The Templars are back in action, this time terrorizing a local village. And while I found a lot to enjoy, the movie suffers because it is a sequel. I suppose selecting a favorite depends on which Blind Dead movie you see first. I happened to see Tombs of the Blind Dead (the first in the series) before I saw Return of the Evil Dead. As a result, a lot of the suspense and mystery surrounding the Templars is lost in this movie. I already knew what the Templars were all about and wasn't as shocked as I was with the first movie.
That's not to say there aren't moments of horror gold to be found in Return of the Evil Dead. Once again, the Templars rising from the grave is very well done. The scene where the villagers are trapped in the Plaza by the Templars on horseback is one of the best of first two movies. And Return of the Evil Dead has characters that are easier to care about. Add to that the requisite amount of violence, blood, and general creepiness and you've got a very solid horror movie.
That's not to say there aren't moments of horror gold to be found in Return of the Evil Dead. Once again, the Templars rising from the grave is very well done. The scene where the villagers are trapped in the Plaza by the Templars on horseback is one of the best of first two movies. And Return of the Evil Dead has characters that are easier to care about. Add to that the requisite amount of violence, blood, and general creepiness and you've got a very solid horror movie.