Evil Dead (2013)

"Evil Dead" is the remake of the 1981 classic horror film that jumpstarted director Sam Raimi's career. He is a known fan pleaser, so the updated 2013 remake comes with no surpass as well as a planned sequel to the original "Evil Dead". The plot circulates around 4 young people who are communing at an abandoned cabin to break their friend Mia's drug addiction. They find a mysterious evil book in the basement, and as expected, read from it. Demons from the surrounding woods are summoned and their situation continually gets worse. 

The elements of this film, are that of most horror films in the genre. Rather, it plays off of the stereotypes of the genre to a masterful degree.The characters need to investigate every single noise or weird movement, the use of suspense built seemingly anything (including things that are completely non-threatening), and also the ability of the main characters to slip and fall during every altercation with a demon. Surprises are also another element used frequently. Stereotypes are followed to such a degree that twists are never seen coming. The movie forces you to believe that they are following the set formula so well, that it made the curveballs thrown are enjoying that much more. Channeling the original film, also becomes the forefront of the feature film. Subtle nods are frequent and great for any fan of the original. 

Fede Alvarez was hand picked by Sam Raimi to direct this film. Raimi definitely saw something in the young director, who had little experience other than a few small films prior to a $30 - 40 million contract with Ghost House Pictures and the responsibility of a huge horror movie franchise reboot/remake. In my opinion, Alvarez does a fantastic job using the genre as a tool. Evil Dead did great and for many reasons. One, you have the remake of a classic film that has a major cult following. Two, a new fan base of film goers who are intrigued by the trailer, which was made very intelligently to capture horror fans. Three, it is a self aware film. Evil Dead knows that you expect all of the normal horror films stereotypes. Sometimes delivering, sometimes twisting and turning. If you lead the audience to believe something just enough using imagery and sound, they will have never seen the next surprise you have in store for them.