Should they have woke this series up from the “Dead”? lol

Growing up, hearing the title “Evil Dead” conjured images of a chainsaw-wielding hero navigating a twisted mix of horror and comedy. So, when I finally stayed up late to watch “Evil Dead Rise,” I was eager to see how the franchise had evolved. Here’s what went down.

The Setup
The movie kicks off like a classic horror flick in a secluded forest cabin, where two girls and a boyfriend prepare for what seems like a fun weekend. But soon, one girl starts acting strangely, and chaos ensues. Without giving away too much, the intro is at least a bright spot in an otherwise muddled narrative.

Shifting Focus
Next, we meet Beth, who’s on the road with a band and just discovered she’s pregnant. The scene then shifts to a chaotic family in an apartment complex—big brother Caleb blasting music, big sister Bridget on a shirt hunt, and little sister Kassie causing mischief. Their mother, Ellie, is the glue holding it all together.

Family Drama
The plot dives into the strained relationship between sisters Beth and Ellie. Ellie’s divorce and her frustrations with Beth for not being there for support add layers of tension, but the development feels rushed. We’re left with two key issues:

1. Numerous references to Ellie and Beth’s problematic mother lack depth; no flashbacks or explanations are provided.
2. The pacing is off; the horror elements overshadow the character development.

The Unfolding Horror
As the kids head out for pizza in the rain, an earthquake opens a hole in the garage, revealing a vault. Caleb, intrigued, finds old records, a mysterious book, and a coffin covered in crosses. Ignoring the warning signs, he takes the book upstairs, and things spiral out of control when his blood accidentally spills on it. Cue the mayhem.

All Hell Breaks Loose
As Caleb plays the vinyls, a spirit wreaks havoc, leading to the possession of their mother and a frantic fight for survival. The film takes some odd twists—like the inconsistency in possession rules that leave viewers scratching their heads.

Beth, now positioned as the protector, faces off against her possessed sister while the movie leans into familiar tropes. A particularly corny moment occurs when Kassie tells Beth, “You’re going to be a good mom.” It feels forced and out of place.

Final Thoughts
Honestly, I struggled to stay engaged. “Evil Dead Rise” is filled with gore and questionable CGI—think demons crawling like Spider-Man. It feels like a stretched-out short film with weak ties to the original. Despite some potential, the film ultimately leaves viewers wanting.

Rating: 6.3/10

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Share Your Thoughts!

What did you think of “Evil Dead Rise”? Did it live up to the legacy of its predecessors, or was it a letdown? Let me know in the comments below!