rah604 Reviews

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

'The Long Kiss Goodnight'

[7/10 · 22 May 2004]

Here's an action movie done with sass and style. Geena Davis plays Samantha Caine, a schoolteacher living with her daughter and charming boyfriend. The thing is that eight years ago, Samantha was struck by amnesia and can't remember her past. To unlock the mystery, she enlists that aid of several private investigators, including a sleazy, low-rent PI (Samuel L. Jackson). It turns out, although, that she used to be Charly Baltimore, a deadly female spy who used to work for the CIA. As Charly begins to slowly recover her memory, she realizes that she is being targeted by her former allies.

The action is non-stop and delivers on its premise. Geena Davis definitely proves to be one Hollywood's most versatile actresses, as she admirably transforms the warm and cookie-cutting Samantha into a lethal femme fatale. She certainly doesn't look out of place, when she is handling a high-powered rifle shooting off some bad guys. Even, a funny Samuel L. Jackson knows to step out of Geena's way to let her dominate the screen.

Rating: 7/10 or (3 stars)

Igby Goes Down (2002)

'Igby Goes Down'

[7/10 · 18 May 2004]

'Igby Goes Down' is definitely in the 'Catcher in the Rye' territory. Although, the film is nowhere near as powerful as Salinger's novel, writer and director Burr Steers has made an indelible film about teenage rebellion. Kieran Culkin comes into his own with a career-making performance as Jason 'Igby' Slocumb Jr.

Right off the bat, we learn about Igby's rather dysfunctional family. His pill-popping and neglectful mother (Susan Sarandon in a icy yet hysterical performance), his schizophrenic father and prep-school jerk brother (Ryan Phillipe). Igby does not see eye-to-eye with his family, particularly his mother, whom he blames for his father's mental breakdown. Igby constantly p***es of his mother, by taking some of her pills and getting kicked out of school after school.

Igby refusing to 'go down' like his father, decides to leave home and make it on his own. He leaves to Manhattan, where he goes on a rather bizarre, yet memorable adventure to find himself.

Kieran Culkin has certainly come a long way from his sappy turns in 'Father of the Bride' and 'Nowhere to Run'. Here he rises above the material to create a sarcastic and emotionally charged character. It's an award-caliber performance that was sadly overlooked when the Oscars came rolling around. 'Igby Goes Down' may start slowly and awkwardly, but once it gets going, it grabs you.

Rating: 7/10 or (3 stars)

The Andromeda Strain (1971)

'The Andromeda Strain'

[5/10 · 18 May 2004]

'The Andromeda Strain' is an adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel about four scientists, all of whom are assigned to study a mysterious alien virus and stop it from spreading.

There is a great story to be told here, but the film seems to be more concerned with astonishing us with technology rather than telling it. Throughout the film, the audience is subjected to close-ups of machines and computers, and this quickly becomes redundant. So does the film, as it drags in excruciatingly slow motion. The screenplay hardly ever cuts deep into its characters. As a result, most of the characters never rise above the level of caricature. Only Kate Reid, as one of the scientists, manages to inject some humor into an otherwise lifeless sci-fi. But despite all of its flaws, the film never feels the need to insert any romantic mush or alien cliches, so we have to give it some credit.

Rating: 5/10 or (2 stars)

The Others (2001)

The Others

[7/10 · 11 May 2004]

Nicole Kidman (in a spellbinding performance) plays Grace, the WW2-era mother of two. She was left behind to live in a rather huge chateau while her husband went off to war. However, after the war is over, Grace doubts that her husband will ever return. In the meanwhile, she takes care of her two light-sensitive children with the help of a few servants. But, strange events begin to occur in Grace's home. In a matter of time, Grace begins to fear that there are other spirits or ghosts haunting her home.

To reveal too many details of the plot would ruin the magic that 'The Others' works on you at the end. It's a twist ending that grabs you and makes you see the entire film in a different way. The same way that 'The Sixth Sense' did. But comparing to 'The Others' to Shyamalan's 'Sixth Sense' could translate into disappointment. The trouble spot is in the pacing of the film. Like in Shyamalan's film, 'The Others' creates its suspension through the tension felt by its characters. However, Shyamalan was a mastermind when it came to keeping its audience riveted. In 'The Others', there are numerous scenes that go on way too long for their own good. Thus, at times the film feels unwatchable. No matter, despite its flaws, 'The Others' works a spell on you.

