Cady's Take:

Dead was shot with so much creativity and verve that it simply demands to be loved.
It stands as one of the most highly regarded low-budget horror films put to celluloid- a veritable cult classic. It will make the viewer regret that high budget films even exist. Gore enthusiasts will find PLENTY to revel in delight here.

Bruce Campbell stars in a career-defining role as Ashley, the poor sap who seems inexplicably resistant to the demonic powers, and who'll go to any length to fight them off. This film made Bruce Campbell "The King of the B-Movies" and a veritable cult icon. Rightly so: Campbell’s portrayal of our quintessential reluctant hero Ash is nothing short of phenomenal.

Evil Dead will captivate you. No one on this planet can say that it doesn't work as a great horror movie. It remains a terrific example of how you can make a really effective horror movie by using simple claustrophobic settings and frenzied, almost deranged camerawork.

Apart from the ill-advised trees-that-rape scene, "The Evil Dead" is by far, one of the greatest Classic Horror Films to date.

All I know about “Evil Dead” is that it is so freakin’ serious about being serious that it is hilarious. We a group of kids in need of a little R&R – Ashley is our hero and the only one that you really need to keep an eye on. They go to a creepy cabin in the woods and end up battling evil forces until daylight – some vacation! Ashley is the sole survivor and I would like to know how he explained going into the woods with his girl and his friends and coming back home alone, the others never heard from again. Maybe Ashley is such a stand-up guy no one considers he might have killed them? I suppose if this movie addressed this issue (among others) it would not be the campy horror flick it is.

Actually these adventurous teens have stumbled across a Book of the Dead (what rotten luck!) and instead of leaving it alone they decide to try a few incantations – who wouldn’t? – and the results are less than desirable. One of the girls is raped by a tree (um, yeah, a tree) and they all take turns being possessed (except Ashley of course). There is lots of bad dialogue, and the special effects are not really that special. I also have to give props to the costume/makeup department on this film because quite honestly I think my mom could make me a better demon costume. In fact, I think I will ask her to do so.

Now that I am done making fun of “Evil Dead” I urge you to go and rent it! Although there are some yucky scenes (like I said, this movie takes itself pretty seriously, even if we do not) this is pure B-movie enjoyment.