“Evil Dead Trap” Japanese Theatrical Poster
Director: Toshiharu Ikeda
Cast: Miyuki Ono, Aya Katsuragi, Hitomi Kobayashi, Eriko Nakagawa, Masahiko Abe
Running Time: 105 min.
By Woody
Ikeda’s “Evil Dead Trap” is a very entertaining mix of the giallo (slasher) films of Italy’s Dario Argento, that rushing camera trick from Raimi’s “Evil Dead” films, and the “body horror” of David Cronenberg.
Stylistically, this is reminiscent of an Argento film…bright colors, creative murders, a never-still camera, the unseen killer, not to mention a couple of scenes that are obvious homages to Argento’s works (maggots falling from a ceiling swiped from “Suspiria”, a sharp instrument protruding from a victim’s mouth from “Phenomena”) and Tomohiko Kira’s music, which is quite reminiscent (without being a rip-off) of Goblin’s groundbreaking score for “Deep Red”. Sprinkled among the Argentoisms are creatively done “Evil Dead” rushing-camera shots done in black and white. And, without giving anything away, the ending seems to be inspired by Cronenberg’s “The Brood”, with some disgusting body-themed horror.
One of the great things about this film is that it is fast paced. Within five minute you are watching the tape Nami receives in the mail (if you are a fan of eyeballs, skip this movie), and within ten minutes you are at the location, an abandoned army base in the middle of the forest (very atmospheric place). The truly great thing about this film is that they throw so much into it…there is always something happening. Exposition is kept to a minimum, and no more than five minutes after arriving, two characters are having a lengthy sex scene, and, adhering to tradition, one of them is killed shortly after. From there on out, it’s non-stop mayhem, with brutal murders, a mysterious stranger popping up now and again, everyone getting trapped inside the base, sex, some more murders, a nicely done score, all kinds of great camera tricks, and an ending that is way out in left field.
The acting in this film is quite good, especially considering that the majority of the cast are AV stars. Miyuki Ono gives a very good, Sigourney Weaver-like performance, and manages to be believable even when her character is doing unsensible things. The guy who plays the mysterious stranger (can’t find his name) is also really good…very serious. The other cast members are really just fodder for the killer, but, to their credit, they act convincingly enough. Director Ikeda has crafted a great horror flick here…fast-paced, entertaining, and gory. Takashi Ishii must also be given credit here…the future director of the “Gonin” films wrote a great, albeit strange, script for this seminal Japanese horror film.
In conclusion, this one is worth owning. I’ve viewed it multiple times and it never ceases in entertaining me. A must-see for fans of horror films.
Woody’s Rating: 10/10
