. You get this ending where it's in first person and im guessing something's running to Ash and he screams but you don't know what happens it just ends like that,but hey they might explain in the evil dead 2 and despite my one problem i still give it a 5 out of 5.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

9

RenatoajmoraisMar 10, 2013

Ok, the actors are terrible (even Bruce Campbell), the special effects are terrible than the actors, but i don't care... Evil Dead is ridiculously funny!

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

3

gracjanskiFeb 7, 2021

Clearly outdated movie that looks ridiculously today. It lives from their gore effects, but they are looking so cheap today and there is nothing more of the movie: the story is simple, the characters superficial, the actors average.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

9

marcmyworksDec 8, 2013

Probably one of the best horror films ever made. The creepy yet cheesy nature of this film is totally of its time and yet remains timeless. This film stands as, in my opinion, the best in the series.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

8

FilmVirtueFeb 14, 2014

Equal both in violence and gore, Sam Raimi does not just capture the viewer in a world of violent horror, but engulfs them in a world of fantastically amazing cinema.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

10

frankrog29Dec 19, 2014

The Evil Dead is my favorite horror movie ever, and one of my favorite movies ever. The film was shot on a shoestring budget, and it shows. However, it's obvious that Sam Raimi did everything he possibly could with the small budget. TheThe Evil Dead is my favorite horror movie ever, and one of my favorite movies ever. The film was shot on a shoestring budget, and it shows. However, it's obvious that Sam Raimi did everything he possibly could with the small budget. The cinematography is ingenious and rivals that of Alfred Hitchcock's films in its ability to unnerve and unsettle. Also like Hitchcock, Mr. Raimi has the ability to create unbearable suspense. The movie is at once very humorous and very frightening. A lot of my friends who have seen it have dismissed it as humorous and not scary. I disagree though: it contains some truly shocking scenes and, if you suspend your disbelief and let it carry you away, it is seriously frightening.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

10

lukechristianscApr 8, 2014

"Bruce Campbell is the greatest chainsaw pyschopath ghost hunter i have ever seen ". Evil Dead is one of the best scariest movies of mankind there terrifying , brilliant horror movie thanks Sam Raimi for creating the scariest movie in"Bruce Campbell is the greatest chainsaw pyschopath ghost hunter i have ever seen ". Evil Dead is one of the best scariest movies of mankind there terrifying , brilliant horror movie thanks Sam Raimi for creating the scariest movie in the 80's . Grade A+… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

0

robomartionOct 25, 2022

Umm what? For some reason I was expecting something much better. This is garbage. No atmosphere or story whatsoever and its not even scary. Totally silly. I watched the Hills have Eyes recently and that was equally underwhelming. NeitherUmm what? For some reason I was expecting something much better. This is garbage. No atmosphere or story whatsoever and its not even scary. Totally silly. I watched the Hills have Eyes recently and that was equally underwhelming. Neither films live up to their cult status. At least John Carpenter's films still hold up, although whether you can call Halloween or the Fog scary is extremely debatable. But they have great music and atmosphere. I am yet to watch the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the jury is out whether that will also disappoint.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

9

ydnar4Nov 23, 2014

Evil Dead is one of the best horror movies ever made. It revolutionized the horror genre from here on out and is just as scary now as it ever was. Its too bad the other films are not as strong as the first.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

7

The3AcademySinsOct 23, 2018

The Evil Dead is a horror classic. This may have been one of the first "so-bad-it's-good" and "gore-or" movies that I ever saw as a kid, and the cheesy B-movie ness of it all has aged incredibly well. The scares stick with you, and some ofThe Evil Dead is a horror classic. This may have been one of the first "so-bad-it's-good" and "gore-or" movies that I ever saw as a kid, and the cheesy B-movie ness of it all has aged incredibly well. The scares stick with you, and some of the more slap-stick moments really inspired the rest of the franchise. This is a great movie, and an incredibly fun watch.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

