FILM REVIEW: DRAG ME TO HELL
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 1:54PM | Erika Szabo 
Released: 2009
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Camp
You’d have to be pretty misguided, for lack of a better word, to think that Sam Raimi’s profitable Spiderman series was his best move yet – let’s not even mention the latest in the series, Spiderman 3. While the Spiderman films have garnered a lot of attention and have become this decade’s biggest blockbusters, it’s hard to imagine that these so-called ‘epitomes of cool’ are what Raimi has been working for all his life. I mean, where’s the fun in working with a bunch of famous actors who have bigger and better things to do? – I’m looking at you Tobey Maguire.
2009 has proven one thing true: Raimi’s passion lies in the past, most notably for the Evil Dead Trilogy. Fans seem to think the same thing, because without these films we wouldn’t have the comics, action figures, or even musicals that we do today – and this popularity continues to grow even after 28 years! While Evil Dead held definite entertainment value and managed to hit things off for unsuspecting fans, Evil Dead II cemented the popularity of the trilogy for its hilarity, and which continued to escalate in the ridiculously wonderful Evil Dead III: The Army of Darkness.
I fret to think that there are still people who have never seen or heard of his earliest works, but luckily for them, they get a second chance to enjoy what Raimi excels in: horror comedy that is as gory as it is fun. Enter Drag Me to Hell.
Alison Lohman stars as Christine Brown, a good-hearted loan officer who’s trying to get a little success in the world. After being offered a promotion, she decides to take a stab at the opportunity and “make the tough decisions”. Unfortunately for her, that involves denying a loan extension to an elderly gypsy woman, thus forcing her home into foreclosure.
For anyone doesn’t know horror films: don’t shame gypsies. The day after the incident, the old woman attacks her (more will ensue) and puts a hex on our unfortunate heroine. In three days time, a demon will pull her down into the bowels of hell for all eternity; that is, unless she can stop the curse.
Drag Me to Hell represents a complete return to form for Sam Raimi. It will, without a doubt, gross viewers out. Look forward to all sorts of things getting fired into and out of people’s mouths and faces. Any Raimi fan would be proud.
Now for the scare-factor: a film like this has probably generated as many laughs as it has jumps. If it weren’t for the amazing camerawork and sound, Drag Me to Hell’s scariest moments would probably live on in the official trailer – a trailer that probably gave viewers the impression that it was more scare and less laughs. Drag Me to Hell is anything but a messy bore.
The funny thing is, the film’s tagline is as straightforward as the film itself. There’s no subtext to the story either – Raimi isn’t trying to tell you anything. There are no connections to real-world events and there definitely aren’t any metaphors. It’s just camp.
There’s so much to love about Drag Me to Hell, whether it involves corpse vomit, geyser-like nosebleeds, eyes popping out of their sockets, and cleverly placed posters. This film is full of slapstick humour and horror that only Raimi can achieve. I left feeling invigorated and giddier than I’ve felt in a long time. As the two 50-something Raimi fans said on their way out of the theatre, “Raimi’s done it again.”
Drag Me To Hell will be available on DVD & Blu-ray October 13. It includes two versions of the film - Unrated Director's Cut and Theatrical.
SHARP OBJEX Rating: 3.5 out of 4
Drag Me To Hell Trailer (Courtesy of CineTrailer)
Reader Comments (4)
I was avoiding this movie but after reading this I guess I have to see it.
Oh yes, you must!
Possibly one of the most enjoyable films of the year- it's the perfect mix of gross out comedy and well thought out popcorn scares. Brilliant!
Totally! I can't wait to buy it on dvd, my bootleg doesn't do the film justice.