[8]

This is more of a remake than a sequel, but most fans agree that it tops the original. Director Sam Raimi continues his imaginitive use of camera angles and movement, sound effects, and low-budget visual effects, but the winning ingredient is returning star Bruce Campbell. It’s in this film that the character of Ash begins to take on the status of horror movie legend. I especially love the sequence where Campbell battles his own possessed hand. As evil spirits drive Ash insane, Campbell rises to the challenge. The joy of these Evil Dead movies is watching how madness transforms Ash. Before the end of Dead by Dawn, he’s armed with chainsaw and sawed-off shotgun and ordering soul-swallowing demons to “Eat it”. If only we could all be so groovy under pressure.