9

gOct 22, 2016

Sam Raimi puts his the master of horror for Evil Dead becoming a banned but critically acclaimed success. This film is the birth of horror because it is the first film to put a style of steadycam, make-up FX and acting which is jump-scaring.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

5

GNantesJul 8, 2020

First time, that's three years ago, I enjoyed this movie due to its crude make-up and its handy violence. Surely, in the middle and up to the end, the gore pays the bill but, beyond that, I had the impression this movie loses the spark ofFirst time, that's three years ago, I enjoyed this movie due to its crude make-up and its handy violence. Surely, in the middle and up to the end, the gore pays the bill but, beyond that, I had the impression this movie loses the spark of some "true evil" going on within. Second time, last night, I found it really cheap, and I'm not talking about budget. Horror must be subtle, specially, so it can hit throw your soul. Anyway, this movie is neither great, nor boring, regular in its best, like a bulldozer doing the job against the impassiveness of a wall.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

10

Gloom-shroomMar 18, 2022

its totally something i mean bloody as **** random **** happening while the undead is happening i can't really tell you what i have experienced right now it was something tho

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

0

moschidaeJan 16, 2023

unprompted and unnecessary sexual assault scene in the first like, ten minutes of the movie permanently souring my experience followed by some of the most insane writing i have ever seen in a movie. The pacing of this film gave me theunprompted and unnecessary sexual assault scene in the first like, ten minutes of the movie permanently souring my experience followed by some of the most insane writing i have ever seen in a movie. The pacing of this film gave me the impression that half the movie was cut, genuinely baffling how a movie could be written this wildly NOT on purpose. This is honestly a movie best watched high, if you're stoned (and with friends) you will absolutely love this.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

9

Computey18Dec 25, 2022

A messed up movie that I love and in my opinion, the best movie of the Evil Dead Franchise.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

10

horcrux2007Sep 3, 2014

"The Evil Dead" is really one of the greatest horror films I've ever seen. It's scary, over-the-top, and just plain disturbing. The gore is over-the-top, and the film has a very creepy atmosphere. The cinematography is also amazing as well;"The Evil Dead" is really one of the greatest horror films I've ever seen. It's scary, over-the-top, and just plain disturbing. The gore is over-the-top, and the film has a very creepy atmosphere. The cinematography is also amazing as well; almost every shot is very beautiful and creepy to look at. I highly recommend it for any horror fan.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

All this user's reviews

10

kewlgeek555Nov 1, 2013

Evil Dead is a movie that truly makes you afraid of the woods. This movie has awesome scares, gore, and effects, though I don't see the laughs... Full Review Coming Soon.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

7

oDjentoMar 9, 2015

I thought this film was awesome and a great creative horror, but i didn't see it as highly rated as it is. Sam Raimi did an exceptional job making a great horror film with unique scares and some absolutely brilliant direction to create someI thought this film was awesome and a great creative horror, but i didn't see it as highly rated as it is. Sam Raimi did an exceptional job making a great horror film with unique scares and some absolutely brilliant direction to create some interesting scares and amazing suspense. However the actors and dialogue seemed a bit bad, but the one weird thing with the acting was when they were all together it looked really bad but when you had someone acting by them selves on the scene they actually did a really good job. The effects haven't aged well and that may take a tint bit away from the viewing experience but overall it's a brilliant horror film. One to pick up for sure but one that when it came out would probably have been received better. I'd give it a 7.5 overall.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

10

imthenoobNov 1, 2018

This is the definition of a cult classic and for good reason. Evil Dead is unique and insanely fun to watch. If you are a horror fan, This is a must watch.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

MANIAinifinetMar 19, 2013

All right let me get this straight, The Evil Dead is not a good movie. However like most old horror movies it is incredibly entertaining to watch and look back at what was actually scary for the time and laugh about it.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

4

akshatmahajanOct 24, 2020

Sam Raimi's debut "The Evil Dead" is a good horror movie. Maybe it is due to small budget of $375,000 that the quality was bad and effects looked fake by today's standards. It could have been much much better. The actors were alsoSam Raimi's debut "The Evil Dead" is a good horror movie. Maybe it is due to small budget of $375,000 that the quality was bad and effects looked fake by today's standards. It could have been much much better. The actors were also inexperienced. None of them did good acting. It all looked fake. Only the story was strong and different. The pace was good and running time was also enough.

