Michigan Native Gone Hollywood!

Bruce Campbell opens 'My Name is Bruce' at the Main Art Theatre.

Just mention the "Evil Dead" movie series and listen to Bruce Campbell's dedicated fans praise his trilogy: "Army of Darkness," "Evil Dead" and "Evil Dead 2."

Campbell, a Royal Oak native who went Hollywood, has scores of movie, B-movie and television credits to his name. He's also written two NY Times bestsellers with humorous book titles that say it all about this actor who is unafraid to go for the joke. His memoir is "If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor" and his novel is titled "Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way."

And now, Campbell directs and stars in his newest over-the-top venture, "My Name is Bruce," a feature movie which opens at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak tonight.

"My Name is Bruce" revisits a few of the themes and conflicts from his roles as B-movie heroes in epic thrillers beset with demons and dark alleys. The narrative style is similar to another favorite where he stars as an aging but still-alive Elvis Presley in an old folks' home, "Bubba Ho-Tep."

While on tour in 22 U.S. cities promoting his newest film, the actor is getting tons of applause and appreciation from his fans.

"My Name is Bruce" is made for his fans, he said, rich with all the double takes and deep voice-overs that ring with a little truth. The film enjoys making parody of the characters' names and scenes, the stuff that makes a great B movie.

This time Campbell has creative control as well as responsibility for the entire project, and has been hearing good reports from his fans and critics.

"As director, I sat with all the film editors and technicians deciding which scenes would stay or go," he said. "I didn't get into the bus to not be creative. As an actor, sometimes you watch your best-acted scenes end up on the cutting room floor. Here, I got to pick my own takes."

"My Name is Bruce" is produced by Mike Richardson and written by Mark Verheiden, with the score by Joseph LoDuca. Dark Horse Indie CEO/producer Richardson is of "Hellboy," "Time Cop," and "The Mask" fame. Verheiden also wrote "The Mask," and for "Battlestar Gallactica."