The sequel to the indie cult classic “The Evil Dead,” “Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn” ditches the traditional “alone in the woods” horror movie formula by having a bunch of teenagers in a cabin and instead tells two intertwining stories. One focuses on Ash Williams, as he tries to enjoy a weekend away with his girlfriend, Linda.

However, their romantic getaway is cut short when they find the Necronomicon, a book that has the power to raise the dead. The twoaccidentally raise the dead. Linda is soon killed and her corpse haunts Ash throughout the movie. 

The other storyline revolves around Ashley Knowby and her research partner, Ed Gently, who are both on their way to the cabin that Ash is in to continue her father’s research on the Necronomicon.

Bruce Campbell returns as Ash Williams under similar circumstances as the first “Evil Dead” but different enough to make it feel fresh. While this movie looks super dated, the practical effects in this movie are refreshing and are well done. Where this movie lacks in scares it makes up for in its slapstick-y humor and the fun that is had by watching Ash (Campbell) be tormented.

It doesn’t take itself seriously like the first one, and doesn’t go completely off the rails like the third one. It has a nice balance of humor and horror to make your Halloween night more fun.