Appearing
on the current Durban International Film Festival is Evil Dead directed by Fede Alvarez and starring Jane Levy, Shiloh
Fernandez and Jessica Lucas. (Review by Pranesh Maharaj)
The
movie delivers on its promise. It is a horror movie. My disappointment comes
from being spoilt with the likes of Nightmare
on Elm Street, Friday the 13th and most recently Final Destination each of which, and in
their respective sequels, had something new to boast about. A lot has evolved
since Hitchcock and the only thing that is apparent about that in this film is
that it is gory and horrific. (Excuse the redundancy) but if they can; why
can’t I?
The idea
of the book of curses worked well for me until events surrounding the book
didn’t add up to what they revealed to me. Dismemberment would cast the evil
away, but it didn’t. I needed to know why and the movie did not provide an
explanation to that. Burying the possessed alive would cancel the Devil’s plans
and it worked for only half a minute. If being faithful to the template of
horror movies was more important than providing me with a believable fiction,
then you have failed me as an audience. I would highly recommend this to those
that follow the trilogy; but, if you are looking for something fresh in this
genre don’t waste your time.
Evil Dead had pockets of great moments for me. I
needed those moments to add up to something so that I could take it away with
me. I left empty-handed. The art department needs a huge pat on the back. The
stunts and mechanics were brilliant in most places. The graphics were good and
the colourist didn’t hold any punches. The sound was magnificent. The acting
was mediocre and the screenplay and direction needed more attention. I would
give this movie 5 ... out of 20. But again, if ‘horror’ is your thing; run to
watch it.
Evil Dead will have two further showings:
July 27 at
Cinema Nouveau Gateway at 20h30
July 28
at Musgrave B at 20h30.
Tickets
for DIFF are through the respective venues and prices range from R25 to R35
(R50 for 3D screenings), except at Luthuli Museum, Blue Waters, Ekhaya and Bay
of Plenty lawns, which are free of charge.
Programme
booklets with the full screening schedule and synopses of all the films are available
free at cinemas, and other public information outlets. Full festival details
can also be found on www.durbanfilmfest.co.za
or by calling 031 260 2506. – Pranesh Maharaj
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