“Evil Dead” is directed by first time director Fede Alvarez. The film is aptly referred to as a rebirth instead of a remake of the 1981 classic directed by Sam Raimi of the the original “Evil Dead” trilogy, starring the legend Bruce Campbell. (otherwise known as Ash Williams whose catchphrase in the series was “groovy.”)

The film is about the iconic story about a group 5 of friends, Mia (Jane Levy), David (Shiloh Fernandez), Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci), and Natalie (Elizabeth Blackmore) who go to a cabin in the woods. Once there, one of the characters finds and reads from the Naturo Demonte, a book bound in flesh and inked in blood that was hidden in the cellar. Demons are summoned who posses the the friends and they have to fight for survival.

The beginning scene in the movie opens with an exclamation point. It sets the mood for the film as serious and is a taste of the brutality that soon follows.

After the beginning of the film, it struggles slightly for about 10-15 minutes, but then quickly escalates like a roller-coaster and becomes very thrilling. The violence is extremely realistic and over the top, much like its 1981 counterpart. The scares are impressive and very old-school in their approaches when it comes to the brutality. All the actors in the movie have their time to shine in the film and bring out very good and realistic performances.

Unlike a lot of film studios who make remakes of horror films with barely any heart, and whose only purpose is to cash in on previously known and successful film properties, “Evil Dead” stands high above from other past and recent horror series revivals.

The film was made for the fans and is an incredible introduction for newcomers as well. There are many yell out loud moments, and the climax of the film was a huge bloodfest that will make you want to scream, “Hell, yes!” There are many references to the the 1981 original and there is a special post-credits scene for the fans of the original series that will make them smile and applaud with glee.

Overall, this film not only lives up to the original, but raises the bar for on screen violence gore and spectacle in mainstream horror movies. I don’t just recommend it, I praise it with the highest degree.

Evil Dead is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore, some sexual content and language. It runs for 91 minutes.