Evil Dead II | 100 Movies Bucket List

 

This is a first-time watch, but also the fourth Evil Dead movie I've watched, because I haven't gone in order.

I wouldn't say I've absolutely loved any of the Evil Dead movies I've seen before this, but I am intrigued about this one. Not least because it's included on a list of classic horror movies and the first one isn't.

I have mixed feelings about this film, but I definitely liked it more than at least two of the other Evil Dead movies I've watched, so that's something!

It's really fascinating to have shots from the point of view of the entity. Watching the characters run away or be possessed from this point of view puts the audience right in the centre of the action. We're immediately invested.

Some of the visuals were a bit too out-there and fantastical for me, even if this is a fantastical film. They took me out of the moment and almost felt comedic (which could have been the intention). I read that stop-motion animation and prosthetics were used to create this imagery, and while it is very well done and original, I don't know if it worked for me in terms of allowing me to become truly invested in this story.

That being said, I really liked the actual design of the possessed. It's original despite being created so long ago, and it actually is scary and intimidating.

The performances are great. In particular, Bruce Campbell, who plays many scenes in the film with just himself and does an amazing, believable job!

Every time I write something about one of these films, even the one I liked, I say that the premise might just not be for me. And I think now I have to accept that - I'm never going to love one of these movies, and as much as I appreciate what this one was, I didn't love it and I didn't get anything from it.