This part remake of and sequel to the cult horror classic The Evil Dead is a standout in the horror genre due to its unique combination of intense violence and slapstick madness.
The film focuses on a group of people led by the clumsily heroic Ash (Bruce Campbell), who mistakenly conjures up a flesh possessing evil spirit after playing a recorded translation of the Book of the Dead. Stuck in a remote cabin deep in the woods, Ash and company must survive the night before they are consumed by the evil spirit, with bodily dismemberment the only cure for those who become possessed.
Evil Dead II exceptionally blends comedy, thrills, and gore, while also solidifying Sam Raimi as a gifted and innovative director who has crafted a film chock full of manic camera angles whilst featuring an innovative and ferocious tracking shot.
A bravura performance is put on by B-movie king and man with the golden chin Bruce Campbell, who's combined over the top theatrics and expressive features, creates a wild comedic energy and perhaps cemented Ash as cinemas greatest bumbling hero. Campbell also displays a spectacular talent for physical comedy, with one key scene displaying this trait as Campbell beats himself up with wild blows and smashes plates over his head whilst he ensues in a battle to the death with his own hand (which is possessed by the evil force). This scene ends with Campbell severing his own hand with a chainsaw, which is not as bad as it sounds considering the violence is so outlandishly over the top that it almost comes off as cartoonish in execution. Be warned, though, since copious amounts of blood flows violently from all directions in this film.
The pace never lets up, as Raimi and editor Kaye Davis increase the tension at the right moments to provide sufficient scares. Mark Shostrom provides exceptional make-up effects, and the sound department does a dynamite job as well. The films biggest flaw lies within its heavy reliance on the special effects of its time, with particular mention to the films stop motion animation which seriously dates the film.
Yet this does not take away the fact that Evil Dead II is one of the most unique horror movies ever made, which contains an open ended, bizarre conclusion that will leave the viewer craving for more.