To say that the remake is “anticipated” is a gross understatement. Fan sites have been up since 1997, since the Internet was in Pampers, speculating about if, then when, Evil Dead would be remade. Now that we’re at that point, let’s look at why you need to see this film.

It’s a Remake, but Different

While there’s little question that the remake will share the DNA of the old film, and a handful of plot points, it’s a different film altogether. For instance, while the “cabin in the woods” and necronomicon aspects are still present in the 2013 version, the character of Ash has been removed, and the protagonists are several teenagers who find themselves getting the short end of the stick.

But while the story is different, the style is certainly cut from the same cloth, with Diablo Cody co-writing the script to ensure that the film doesn’t lose the sense of humor and playful winking that made the original so endearing. So it’s what you love about the original, nestled in a new, but familiar story. What’s not to like about that?

This Here Trailer

If you’re on the fence about the film, this gory, gory, GORY red-band trailer should push you squarely into one camp or the other. Building on the original’s over-the-top cartoonish gore, this film takes a less playful, but no less gory approach to the explicit material, which makes it stand out as a bloodbath even by horror film standards.

In the trailer, fans will see callbacks (with twists) to the original, including sawing off the arm, the vines, and the exploding geyser of blood from the body. As I said earlier, the touchpoints of the original are there, but this film isn’t simply a reworking of the original.

Further, those thinking that this will be some lightweight, mass-marketed fare that trades on the brand equity of the original will by pleased by this trailer, which lets us know that the new Evil Dead is the real deal, and not only not watered-down, but a bolder, more intense take on the original. The fact that the film originally received an NC-17 rating solidifies this stance, though cuts were made to get the film’s final R rating.

The Reviews Are In, and They’re Good

Since making its debut at 2013 SXSW, Evil Dead has won the hearts and minds of critics, with overwhelmingly positive reviews saying that the film stands alone and doesn’t need to be appreciated or enjoyed in the context of the original, which is about the highest praise a new installment in a franchise could ask for.

With all this in mind, it’s hard to find a reason NOT to want to see Evil Dead. Unless you’re not a fan of the genre. In which case, congratulations on making it this far into the article. Otherwise, go ahead and crank up the expectations, keep an open mind and an empty stomach, and enjoy watching a whole new batch of victims get fed to the book of the dead.

The Blob

The 1980′s were a great decade for horror, and this film is one of the best. Directed by Chuck Russell (Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors), it’s a cool blend of sci-fi and horror that doesn’t pull any punches. Would you expect anything less with a script by Frank Darabont? He didn’t have much luck with zombies, but the man knows his blob. If you’re a fan of movies where you get to know the characters before they are dissolved by outer space goo, you really can’t miss this.

The Hills Have Eyes

Alexander Aja’s take on Wes Craven’s classic is just plain deranged. Very scary, totally unpredictable, and gritty. It’s one of those movies that makes you want to shower. Why wasn’t Aja put on the Nightmare On Elm Street reimaging? That film needed him.

The Fly

David Cronenberg‘s take on The Fly is probably one of the grossest films ever made. And not just because of Jeff Goldblum‘s butt. After a lab accident fuses his DNA with that of a fly, Goldblum’s scientist character slowly transforms into an arm-breaking, vomiting freak. But still likable. Like Steve O from Jackass.

Willard

Although it hardly caused a stir when Glen Morgan updated it in 2003, but Willard deserves your attention. Crispin Glover steps up into one of his few starring roles and absolutely nails it as a lonely man who finds his only friend in a murderous rat. Also, Glover got the chance to make things weird by shooting a video of his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Ben” and include it on the DVD extras.

The Thing

John Carpenter’s The Thing will always be considered the Holy Grail of horror re-imaginings. It completely eclipses the original and builds its own world which it quickly destroys in a blossom of fire and contorted limbs. The special effects were revolutionary and still some of the nastiest you’ll ever see. Today’s technology can’t stand up to it as evidenced by the prequel from 2011. Even thirty years later, it stands on its on two legs. Granted they are growing out of its head.