Rating: 7/10 or (3 stars)

Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002)

Kung Pow: Enter the Fist

[5/10 · 10 May 2004]

'Kung Pow' is a movie that would have been served better as a five-minute sketch on SNL. Or, it could have worked better as a martial arts spoof a la 'Scary Movie'. Instead, the movie is basically an old kung-fu movie with voices dubbed over in silly style by the movie's director and star Steve Oedekerk.

At first, the dubbing seems moderately amusing, but there is no doubt that this spoof wears thin well before its halfway mark. Although, it has its moments like the cow-fight that does a good job at poking fun at 'The Matrix'. In a movie where the laughs are few and far between, it needed more moments like these.

Rating: 5/10 or (2 stars)

American Virgin (1999)

'American Virgin'

[2/10 · 10 May 2004]

Just when you thought that throw-away movies couldn't possibly get any worse, along comes 'American Virgin'. 'Virgin' is simply a shameless piece of trash. The filmmakers know it and for that reason they changed the title of the movie from 'Live Virgin' to 'American Virgin' in order to cash in on Mena Suvari's success ('American Beauty' and 'American Pie'). I feel bad for the poor sap who'll buy this crap expecting to see something like the two aforementioned films.

This movie is just downright terrible on all levels. One only has to look at the idiotic plot involving Mena Suvari as the daughter of a porn director (Robert Loggia) who agrees to lose her virginity onscreen just to spite her father. To add further insult to an already lame plot, while Suvari's character is losing her virginity, many paying customers will be participating in the event via a virtual sex machine. Hell and I haven't even got to the talk-show scene that even Jerry Springer wouldn't admire, the subplot involving Suvari's geek boyfriend, and the annoying loudmouth antics of the two porn directors. As far as disposable movies go, this one is roadkill.

Rating: (2/10) or (0 stars)

Black Rain (1989)

Black Rain

[6/10 · 10 May 2004]

Michael Douglas is electrifying as detective Nick Cochlan, a loose cannon that plays by his own rules. Nick is definitely at a low-point in his life, as he is divorced and under investigation by Internal Affairs for stealing money. As if things couldn't get worse for Nick, he accidentally lets a killer, that he is responsible for delivering to the Japanese, escape. Consequently, Nick and his partner Charlie (Andy Garcia) decide to stay in Japan to track down the killer.

Director Ridley Scott is no stranger to creating stylish and provocative films. One just needs to look at his work in 'Blade Runner' and 'Gladiator' to realize his talents. Certainly, Scott provides plenty of eye-popping visuals in the scenes taking place within the streets of Japan. Another point of interest is the way the movie handles the cultural clash in the scenes involving Nick and the Japanese detective, Masahiro (Ken Takakura), that has been assigned to watchdog him. When Nick first arrives in Japan, he seems to be rather contemptuous towards his Japanese counterparts. By the end of the movie, Nick develops an attitude of respect and shares a friendship with Masahiro.

However, the movie's nagging flaw is its depiction of the Japanese mafia and police department. Most of these characters are under-developed and sink to level of being caricatures. There is also a subplot involving a developing romance between Nick and a cocktail waitress (Kate Capshaw) that is pure filler. As a result, too often the film feels like an all looks, no soul kind of show.

Rating: 6/10 or (2 stars)

Far from Heaven (2002)

'Far from Heaven'

[10/10 · 6 May 2004]

Julianne Moore gives a career-high performance as Cathy Whitaker, the 50s era housewife whose life is shattered upon the discovery of her husband's homosexuality. In her neighborhood, the Whitakers are idolized for being the perfect family. Frank (Dennis Quaid), for being the father with a hot-shot job. And Cathy, for being the ideal mother of two children. However, everything goes downhill for Cathy when she discovers that her husband has been secretly involved in a homosexual affair. In an era where appearances are more important than anything else, Cathy does everything she can to hide Frank's secret from slipping out. She even goes as far as to hire a psychologist (James Rebhorn) to deal with Frank's homosexuality. But this is only the beginning of Cathy's problems. Facing alienation in her marriage, Cathy finds comfort in her friendship with her black gardener, Raymond (a superb Dennis Haysbert). When Cathy is spotted with Raymond, she is condemned by society for being a 'negro-lover'. The Whitakers, once the basis of everyone's admiration in society, quickly become social outsiders.

