a Gorier and more disturbing, yet thoughtful, take on a tale told 4 times

Rating: 8/10 (15 April 2013)

I think it's a little sad when a poor publicity run with misleading critics quotes ruins a film for people. I never go in thinking this is going to scare the hell out of me. Out of every ten horror movies I watch... maybe 1 scares me, if that.
Most horror movies are more disturbing than scary, and this succeeded at being heavily disturbing. I think it was a great metaphor for addiction and withdrawal, and I saw that metaphor about rape killing you inside and leaving you a shell, that can be filled with anything. The original couldn't throw those metaphors into the mix and relied far more on being disturbing and gory and quirky. I think this was far more gory and disturbing than it was before, Plus it actually had a message, and had great acting and cinematography. You could pull 100 stills from this film and have amazing images. Blood pouring. Arm hanging. Face licking. Images you may never forget.
Sure, it lost some of the humor, but I frankly never found the first Evil Dead as very funny. I found this 2013 rendition's setting extremely dark and hopeless, and that's what addiction really feels like. Since this is the 3rd time Within The Woods was re told... I think it finally came to a point where it's more than a horror movie. It's something that deserves dissection and thoughtful discussion. Unfortunately, far too many horror fans just want the tits, blood, and violence or the nostalgia of something other people aren't cool enough to enjoy. I personally can enjoy the 52nd adaption of Alice in Wonderland, as well as the 8th, or the 20th, and I don't have a problem with admitting it. Good story telling never gets old and no adaption is perfect.
This film may not be in your top 5 scariest films list, but it sure works. Beware though, it's something that will sit with you, whether you like it or not.