The Crazies

The Crazies remake is fantastic. With awesome make-up effects and really inventive plot turns, it’s a movie that just keeps giving you more without getting dull or derivative. It’s actually like six movies in one that blend together without feeling scattered. That’s not easy to do when dealing with zombie rednecks.

Dawn of the Dead

Like The Crazies, this is another George Romero update that stands well on its own. The script from James Gunn is terrifying, action-packed, and also effectively funny when needed. It was the world’s first glimpse of what Zack Snyder is capable of. Ironic that a director obsessed with slow-mo would choose to make his zombies run, but I’ve gotta let it go. I’ve gotta let it go.

All in all, this preview provides a better look at what sets this film apart from the original. The beats appear to be similar but the characters have been updated enough to breathe new life into the premise. But still, gross you guys.

I don’t want to get too gushy about a trailer, but Oz: The Great and Powerful looks as though it’s oozing originality. And how could it not? It’s got Franco!

If anything, it makes Cabin in the Woods all the more awesome. This being the dead serious take on the satire, it seems to follow the same beats as the first two acts of Cabin, only to leave us with the same question that film asked: why? Why do we watch this stuff? Especially right before lunch on National Food Day nonetheless. Get those tacos away from me!!

The Wizard of Oz prequel takes a look at the humble beginnings of the Wizard before he found his way to Oz and leveled up. We’re also given glimpses of Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, and Rachel Weisz as hot witches. No sexy Munchkins yet though. Gotta save something for opening day crowds.

The project is being produced by Raimi with Panic Attack’s Fede Alvarez directing from the screenplay by he and Rodo Sayagues. Diablo Cody came in to do punch up work on the script. These demons are going to have the best one-liners. (Bloody Disgusting)

He’s right. I’m sure he and Sam Raimi are both aware that they are in a lose-lose situation. The Evil Dead films are classics. To try to do anything with them will only upset the unwashed masses. Did they learn nothing from The Thing prequel? (TV Guide)

Click the image above to watch the video.

So, you like Sam Raimi? Well, we’ve got his vastly more talented brother, Ted Raimi. He directed the Break Original, Blind Date, a short horror vignette which is part of the Morbid Minutes series. Take a look, and if you like it, be sure to check out some of our other original content.

“I. Am. In. Oz. Sam Raimi refuses to tell me what character I will portray. Just know that the role is PIVOTAL.”

Bruce Campbell Sasses Living Dead at Zombie Con

It’s been a pretty tumultuous day for not believing Evil Dead 4 would actually happen. First, Dread Central received word that Sam Raimi‘s editor Bob Murawski is in Detroit to start work on a new Evil Dead movie. Which is news that isn’t exactly a confirmation. Then Bruce Campbell took to Twitter to say:

“Believe in the remake, dawg! The project is real. In the works. Cool as hell. Scary as hell.”

Of course it’s scary as hell. They’re working in Detroit. But that still isn’t exactly a confirmation. Then Bloody Disgusting dug up an ancient book that revealed Fede Alvarez (Panic Attack! short) has been hired to direct. So maybe this thing is actually happening. But there are still so many unanswered questions. Who will be cast? Is Bruce Campbell playing the lead? Most importantly, should we give Bruce Campbell a pass for using the term “dawg?”

6 photosAbigail Spencer

The actress, best known as Mad Men‘s hot, hippy schoolteacher, will play a young woman described as  “a willing subject of Oz’s magic tricks which the erstwhile magician is performing in Kansas.” I was always lead to believe that women weren’t impressed by magic tricks. Or at least not the ones that I used to do. I can’t go into details because a true magician never reveals his secrets. Also, because of all that stuff the judge ordered. (THR)

“[T]wo female assassins … team up to fight against a secret society. After discovering they’re mysteriously linked, the two, under the Noir moniker, have to work together until they get answers about why and how they are connected — or until one of them kills the other.”

4 photos'Immortals' Is Looking Pretty, Pretty '300'-y

6 photosDaphne Joy

Screenwriter Terry Rossio already turned a draft of Pirates 5 to Disney. (CinemaBlend)

“Braff will play the role of Frank, the loyal but under-appreciated assistant to Oz (James Franco), a charismatic circus magician who is treated as a powerful wizard after his balloon blows off course into Oz and the townsfolk want him to eradicate a Wicked Witch and bring peace.”

