DRAG ME TO HELL (2009)

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"Um… try not to piss off any old ladies today. Okay?"

Introduction (1)

I've never really been a horror genre fan, but I will admit I have enjoyed a few. The first two Friday the 13th flicks, the original Nightmare on Elm Street, the original Halloween, the first two installments of Evil Dead, and even some that are more recent. Joy Ride, The Strangers, the first two Saws, the original Scream, and the original Jeepers Creepers just to name a few. However, I avoid the genre as much as possible because lately it has turned into a gore fest. I personally think gore is not needed to scare the bejeebeez out of an audience. It's the situations and the sudden scares that make them scream. Which is why I really enjoyed Drag Me to Hell. A film that reminds me of old school horror.

Synopsis (2)

Christine (Alison Lohman, of Matchstick Men) is a loan officer at a bank charged with the task of denying an old woman an extension on her mortgage payments. Feeling shamed, the vengeful Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver) sentences Christine to eternal damnation. (Given her powers, one might ask, why didn't she just sentence her to pay off the mortgage? Just a thought... and just kidding.) Anyway, with three days to rid herself of the curse before an ancient demon comes calling for her soul, Christine, her loyal boyfriend (Justin Long) and an overmatched psychic (Dileep Rao) make a last minute bid for a stay of execution. The forces of unspeakable evil, however, are in a less-than-forgiving mood.

Story (3)

If you're like myself and grew up in the eighties appreciating the horror films that decade had to offer, then Drag me to Hell is a 100% must see. The movie has its fair share of gross out moments as well as some disturbing imagery, but it doesn't come close in comparison to the horror films of today. There are too many flicks today that rely on the gore and the disgusting which for some reason interests our young generation today. Why? I have no idea. Drag Me To Hell keeps it simple. It scares the audience with suspense, sudden appearances, and simply not knowing what lies around the next corner. The film has a darkly comic tone that moves at such pace and with such tension that one cannot help but be drawn in.

Acting (4)

The performances from all the actors were great with a special nod well deserved for Lorna Raver (the old gypsy hag). If there was ever a category for Best Villain at the Oscars then Mrs. Ganush would win it hands down. Without giving anything away, even in the later scenes when her physical being isn't doing much, she still exudes an air of ghoulish menace. Alison Lohman did a fine job as our leading character. One can't help but feel sorry for her errors in judgment. And Justin Long has a great line after the whole clash with the gypsy lady. He tells his girlfriend "Um babe... try not to piss off any old ladies today. Okay?". Simply hilarious. Great performances combined with great camera work and the direction of a horror maestro make this film almost perfect. I say almost because to pick flaws in the film would be trivial and to be honest I would feel like a jerk if I did. Why? Because Raimi and company have truly crafted a movie that has not been done since Evil Dead.

Direction (5)

A huge pat on the back goes out to Sam Raimi, who has been away from the horror genre since Evil Dead III in 1992. He has finally returned to doing what most say he was born to do. That being plain and simply to scare the hell out of you while making you laugh at the same time. With Drag Me To Hell, he executes this with absolute perfection.

Some have praised this film as a terrifying return to form for Raimi. I can't be certain I'd go that far, but it is certainly a welcomed return. Rather than inviting the gag reflex with scenes of severed limbs and graphic torture, Raimi takes a crazy, tongue-in-cheek approach to horror in this film. Probably because of the PG-13 rating. He has proved to his fans and the critics that he still has what it takes when it comes to horror. He can still write them, he can still direct them and more importantly he has shown he is one of few directors who has the cajones to end a horror film how they should be ended.

Special Effects (6)

There are a few slight issues with the effects, but like I said before, its mostly trivial. But just to give you some heads up, there are some dodgy CGI effects and one or two lapses in the script, but no movie is perfect. What I thought while I was watching the movie, however, was how I would have loved to see a special cameo from a certain someone. What was missing was an appearance from a certain Mr. Bruce Campbell, maybe in the role of Milos, the medium's assistant. Considering how the scene involving him plays out, it would have been a great cameo. You'll see what I mean if you ever watch the movie.

My Take (7)

Overall, it was a terrifying and funny experience at the same time. If you like to get scared then laugh about it afterward, then this is the movie for you. The film doesn't take itself serious too often, but when it does, you'll know it. Like I said before, I don't normally enjoy horror flicks, but I have to admit that I was glad I saw this one. Don't wait for the DVD to watch it because you will not get the same scare effects that you will in a theater. Hope you take my advice and see this one in the theaters.

MOVIE RATING SCALE:

5.0 stars = A MUST SEE

4.5 stars = Excellent

*** 4.0 stars = Outstanding ***

3.5 stars = Good

3.0 stars = Above Average

2.5 stars = Average

2.0 stars = Disappointing

1.5 stars = Bad

1.0 stars = Terrible

0.5 stars = Horrible

0.0 stars = UNWATCHABLE