99 Cent Video FLASHBACK: Dead By Dawn: Exploring The Twisted Vision of Sam Raimi

Continuing precisely where ED II left off, 1993's Army of Darkness finds Ash (Bruce Campbell), his chainsaw, and broken-down automobile stranded in a medieval fantasy world circa 1300 A.D. Unfortunately, as is often the case in Hollywood, Raimi's third and most accessible installment is arguably his weakest. While sometimes innovative, Evil Dead III is clearly toned down in an effort to gain widespread appeal. Slapstick replaces shock and convention trumps innovation. Most importantly, the chaos that reigns supreme in films I and II is noticeably absent, leaving little in its wake besides ordinary film-making.

Unfortunately, by the release of ED III the acid trip that was The Evil Dead had come to a screeching halt. Whether he did so voluntarily or kicking and screaming, it is apparent that Raimi had catered to the forces of Tinsel Town (where, by the looks of things, he's prepared to stay). Sadly, by doing so he has compromised the unique vision that brought him to the dance in the first place.

Fans of Sam Raimi and the Evil Dead are encouraged to check out the 99 Cent Video Review Library of recommended books for capsule reviews of "The Evil Dead Companion" by Bill Warren and "If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor," by Evil Dead hero and king of the B movie actors, Bruce Campbell. To visit the Library, click: http://www.suite101.com/books.cfm/7301.

### END ###

Are you a fan of cult cinema? Then grab yourself a copy of our new E-Book: "Stranger Than Fiction: The 99 Cent Video Review Guide to The Most Bizarre and Intriguing Documentary Films Ever Made," available now from Suite101.com. Copies are available for download at: http://www.suite101.com/topic_page.cfm/4...

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic