Drag Me To Hell Review
Drag Me To Hell
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Written by: Sam Raimi and Ivan Raimi
Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao
It’s still a little hard to believe that the guy who got his start directing the low budget horror flick The Evil Dead has gone on to be in charge of perhaps the biggest blockbuster franchise of all time, but by now, Sam Raimi has certainly has proven himself many times over. He’s come a long way from the days of shooting 8mm films as a kid in Michigan, and yet it’s that passion and drive that has propelled him to where he is today.
After Spider-Man 3 ballooned into a massive beast that ended up beyond his control, Raimi wanted nothing more than to get back to basics for his next film. Drag Me To Hell would be his first horror movie in over 15 years; an inexpensive project with a small cast to be produced by his long-time friend and collaborator Robert Tapert. But would he be able to recreate the rawness, creativity and urgency of his early films after having worked for so long on big budget sets, or were those things lost in his transition to Hollywood superstar?
Anyone who might have been worried about Raimi adopting a slick new style will have all their concerns alleviated within the first few minutes of this film. We are introduced to the origins of a Gypsy curse with a dramatic seance, followed by a wonderful opening credit sequence full of ancient books and diagrams reminiscent of the Evil Dead’s Necronomicon. From here we catch up with Christine Brown (Alison Lohman), a loan officer in the running for a promotion at her bank, who is forced to foreclose on an old woman’s home. When the old woman freaks out and causes a scene, we soon find out that she has placed the same curse on Christine. A local fortune teller informs her that for three days a demon will stalk and harass her, after which she will be dragged to hell for eternity — unless she can break the curse first.
While the story certainly sounded like Drag Me To Hell might bear some resemblance to The Grudge (a suspicion further supported by the fact that Raimi and Tapert’s Ghose House Pictures produced the U.S. remake), it turns out there is not much Asian influence at all here. This movie is classic Raimi through and through, and it’s so refreshing to see his style back on screen again in the context of a horror flick. There’s just no substitute for the kinetic energy and slightly campy tone that he brings to his films, but if anything, he’s only gotten better at creating suspense and chills over the years.
There’s a sense that Raimi is having more fun than he’s had in years, toying with us and constructing some unforgettable scenes such as the parking garage struggle and the various house encounters. As fun as the movie is, it is also surprisingly intense, and probably Raimi’s most genuinely terrifying film to date. The use of shadows is so creepy and effective, and there is a constant feeling that something could jump out at you at any given minute. The sinister musical score provided by Christopher Young keeps you on the edge of your seat and hardly ever lets up.
Alison Lohman, who previously played Nicolas Cage’s teenage daughter in Matchstick Men, puts on a perfect performance here. She is sweet and easy to sympathize with, but also up for some of the physical demands that come with starring in a Sam Raimi horror movie (something tells me that she and Bruce Campbell now have something to bond over). She also ends up getting all kinds of gross stuff poured on her face, most of which seems to have been handled with practical effects. There were one or two bad digital effects shots (one of which seemed like some sort of goofy tribute to Looney Tunes), but they are short and forgiveable. The film’s PG-13 rating is maintained because there isn’t a ton of blood and gore, although there is plenty of other gross imagery to cause discomfort.
While Drag Me To Hell is nowhere near as comedic as Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness were, there is certainly plenty of dark humour sprinkled throughout. Justin Long might have seemed a bit of an odd choice for a movie like this, but he works well here providing minor comic relief and also playing the role of the supportive boyfriend. The writing in this movie is solid, and although the script doesn’t strive for 100% believability what with all the spiritual mumbo jumbo being discussed, it does give the main characters some depth and provides some interesting subplots to play around with. For example, the dinner scene where Christine meets Clay’s parents for the first time is a brilliant mixture of humour and tension.
I can safely say that most Sam Raimi fans will not be disappointed with Drag Me To Hell, but it’s hard to say how general moviegoers will react. This certainly feels very different from a lot of the horror movies that have been in theatres over the past few years, and both the comedic tone and abrupt ending could rub some people the wrong way. For me, though, this ranks as one of the best movies of the year so far, not to mention ideal counter programming to the other summer blockbusters, and a fine return to form for Sam Raimi. Here’s to hoping that Spider-Man 4, 5 and 6 don’t keep him away from horror for another 8 years! — Sean
SCORE: 
Recommended If You Like: The Evil Dead, The Grudge, Poltergeist
Comments (31)
Definitely agree with you Sean. One of the best films of the year so far. 4/4 No Doubt.