Multiple James Francos Converge On 'General Hospital'

Boom. Not only do you now know the character Braff is playing, but you also know what the movie is about, and that James Franco is in it. Boom.  More infobombs: Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, and Rachel Weisz are all in it too. Can you handle all this information? (Deadline)

It looks like Oz already has some competition though. Neill Blomkamp‘s Elysium also opens that day. Both have tentpole film potential, so it seems odd to open them during a dead winter month. March is usually reserved for previously shelved projects and things that have Tyler Perry in them. Is this the studio’s way of telling us to expect Tyler Perry cameos? (Deadline)

Raimi’s Ghost House Pictures will produce an adaptation of The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein. As is the fashion these days, the book, which will be adapted by David Auburn, will focus on the early days of the mad scientist. In a meta twist, Mary Shelley is portrayed in the book and film as well.

The film will join the crowded landscape which features takes on the classic by Guillermo del Toro (This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein), the simply named Frankenstein project, and, of course, it couldn’t technically be a “crowded landscape” unless Guns ‘n Roses guitarist Slash decided to run with an adaptation as well, this one of the graphic novel Wake the Dead.

Of course, some of these won’t make it to production. For the record, I’m surprised that someone like Guillermo del Toro doesn’t just bow out gracefully rather than get outclassed by Slash’s deft cinematic prowess. (Deadline)

How you feel about this news is probably determined by how you feel about Michelle Williams. She’s unarguably a great actress, but she hasn’t really done a lot of this kind of blockbuster movie acting before. She does look the part, though, being blonde, pretty, and having the ability to teleport and force dwarfs to sing in unison. Seriously, I’ve seen her do this at parties. (Variety)

Sam Raimi is directing the studio’s Wizard of Oz prequel, because if there’s one story that needs constant re-imagining, it’s the story of the story that led us to The Wizard of Oz. The omnipresent James Franco stars as Oz, a “snake oil salesman” and hot air ballon crash victim who ends up in the well-known land of real-life witches. Meanwhile, evil witch Evanora (Weisz) tries to get her sister Theadora (Mila Kunis) to join the dark side of the witch force. In movies, people always try to get the heroes to join “the dark side,” but I only got asked once in high school and I was too much of a pussy to say “yes.” Damn it. Opportunity missed. (Hollywood Reporter)

The Oz: The Great and Powerful director is championing Swank to play the elder witch but Disney has noticed that most of her films tank hard, and they aren’t so up on the idea. Their solution: Michelle Williams. Which seems kind of left field.

Raimi famously fought for Tobey Maguire over Wes Bentley back when he was making Spider-Man. And look how that paid off. Maguire still does a movie from time to time and Wes Bentley recently captivated audiences with his performance in Jonah Hex.

Nobody’s sure how far Raimi is going to let the battle go, but I don’t see him backing down that easily. Besides if he stalls long enough, Michelle Williams is likely to be snatched up by some indie that needs an actress really good at scenes that require crying in the shower. (Vulture)

Now Campbell has had a chance to respond.

“NEWSFLASH: We are remaking Evil Dead. The script is awesome. I will be one of the producers and possibly play the milk man.”

Oh, so that means it’s a done deal and we can all expect to see it go into production really soon?

“In all honesty, we would all love to make another Evil Dead movie. When that will happen? Who can say – we’re all working on other jobs right now. We’re not trying to dodge anybody’s questions, there just isn’t that much to talk about. The remake’s gonna kick ass—you have my word.”

DAMMIT! Now I’ll have to turn to Japanese cinema in order to get my fill of scenes featuring tree rape. (Reddit)

The film is about two potheads in Laguna Beach who might ultimately be played by Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch. A badass Mexican drug cartel kidnaps Ophelia, forcing the two top dealers to work for them. My understanding is that nobody cries, “mellow out man,” and Neil Patrick Harris remains uninvolved.

