Evil Dead 2

Image courtesy of Renaissance Pictures

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What is it with 70s and 80s horror films and creating a million sequels? Honestly, it is because they just did it better back then. That is until the 2020s came with an onslaught of incredible new horror franchises.

When you ask anyone to name a horror icon, they will likely call out a classic like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, or Freddy Krueger. However, those eras of horror bring a different kind of energy through cheesy practical effects, original stories, and iconic final girls.

Although the Evil Dead franchise is a bit more of a cult phenomenon these days, its campy nature launched a whole new facet to the horror genre. Sam Raimi actually has stated he pulled inspiration from the king of controversial filmmaking — John Waters.

While John Waters didn’t delve into horror, he always lived in absurdity. In the same vein, that is where Evil Dead is at its best. There is no feeling like watching these films with friends for the first time. However, the jaw-dropping insanity that ensues always delivers.

The first three films were able to capitalize on the 80s/90s goofiness in a way that Evil Dead (2013) could not. So I will be very curious to see how the new Evil Dead Rise (2023) film will do. It already has a level of camp from the trailers, and the gore will definitely be there as well.

However, I truly feel like these sequels will never capture the magic of the original three films.