Ever been told you're going to hell? Or been told by someone in extreme disdain "Go to hell!" Well, next time someone says that, reply "gladly."
Drag Me to Hell is the latest horror flick from Spiderman and Evil Dead director Sam Raimi. Why is this a big deal? Sure, he directed the Spiderman series which was fun and great, but he's returning to his horror/suspense/B-movie roots that he has grounded in the Evil Dead series that has become so iconic both as cheesy entertainment and truly frightening jumps. But, does he still have a taste for demonic decadence? Or has the B-movie master gotten lost in lament?
Fear not! Or fear so! Raimi is back and just as good as ever!
Drag Me to Hell follows the story of Christine (Alison Lohman), a loan officer who is awaiting a very prestigious promotion at her bank firm. When an old woman named Mrs. Ganush (Lorna River) comes in asking for an extension on her housing payment before repossession takes place, Christine sympathizes and consults her manager (David Paymer) who tells her its pretty much up to her. Christine then decides against Ganush's wishes and declines her payment, after which the old lady begs her and causes a dramatic scene...only to come after Christine later and place a ravenous curse on her that will drag her to hell in 3 days. Christine doesn't realize this until she sees a fortune teller (Dileep Rao) who foresees her horrible fate and instructs her on ways to dissuade the satanic demon named Lamia from ripping her soul to the down under (and I don't mean Australia).
Phew.
As one can imagine, panic and horror ensue as poor Christine is challenged with ridding her life of this demon, comforted only by her loving boyfriend Clay (Justin Long) who doesn't believe in the paranormal nonsense that the teller feeds her.
What most people need to realize before seeing Drag Me to Hell is that its not exactly a horror movie, nor is it completely a B-movie romp like Evil Dead was. Those looking to watch it with the expectations of getting scared in the same manner as The Ring or The Grudge will probably be disappointed. However, if you go in with low expectations and appreciate the pitch-perfect pacing of the direction, you'll thoroughly enjoy yourself and exude excitement and anxiety for Raimi's next flick.
So you'll probably want me to stop beating around the bush and just tell you if Drag Me to Hell is a good movie. From almost any aspect, it is. The cutting, editing, and usually abrupt style of direction Raimi uses enthralls the audience and literally pulls you in as it throws a paranormal punch right at your face at the perfect moment. The jump scenes are plenty, and while they're expected and foreseen rather easily, they still manage to chill you and freak you out. But perhaps the freaking out wouldn't be due to the jumps so much as it is to the gross-out factor the movie retains, and herein lies Raimi's signature over-the-top preposterousness that put him on the map 20+ years ago. If you're not jumping back at a demon with sharp teeth, you'll jump back at the certain spewing fluids that come out of certain places and end up in other certain places.
That being said, the combination of the obvious scare moments, repulsive audacity, and trite yet giggle-worthy dialogue make for what is easily the most entertaining movie thus far of 2009. Its not perfect, and this is primarily due to Raimi's style that has worn off over time...even though the predictable scares are an integral part of the structure of this style of film, it really diminishes the scare factor that could otherwise really scare the bejesus out of you. Also, the volatile scenes, although appreciated for their involvement with the audience, become a little too much near the end of the movie. No matter what, you'll still jump back, cover your mouth, and utter obscenities at how disgusting what you're seeing is, but the entertainment of it gets a little tedious (especially when you're awaiting a freakish scare).
All in all, Drag Me to Hell is certainly a fun movie and crafted to a predefined, strong structure that Raimi so carefully developed. However, its appeal may be limited overall as the scares aren't as scary as they should be and the comedy isn't as comedic as it could be. At times, Raimi's flick seems like its not sure if it wants to be B-movie, ridiculous flare or if it actually wants to solidify itself as a rock-hard thrill ride. While it may not succeed 100% in any of these areas, it certainly is one "hell" of a ride...and you just might get car-sick.
7.5/10
-Kyle Shelton
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