Posted by Pr1mal on June 1st, 2009And now Sean is 3 for 3.
Posted by Dave on June 1st, 2009Great review Sean.
Posted by Ian on June 1st, 2009Bang on!
Posted by lee on June 1st, 2009I couldn’t agree more. For a hardcore Raimi and Evil Dead fan like me I couldn’t have been happier with this movie. I was sad there was no Bruce Campbell cameo though. I thought for sure he’d be in this since he’s in all three Spider Man movies. Although “The Classic” does make several appearances.
Posted by Jay on June 1st, 2009This movie rocked! My fav. American horror since The Sixth Sense
Posted by joe on June 1st, 2009Gonna catch it this week, even though to be honest, I generally hate watching horror movies in the theater – they rarely work for me in that setting.
Despite the acclaim, all the Raimi fanboys I know (the types with big Ash figures in their rooms) all found it mediocre to an insult. I’m waiting to see it myself before I dare probe further.
Posted by Goon on June 1st, 2009I’d love to hear some of these Raimi fanboys explain why they think it was mediocre. Honestly I don’t know what more you could want, other than maybe an R-rating, but in the end that was completely insignificant.
Posted by Sean on June 1st, 2009I’ll let you know. One tried to explain it to me but I kind of half blocked it out because I didn’t really want to know anything. But it was something about how the main character wasn’t anyone to root for…
oh hold on..
Posted by Goon on June 1st, 2009a common complaint was that they did a whole bunch of fake dreamy type things where it was made to look like something happened, but it didn’t. I havent seen it so I dont know what that means but maybe that’ll make sense to you.
I really liked it as well. I was a bit disappointed with the decision to use CG over pratical effects in some scenes though. I know campy effects are part of Raimi’s charm, but I guess I was hoping for something closer to Ash punching skeletons made of chalk that explode in Army of Darkness. That being said, this movie is going to be insanely re-watchable.
Posted by Neil M on June 1st, 2009sweet review sean. now i’ll definitely check this movie out.
Posted by modesilver on June 1st, 2009I really dug it a lot. I was also a bit disappointed with the CG decision, but at least it was done well. It’s cool how many new-wave horror flicks are about to hit dvd or local theatres.
Has anyone seen I CAN SEE YOU? I’ve been looking, but I guess I’ll have to wait for dvd.
Here is another movie that looks fucking sick. It’s an underground 1970s acid horror flick that’s premiering in LA soon, I think.
I found this trailer:
http://satanfever.com/trailerh.264.mov
Looks cool. I think we’re gonna see a new wave real soon, with movies like Drag Me To Hell leading the way.
Posted by videonarc on June 1st, 2009“a common complaint was that they did a whole bunch of fake dreamy type things where it was made to look like something happened, but it didn’t. ”
Your friends need to pay more attention when they watch movies.
Posted by Dave on June 1st, 2009Did I ever use the term “friends”?
Posted by Goon on June 1st, 20094 STAR’S for PG-13 horror,that’s good but would the movie been better if Sam Raimi whent with a harder edger film and doing an R-rated version?,Or is he looking at that PG-13 money?
Posted by J D on June 1st, 2009Will this Review be on the next podcat?
Posted by J D on June 1st, 2009Considering the film only did average money, the rating really didn’t have much of an impact. Regardless, Raimi did plenty with that rating.
Posted by Dave on June 1st, 2009I also loved this movie. I really enjoyed the abrupt ending especially considering the build up to it. The most fun I’ve had in a theater this year at this point.
Good review btw.
Posted by Byron on June 1st, 2009J D, I think that question is irrelevant in general. Do you think directors set out and say, i’m going to make a Rated R or Rated X film. Most directors make their movie and then are judged by the censors/MPAA to judge it.
I feel like this is what Sam&Ivan Raimi wanted to tell. The movie attacks your senses from all angles and I don’t know that based on the intensity of the film it would of gotten an R rating.