Overall, the movie was great for that time (1981) but if you are willing to watch it today (2020) you may not enjoy it.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

TuneisonAug 26, 2018

The Evil Dead us one of cheesiest and, stupidest horror films ever made. However it comes from a place of heart, so to speak, The heart of Sam Raimi. This is an absolutely amazing piece of cinema that is good but, not great. I can't reallyThe Evil Dead us one of cheesiest and, stupidest horror films ever made. However it comes from a place of heart, so to speak, The heart of Sam Raimi. This is an absolutely amazing piece of cinema that is good but, not great. I can't really describe it to you.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

0

CalibMcBoltsMay 30, 2016

I'm sorry, i will keep this review short because i do not want to write about this film. 1981's The Evil Dead is by far the worst film i've seen in months. (I dont watch many bad films, so it doesnt say much, but still)
I am baffled by theI'm sorry, i will keep this review short because i do not want to write about this film. 1981's The Evil Dead is by far the worst film i've seen in months. (I dont watch many bad films, so it doesnt say much, but still)
I am baffled by the fairly high scores here and on IMDb, i thought this movie was neither funny nor scary at all. (Except the awfully cheap jump scares, which is just a talentless way of scaring the audience) The acting is horrendous and hammy, there is no atmospheric tension, (Halloween is the best example of how atmospheric tension should be done, that movie has barely any blood or kills, but it's 10 times more unsettling and scary than The Evil Dead) the movie scares solely rely on jump scares and gore, which is the worst kind of horror, the plot is extremely simple yet it has so many plot holes, the solution to the film's main problem is abominable, the pacing is poor and so is the structure/ outline of the story. It is cheesy, silly and poorly made, with awful acting and many filming and continuity errors.

The only things i do have an admiration for are the good makeup and special effects considering the limited budget it had.

This is the first of the Evil Dead Trilogy (The Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, and Army of Darkness) i've seen, and i want to watch them all, but this did not make me excited to see more.… Expand

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

All this user's reviews

7

TheQuietGamerOct 13, 2014

Some of the goriest, sickest, and meanest horror I've ever watched. This blood-soaked movies greatest strength is that you almost never know what's coming up next. Something more modern horror movies fail at. It's sets you up for a terrifyingSome of the goriest, sickest, and meanest horror I've ever watched. This blood-soaked movies greatest strength is that you almost never know what's coming up next. Something more modern horror movies fail at. It's sets you up for a terrifying ride in the beginning with it's creepy camera angles and slow-building tension, but once things get going I found that it really wasn't a scary movie. At least not in my opinion. Still it's some old-school horror goodness that feels much more fresh than the more modern horror offerings out there today. At the very least it's worth watching for the stomach-churning gore alone. An overall enjoyable and fun horror movie. My total score for it is a 7.3/10.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

All this user's reviews

7

mds03Mar 31, 2013

It was good but not great like everyone thinks. I really did like it though. The movie really knows how to scare the heck out of you and at the same time make you laugh hysterically at how ridiculous it is. It's definitely good enough to buy.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

9

robertoiglesiasNov 6, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I simply love The Evil Dead(1983). Five teens go to a cabin where recorded tape releases evil and cruel demons from the infamous Book of the Dead. And Ash Williams is in this film and is a great hero.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

10

Spyfighter5000Apr 11, 2013

A great haunting and original film. It's home to some great special effects and camera work a long with Joseph LoDuca's extremely frighting and eerie soundtrack. Still one of Sam Raimi's greatest film making achievements to date.