Stone’s first-first choice for Ophelia was Jennifer Lawrence, who chose to play Katniss in The Hunger Games instead, which is thrilling news if you’re anxiously awaiting the next Twilight-y series. However, Stone might not get his second choice either, because Lively is also in talks to star as Glinda the Good Witch in Sam Raimi‘s Oz: The Great and Powerful. Will he have to “settle” for plain ol’ Olivia Wilde or Teresa Palmer?

Man, all this casting talk is making me tense. *Takes Bong Hit* (Variety)

This will be Franco’s return to the world of Hollywood blockbusters after appearing in Raimi’s three Spider-Man films, and the Planet of the Apes prequel Rise of the Apes later this year. After that I suspect he will be in a prequel to The Bible called The Holy, in which he will play all of the parts and then ascend into Heaven, unblemished by mortal sin. (via Deadline)

This will also serve as a mini-Date Night reunion as James Franco has been attached to the lead role (which is a mandatory of film-making nowadays). Casting is still underway for Glinda, the Good Witch of the East and Kunis’s older sis Evanorah (the one that Dorothy parks a house on). I’m excited to see who will fill those parts, and even more excited for their eventual spread in Maxim. Nobody told me these witches were gonna be hot! (Vulture)

/Film reports that Tapert offered this in the way of an update:

[An Evil Dead reboot is] possible; we’re looking at a script this month… What’s interesting about ‘Evil Dead’ is very few people saw it in the format we made it for, which is for the theater. … I think Sam wants to embrace the ultimate experience in grueling terror and see it remade for a proper theatrical experience.

At least for our sanity’s sake, he didn’t once use the word “gritty” when referring to the reboot. Despite the fact that Raimi wouldn’t be directing, he originally had expressed that he’d like to work on a new script for a non-reboot, but now it sounds like his preference is to oversee the process in more a nebulous capacity. I’m never one to be cynical of a Sam Raimi project, but it sounds like the powers that be in the Evil Dead series have been listening more to the noise made by the internet and less to common sense. Seeing as how this is all conjecture, let’s all overreact to it. RIGHT NOW.

For awhile, it looked like Robert Downey Jr. would star in director Sam Raimi‘s prequel to The Wizard of Oz for Disney. Called Oz: Great And Powerful, the story centers around the literal man behind the curtain, The Wizard of Oz himself. Sounds like Wicked, but without the horrible, ear-defying songs.

However, Tony Stark hopped away in his Iron Man suit and flew away from the Emerald City. Perhaps he’s got enough on his plate with superheroing and super sleuthing.

So, naturally, the Disney folks called Johnny Depp. They used the telephone in CEO Bob Iger’s office that’s a direct line to Depp’s secret meditation cave. Now The King of Film Goths is in talks to play The Wizard, and with Depp starring, it would almost certainly be dark, moody, in 3D and lean way too heavily on CGI, to the point where they make the Munchkins CG characters and you’d wonder, “couldn’t they have just hired a few real life midgets? Wouldn’t that have been cheaper, better and easier?”

Depp’s shooting schedule also includes Tim Burton’s (natch) Dark Shadows and Disney’s (double natch) Lone Ranger, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, so he may not have time for Oz. Jesus, I’d hate to be in charge of that guy’s iCal. (Cinema Blend)

Her daughter then begins displaying erratic behavior as the divorced parents discover that the box is meant to destroy its host. While the premise sounds familiar, having Sam Raimi onboard as producer indicates that while the film may not be good, it will certainly be interesting. Further, Danish director Ole Bornedal will hopefully bring a sensibility to the film that hasn’t been tainted by the glut of horror/thrillers over the past decade.

The film is currently slated for release on October 28, 2011, which is pretty close to Halloween. Think that’s intentional?

That’s why it looks like Jeffrey Dean Morgan will have to think on his feet when he stars in Dibbuk Box. The movie stars Morgan as a recently-divorced dad who notices strange behavior in his daughter after she buys an antique box from a yard sale. The heirloom turns out to be a box built to imprison a dibbuk – a spirit from Jewish folklore that inhabits and ultimately devours its human host. In other words, it’s a total jerk.

The Sam Raimi-produced Ghost House film will fill Lionsgate‘s Halloween release slot left empty by the now completed Saw series. Look for it on DVD and Blu-ray in time for Hanukkah. (Variety)