Licking their wounds form the failure of “Crimewave” made the decision the revisit the seemingly sleepy cabin in the woods easy. With a little help from the Film Gods, Dino De Laurentus, whose name is synonymous with quality(occasionally), gave the cash infusion Rami and company needed to jump start the film.

If you saw the first film, the plot is real familiar. A fact that some might have thought was the product of creative bankruptcy. Little did we know that the ‘re-imagining’ of films would become a trend that would rule the cinema. The major differences here are the severe shift in tone and the evolution of Ash. “Evil Dead” wanted to make you squirm in your seat. “Evil Dead II” seemed like it wanted you to not only squirm, but double over in laughter. Rami finally gave into his Three Stooges weaned sense of humor and created the perfect marriage of horror and comedy. As for Ash, the “cowardly wimp” evolved into a reluctant hero. I know I’d be willing to follow anyone with a chainsaw for a hand and a mighty boomstick.

There are moments in anyone’s youth that are emblazoned on their psyche. My fist time with “Evil Dead II” is one of them. I had to share it with every person I knew. Soon it would become the meter stick by which I would measure the true character of anyone I knew. If you can’t enjoy this film, I don’t want to know you.

Rami took the genesis of his ideas on camera perspective and took them to the next level. The camera moved at dizzying speeds and created intensity that was felt even through the small screen of my television. The eager crew at KNB (Robert Kurtzman, Greg Nicotero, Howard Berger) created effects that bridged the gap between horrific and hilarious.

This is that film that truly began the legend of Bruce Campbell. The wise cracking sensibility of Ash 2.0 fit Cambell like a glove. Although, considering how much Rami is renowned for taking a sadistic please in putting his leads through the ringer physically, Bruce may not have been acting.

The stars truly aligned when Rami and company gathered to shoot. How else do you explain the merchandise, websites, and literature that was spawned from “Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn”. This movie is superior to the original in that it captured the imagination of its viewers. You’re brain is scarred not only with the visuals, but simple and effective dialogue that walks the fine line between cheesy and brilliant. “Evil Dead II” is a must see for all people who consider breathing necessary.

Review by Garth Thatchuk