'Far from Heaven' is not your standard chick-flick. Rather, it seems to be more of a study, or perhaps criticism, of social life in the fifties. Director and writer Todd Haynes brings forth a touching and captivating story of Cathy's fall from grace. Haynes never succumbs to cheap sentiment. Instead, he lets the story and the actors carry the movie. The performances in the film are all of the excellent variety. Enough good things cannot be said about Moore's performance, she is just flawless in her portrayal of Cathy Whitaker. Dennis Quaid also gives arguably his best performance ever in a raw yet sensitive role. 'Far From Heaven' marks a triumph.

Rating: 10/10 or (4 stars)

Bones (2001)

'Bones'

[5/10 · 6 May 2004]

With a growing trend of rappers starring in their own movies, Snoop Dogg joins the pack with 'Bones'. Snoop plays Jimmy Bones, a 70s hustler, who is betrayed and murdered by some of his closest associates. Since the time of the murder, Jimmy's corpse is buried in the basement of an abandoned house in Bones' now seedy neighborhood. When a group of empty-headed teenagers buy the abandoned house, they unsurprisingly wake up Jimmy's spirit, resulting in Bones going on a bloody rampage for revenge.

What the heck are we to do with a movie like 'Bones'. Are we supposed to take it seriously as a horror movie. Or laugh at its silliness and Snoop's attempt at becoming a real-life 'Doggfather'. Whatever its intentions are, this movie doesn't have the feel of a horror movie. Rather, it feels more like one of Snoop's pot induced fantasies.

Rating: 5/10 or (2 stars)

Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)

'Death Wish 4: The Crackdown'

[5/10 · 3 May 2004]

As the 'Death Wish' series went on, the movies became more of an excuse to watch Charles Bronson shoot some bad guys. 'Death Wish 4' is no exception, as there is hardly any plot worth talking about. It is basically the same plot of every 'Death Wish' movie. Only this time, we get to see an hour and a half of Bronson shooting some drug dealers.

There is no sense in complaining about the cheesy script or subpar acting, because this movie is definitely not set out to change your life or anything. When you watch these kind of movies, you know what you're getting. That is, some mindless shoot-em-up scenes and action. 'Death Wish 4' does just that (even in bad taste at times) and nothing more.

Rating: 5/10 (2 Stars)

My Family/Mi familia (1995)

'My Family'

[8/10 · 26 April 2004]

'My Family' is a compelling tale spanning three generations about a family of Mexican origin living in Los Angeles. It starts with the father of the family, Jose Sanchez (terrifically played by Jacob Vargas), making a one year journey on foot from Mexico to Los Angeles. Once there, he meets and marries the love of his life, Maria (Jennifer Lopez, in an interesting performance). After, Maria survives a tragic separation from her husband, they both settle down in Los Angeles and raise a family of six.

There is a tremendous amount of expectation here, namely because Francis Ford Coppola, who crafted arguably the most exhilarating family saga in the Godfather pictures, is an executive producer. But, My Family is nowhere near in the same league as films like 'The Godfather'. Rather, 'My Family' turns out to be a great film that could have been better. One glaring flaw is in the script written by Gregory Nava and Anna Thomas. Too often, the script relies on tragedies to stir our emotions. Consequently, the emotion presented in the film feels fake at times. Particularly, in the scenes involving Jimmy attempting to bond with his only son, Carlitos.

Despite the missteps in the film, there are many positives to draw upon. The strong performances of the cast. Jimmy Smits, in particular, dominates the film with an intense and yet affecting performance. The film hardly ever succumbs to being a standard tear-jerker or phony. Instead, the film succeeds at creating a touching and provocative portrait of a family's struggles and tribulations in a world that hardly seems just.

Rating: (8/10)

My Family/Mi familia (1995)

'My Family'

[8/10 · 26 April 2004]

'My Family' is a compelling tale spanning three generations about a family of Mexican origin living in Los Angeles. It starts with the father of the family, Jose Sanchez (terrifically played by Jacob Vargas), making a one year journey on foot from Mexico to Los Angeles. Once there, he meets and marries the love of his life, Maria (Jennifer Lopez, in an interesting performance). After, Maria survives a tragic separation, she and Jose settle in Los Angeles and raise a family of six.

There is a tremendous amount of expectation here, namely because Francis Ford Coppola, who crafted arguably the most exhilarating family saga in the Godfather pictures, is an executive producer. But, My Family is nowhere near in the same league as films like 'The Godfather'. Rather, 'My Family' turns out to be a great film that could have been better. One glaring flaw is in the script written by Gregory Nava and Anna Thomas is that too often, the script relies on tragedies to stir our emotions. Consequently, the emotion presented in the film feel fake at times. Particularly, in the scenes involving Jimmy attempting to bond with his only son, Carlitos.

Despite the missteps in the film, there are many positives to draw upon. The strong performances of the cast. Jimmy Smits, in particular, dominates the film with an intense and yet affecting performance. The film hardly ever succumbs to being a standard tear-jerker or phony. Instead, the film succeeds at creating a touching and provocative portrait of a family's struggles and tribulations in a world that hardly seems just.

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior'

[8/10 · 26 April 2004]

In 'Mad Max', audiences were introduced to Max, the cop that lost his family to a ruthless motorcycle gang. In this sequel to 'Mad Max', Max (Mel Gibson) now a wanderer, finds himself in a post-apocalyptic region of Australia, where gasoline is the most coveted commodity. Max helps a gasoline-possessing community escape a tribe of bandits and thieves.

Director George Miller, who also directed the first 'Mad Max' movie, creates a dark and intense movie filled with chase scenes that will pin you to your seat. The climatic highway chase scene is one of the most memorable action sequences to ever grace cinema.

Rating: (8/10)

The Gauntlet (1977)

'The Gauntlet'

[6/10 · 26 April 2004]

In 'The Gauntlet', Clint Eastwood plays an opposing variation on his 'Dirty Harry' persona. This time around Eastwood plays Ben Shockley, a washed-up cop really going nowhere in life. Unlike, 'Dirty Harry', Shockley has never cracked a big case or really accomplished much as a cop. He's just a drunk cop that no one really gives a damn about. The is precisely the reason why he draws the assignment of escorting a prostitute witness (Sondra Locke) from Las Vegas into Phoenix custody. No one is betting that he'll be able to make it through this mission alive.

There is nowhere near as much as 'Dirty Harry' type action (plenty of shootings, blood and bodybags) in 'Gauntlet'. This movie could have used more gritty action. But, here the movie is more about chases and dodging bullets, particularly in an intense climax, involving a bus. Even when the movie gets rather silly and over-the-top in its nature, the pursuits and at times humorous dialogue will keep you watching. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Rating: (6/10)

Thir13en Ghosts (2001)

'Thirteen Ghosts'

[3/10 · 24 April 2004]

To give you a basic idea of the story behind the movie 'Thirteen Ghosts' would just simply be a waste of time. Why? Because there isn't much of a plot or story in this shallow special-fx spectacle. Granted, there are some neat visual effects but there isn't much more.

The premise of 'Thirteen Ghosts' is directly recycled from that of 'House on Haunted Hill', another stinker that at least had some entertainment value unlike 'Ghosts'. So, the movie is definitely lacking in terms of originality and freshness. Is it scary? Well, let's just say that the level of scariness in this movie will make you question what passes for horror these days. So, what we got here is a rather silly atttempt at horror. Pile that on with a lame story and bad acting and you got a real time-waster.

Rating: (3/10)

Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

'Once Upon a Time in Mexico'

[4/10 · 23 April 2004]

A scene-stealing Johnny Depp, can't save this bad excuse for a movie. The sexy and superb Salma Hayek, blown-up and showcased on the movie poster, has a screen time of only about seven minutes, which makes a really good case of false advertising in the Hollywood film industry. Antonio Banderas, way past his prime, once again plays the Mariachi. The Mariachi joins Sands, a CIA Agent, on a mission to foil an assassination attempt on the Mexican president.

In a world where filmmakers are content on releasing poor sequels in order to cash in, 'Mexico' is no exception. The plot seems to lack any real sense. It feels like something that Robert Rodriguez wrote in his sleep. The direction is uneven and consequently the movie proves to be more ridiculously lame than stylish.

Rating: (4/10)

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

'Catch Me If You Can'

[8/10 · 23 April 2004]

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale, the kid who ran away from home and became a con-artist. Frank successfully impersonates a co-pilot, a doctor and we find that he has other surprises up his sleeve. In the process, Frank uses over two million dollars via forged checks.

In 'Catch Me If You Can', director Steven Spielberg strays away from his sci-fi explorations (AI, Minority Report) and gets back to the basics. By that I mean, that he makes a simple movie (no superlative heroes or special effects) that everyone can enjoy. The entire cast excels here. DiCaprio, uses charm and wit in his performance as the scheming Frank. Hanks is funny in his turn as a nerdy and obsessive FBI agent. Walken gives his strongest performances in years in a small, but pivotal, role as Frank's father.

Even though the pace of the film slows a bit during the last third, it is still a witty and immensely entertaining film. This one's a real catch.

Rating: (8/10)

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

'The Matrix Revolutions'

[23 April 2004]

The critics unfairly targeted and blasted this final chapter in the 'Matrix' trilogy. Although, I am not saying they were completely wrong in doing so. The problem involving the 'Matrix' sequels is one of expectation. After the brilliant first chapter that provided us with an amazing story and with tremendous action and special effects, our expectations were really high for the second chapter. 'Reloaded' still carried the same amazing special effects and knockout action but it lacked the heart of the first film. The plot became more of a puzzle in 'Reloaded', and consequently fell below our expectations. 'Revolutions' was expected to be the grand finale, a rewarding ending that would more than make up for the disappointment endured in 'Reloaded'. But, the ending is where 'Revolutions' stumbles. The ending does not really resolve anything and many audiences were left feeling empty. And as a result, 'Revolutions' received all of this criticism.

My stand on 'Revolutions' is that it is a decent sci-fi action movie but it is not a good ending to the 'Matrix' trilogy. As I mentioned the earlier, the ending is quite an empty gesture. But the rest of the film is pretty decent, in terms of action and visual effects, but like 'Reloaded' is nowhere near as good as the first movie. Don't listen everything the critics say, 'Revolutions' nowhere near as bad as most of them say it is.

Rating: (6/10)

Urban Legend (1998)

'Urban Legend'

[6/10 · 23 April 2004]

After the tremendous success of 'Scream', it waa inevitable that plenty of 'Scream' clones would follow. Most notably 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and this movie.

'Urban Legend' has clone written all over it, as almost everything in the movie has been borrowed from other slasher movies. Take the plot, for instance, the movie wants to pass itself as being about a killer on campus that crafts murders according to the most known urban legends. But, the thing is that by the end of the movie, we find that the plot is a simple rehash of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'. It really has nothing to do with urban legends. Even the killer's costume reeks of deja-vu. However, despite its recycled plot and thrills, 'Legend' can still keep you distracted for a while.

Rating: (6/10)

Army of Darkness (1992)

'Army of Darkness'

[7/10 · 23 April 2004]

'Army of Darkness' represents a stylish kick-ass finale for the memorable 'Evil Dead' series. The second 'Dead' movie left off with Ash (Bruce Campbell) accidentally being transported to the 13th century by evil forces. You can watch 'Darkness' without having watched the first two as it does provide a quick recap of the events in the first two 'Dead' movies.

In order to get back to the present time, Ash must retrieve the 'Necronomicon' (the book of the dead). But in a rather funny turn of events, Ash must also destroy an army of the dead with the help of a medieval kingdom. What follows is more fun fight sequences which would rival those of the hilarious second 'Dead' movie. Here, Ash is now made to be more of a larger-than-life hero and Campbell has some fun with the role, getting in plenty of one-liners and plays his psycho to the max. Director Sam Raimi keeps the movie short, so there is never a dull moment. 'Hail to the king, baby!'

Rating: (7/10)

Under Siege (1992)

'Under Siege'

[6/10 · 23 April 2004]

Steven Seagal gets to be hero for a day as Casey Ryback, a US Navy Seal, now the captain's personal cook. Ryback must thwart a group of terrorists lead by William Stranix (Tommy Lee Jones), a former US Navy Seal, from seizing control of a US Navy battleship.

Most of Seagal's movies are disposable or ridiculous at best. 'Under Siege' may not be much better than Seagal's other work, but it does provide some edge-of-the-seat action and keeps its audience entertained. That makes up for its at times laughably bad dialogue. When Jordan (former Baywatch girl Erika Eleniak), the movie's babe, is asked by members of the Dept. of Defence to pass the radio to Ryback, she responds, "He is currently in a gunfight, can I take a message?" Regardless, 'Under Siege' can be relied on for entertainment.

Rating: (6/10)

Scent of a Woman (1992)

'Scent of a Woman'

[9/10 · 23 April 2004]

Al Pacino gives one of his best performances as Lt. Colonel Frank Slade. This blind and retired colonel is certainly a bitter and disagreeable man. Charlie Simms (Chris O'Donnell), a college student, realizes this immediately after taking a thanksgiving weekend job to look after the colonel. Simms, being a non-financially secure student, reluctantly accepts the job. What Simms doesn't know is that the colonel plans to go to New York, where he plans to live the high life, make love to a beautiful woman and blow his brains out.

All of the performances in the film are of the excellent variety. O'Donnell, giving a charming and heartfelt performance that matches up well with the Slade's harsh and amusing antics and provides stability to the film. But this is Pacino's show, he is definitely at the top of his game in this fiery and touching performance. In the best scene of the film, a tango dance between Slade and a gorgeous woman (Gabrielle Anwar), we see the colonel's compassionate side that Pacino plays with much tenderness.

Even though the subplot involving Charlie facing a dilemma with regards to snitching on his classmates is definitely weak and things are tied up to cleanly at the end of the film, it is still a fine piece of filmmaking. It's great to watch Pacino work his acting chops in creating something so memorable.

Rating: (9/10)

Return of the Living Dead II (1988)

'Return of the Living Dead Part II'

[5/10 · 23 April 2004]

In this sequel to 'The Return of the Living Dead', three neighborhood kids stumble upon one of those army drums and accidently release the gas that revives the dead. What follows is basically the same horror mayhem as its predecessor. Zombies rise from the graveyard and remarkably manage to eat the brains of everyone except for the few people within which the movie revolves around. The two movies are pretty much similar in terms of content, but what is lacking this time around is freshness.

The first movie took a satirical approach to George Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead', and it worked in terms of humor and creepy fun. In this film, which is basically a carbon copy of the first, it is not quite as much fun. Rather, it seems to be more silly than funny. The script strains for humor throughout the movie, particularly in a scene in which the movie mocks Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video. But its flaws don't really matter because this is not the kind of movie to be taken seriously. I guess that it can be a decent movie to watch on a Halloween night.

Rating: (5/10)

Witness (1985)

'Witness'

[9/10 · 22 April 2004]

Harrison Ford plays John Book, a Philadelphia detective who is assigned to take charge of a witness to a murder involving a police officer. The witness is Samuel Lapp (Lukas Haas), a young Amish boy. When Book discovers that certain members of the police force are responsible for the crime, Ford flees with the boy and his mother (Kelly McGillis) to hide in Amish country.

Superb director Peter Weir, brings excellent direction to the film and draws top-notch performances from the cast. Notably, Ford and McGillis, both of whom have given arguably their best performances. The subplot involving the romantic tension developing between Ford and McGillis is masterfully underplayed in the film. The filmmakers could have turned this love story into standard Hollywood romantic fluff. Instead, we see two characters that are in love, but cannot express it partly due to the completely different lives they lead.

Perhaps, the one most notable flaw in the film can be found in the subplot involving the conspiracy within the police force. These under-developed characters are simply reduced to being the 'bad guys' and nothing more. No matter, the film is at its best when it examines the cultural differences that exist between these two worlds. The result is a touching and, yet gripping, film.

Rating: (9/10)

The Evil Dead (1981)

'The Evil Dead'

[8/10 · 21 April 2004]

Five friends go to a remote cabin and find themselves in the middle of a haunted forest surrounded by mysterious evil forces. Director Sam Raimi, operating on a super-low budget of approx. $300,000, makes a movie that is intense, gut-wrenching and, in a sense, innovative despite the familiar premise. Sure, one can admit that the acting and the gore can be a bit over-the-top. Heck, even the special effects really pale in comparison to other films in the genre. But one can't deny the creativity that Raimi has put into his film. This creative sense of the film more than makes up for its miniscule budget. Who says that you need a high budget to make a good film? Watch 'Evil Dead' and find out.

Rating: (8/10)