I would probably say that if the comical CG effects were done pratically then it would gotten the R rating because it would look too real.
Posted by Pr1mal on June 1st, 2009Not a very great film. Still good for entertainment value.
Posted by Rony on June 2nd, 2009Very predictable and boring movie. I loved the Evil Dead it was very scary but this is no comparison. even the in your face startles were predictable and the acting was not good, I left feeling nothing for any character other then Dileep Rao the seer.
Posted by Gypsy on June 3rd, 2009Very disappointing.
Great review, Sean, and I totally agree with the 4/4. I’m not a huge fan of the evil dead trilogy (the zoom pov shots, although innovative, were kind of annoying, and i didn’t find army of darkness funny) nor the spiderman flicks (never bothered to see the third). The only Raimi movies I’ve flat-out really dug are this and a simple plan.
Posted by dan on June 3rd, 2009The pacing, camera-work, energy, and campiness in this movie were all awesome. It was a terribly fun ride from start to finish. The abrupt ending really worked for me, especially with the quick cut to the title shot. I even liked Justin Long in the flick, go figure.
do u no y its rated r cause in pretty young and i enoy horror flicks and my dad wants to make sure theres no inapropiate things but he and i are fine with the blood and everything well speaking of that i find blood pretty amuzing in horror flick
Posted by vitta on June 5th, 2009no nudity, and very little cursing, mostly demonic type scares and gore..during the film I questioned why it didn’t get PG13???
Posted by rus in chicago on June 7th, 2009it was tight 80s throwback horror, I really enjoyed it and the gross-out stuff played for laughs was great. some of the wire-work was poor but then I figured Sam wanted it that way to communicate it was real in-camera stuff and more of a tip-of-the-hat to the 80s, agree?
the ending could have been a little stronger in my opinion, but a very enjoyable way to spend a chilly Sat. afternoon.
Posted by rus in chicago on June 7th, 2009wait, it is rated PG13….
Posted by rus in chicago on June 7th, 2009Wow. How can you think this was a good movie? By far the worst piece of shit I have ever seen
Posted by it was terrible on June 7th, 2009The movie started off cool. It was an exciting, spooky horror for the most part; Alison Lohman was downright horrible in this movie, & I’m reading this in many forums. Some of her out-of-place comments ruined the best scenes. She just seemed weird and stilted almost as if she was reading off cue cards. Her delivery was flat and lifeless, so dry and BLAND, but than again maybe that’s why many of us never heard of her and will quickly forget her (c I forgot her name already). Should of kept Ellen!
Posted by adeleH on June 8th, 2009I totally agree with you Sean. We saw this yesterday and it was great seeing Raimi back with the kind of movie I love. Great stuff!
Posted by Tina on June 18th, 2009Raimi fanboy speaking up. ;-P
The Evil Dead formula doesn’t work with a girl in the lead, especially not one as cute ‘girl-next-door’ as Alison Lohman.
It’s like stopping for a girl standing next to a car with a flat tire, staring down the highway at you with lost puppy eyes. And likewise, quickly scanning the road for a well placed puddle to power your car through if it’s a bloke. It’s not sexist, it’s a matter of pride. Basic mechanical skills are part and parcel of your upbringing as a young adult male, kinda like knowing how to do a necktie.
Same when an army of undead cuts your hand off. Proper blokes do not stumble off to the nearest psychic for advice, like our girl in this movie. They strap a chainsaw to the bleeding stump and get revenge. Part and parcel of your upbringing.
…
Okay, maybe that is actually very sexist, but I can’t help it, it just didn’t push the right buttons for me. Unlike Bruce Campbell, I kept feeling guilty for laughing at poor Chrissy Brown getting splattered in the face with corpse-juice. What adeleH perceived as bland acting on Lohman’s part, struck me as an accurate portrayal of my best friend’s little sister. Maybe if they’d overdone the hair and plastered on the make-up this would be different…
In all, this movie left me with a distinct “it’s neither fish nor flesh” feeling.
Posted by deebee on August 29th, 2009this movie sucks dog balls! you people must be getting paid for these reviews or sucking cock. it was terribly acted and predictable. i want to punch random people in the face because of ths awful movie!
Posted by thisshytsucks on September 1st, 2009Leave a Reply