Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

'EVIL DEAD' Lurking Around the Corner

Posted Monday, March 18, 2013, at 6:33 PM

Photo credit: TriStar Pictures

Five friends stay in a cabin deep in the woods where they find the Book of the Dead. Unbeknownst to the youngsters, they call upon and summon demons via the text. The demons prey on the group of campers until each succumb to the evil contained in the haunted woods...until only one remains. Can anyone survive the "Evil Dead?"

Director Sam Raimi's "The Evil Dead" (1981) was the epitome of early 80's horror films trying to make its mark and compete in a genre that at the time was consumed by slasher flicks like "Halloween" (1978) and "Friday the 13th" (1980).

While "Evil Dead" only made $2.4 million domestically, the movie found its way into the hearts of horror enthusiasts as a cult classic that spawned a pair of quirky sequels that enjoyed enough financial success to warrant a remake of the original "Evil."

"The Evil Dead" (2013) looks creepy enough on the surface, but can it stack up to or even surpass the lore cemented by the original? Dead Heads are no doubt hoping for a new installment that will revitalize the "Evil" franchise over 20 years later.

The remake has a lot to live up to in terms of in-your-face terror. The original offered unmatched shock value at the time with some of its intensely grizzly images, including an early scene in which the haunted woods, swarming with flesh-possessing demons, actually rapes a woman via a tree branch. Check out the trailer (below), as it appears that this iconic scene will be repeated in the remake.

Noticeably absent from the remake's character roster is the "man of action and idiocy" Ashley "Ash" Williams originally portrayed by Bruce Campbell. Ash appeared in the first "Evil Dead," as well as "Evil Dead 2" (1987) and "Army of Darkness" (1992), but he is no where to be found in the remake.

"The Evil Dead" is directed by relative newcomer Fede Alvarez. The film stars Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jane Levy, Jessica Lucas and Elizabeth Blackmore. Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell serve as producers.

"The Evil Dead" opens in theaters on April 5, 2013.