A brief plot summary (from iMDb):
Five friends head to a remote cabin, where the discovery of a Book of the Dead leads them to unwittingly summon up demons living in the nearby woods. The evil presence possesses them until only one is left to fight for survival.
So, basically it's the same plot as the original. They do try to add some additional backstory this time, but really it's the age-old cabin in the woods horror plot. You don't have to have seen Sam Raimi's cult classic starring Bruce Campbell to enjoy the new version, but you will notice the similarities as well as some more subtle homages to the original if you have.
One question a lot of people are probably thinking: Is it as good as the original? Well... no, the original is best. BUT, even as a fan of the original I greatly enjoyed the remake for what it was: an over-the-top, well-executed gore fest.
The Good:
The effects in this movie were fantastic. The filmmakers weren't shy about letting everyone know that they would be using a lot of practical effects rather than relying on digital effects. And it paid off. The practical effects were spectacular. Of course, the reliance on practical effects meant that some of the CGI looked a bit awkward, particularly in one scene that I won't give away here. But overall you will be squealing and squirming as a result of the special effects.
The gore. Now, I'm not usually a huge fan of gory films (they don't scare me, I just find them gross). But this film was great about building up tension leading into the gory moments. You knew that something bad was going to happen, and you knew what that bad thing was likely going to be, you just didn't know how long they were gonna build up to you actually seeing it. Look out for the scene after the bathroom mirror gets smashed... I was squirming the whole time and peeking through my fingers. Another thing I liked about the gore was, though it was much more realistic than the corn syrup, claymation, etc., effects of the original, it was still utterly over the top. Once the filmmakers let loose, they really let loose, to the point where you're groaning and laughing at the same time.
I also appreciated the little send-ups to the original. Certain scenes are obviously straight out of Raimi's film, but there are subtler references. Yes, the classic car makes an appearance. And if you liked the poster for the original, you'll appreciate some of the imagery in the new movie.
The Not So Good:
The acting. Now, not all of it was terrible. The female lead (played by Jane Levy) does a great job as a woman possessed. It seemed like she really threw herself into the role, and the creepy makeup helps, too. I also enjoyed the "Eric" character (he's kind of this version's "Scott). But overall, the acting was a bit mediocre. Not everyone can be Bruce Campbell, I guess...
The pacing. The beginning is slow, y'all. I appreciate the attempts to provide more of a backstory as to why the characters are there and what their motivations are, but it could have been shortened. I'm not looking for familial drama and prodigal-son-esque narratives. Just bring on the campy horror.
And of course, you've got some weird plot points and stupid decisions made by the characters. Stupid decisions are often expected in a horror film like this, but I don't like it when a plot is dependent on otherwise intelligent-seeming characters acting stupidly.
Overall:
See "Evil Dead"... but first watch the original. It's available on Netflix, and not only will you have a great time, I think you'll get more out of the remake. I believe "Evil Dead" has left most theaters, but you haven't missed out by not seeing it on the big screen. I enjoyed it, I don't mind having paid for a movie ticket to see it, but if watching the original first means you miss seeing the remake in cinemas... it's okay.
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