Evil Ed

Evil Ed (1997)
Directed by: Anders Jacobsson
Rating: 3 out of 4 Pentagrams
Reviewed by: Jeff Deth

I have to start off saying, I've always wanted to rent this flick due to the head-splitting cover art. It took a while but I finally got around to it. And I'm glad I did. In an obvious homage to Evil Dead, Evil Ed, does it's best to offer outrageous violence with plenty of laughs along the way. I felt a strong Bad Taste (Peter Jackson) vibe interlaced into this film as well. Both of these influences are a good thing for this little Swedish film. Director, Anders Jacobsson stretches his dollar impressively well, getting great quality from his special effects department. I was most impressed with the monster characters which pop-up from Ed's sick and deranged mind.

Ed, goes nuts after editing one too many ultra-violent horror films. After being hired by a low-life movie producer of the hit series Loose Limbs, Ed is sent off to a big empty house immersed in film. Working all alone, Ed quickly transforms from straight-laced nerd into raging homicidal maniac. He percives everyone around him to be a demon trying to kill him. So, basically anyone making the mistake of showing up at the house is in trouble. He eventually gets locked up in the nuthouse where it would seem he rampage was over. Not a chance. Ed lights up the loony bin with an even greater barrage of carnage.

Evil Ed, if not totally original, is mostly great fun. There are some definite limitations in acting talent, but that is made up for in campiness and self-abasing humor. Wearing it's influences on it's sleeve, this is a film that knows it's not to be taken seriously.

Like it's predecessors, Evil Ed sets a goofy tone, going for the blood and guts jugular. An easy and enjoyable film to watch, although not a classic worthy of dozens of viewings. Possibly a cult-classic. I would be interested to see more films by Jacobsson, but as of yet this was the only credit for him I can find. Bummer.