Drag Me to Hell

 



Director - Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead, Darkman)
Starring - Alison Lohman (Big Fish, Kraa! The Sea Monster), Justin Long (Tusk, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story), and Lorna Raver (Charmed, Star Trek: Voyager)
Release Date - 2009
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Christine Brown has a good job, a great boyfriend, and a bright future.  But in three days she's going to hell"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      I get personal in some of my reviews.  I use most as some weird form of journals and in several of them I discuss some of my childhood which is not what most would consider a healthy or normal upbringing.  Sam Raimi was a huge part of my childhood rather I wanted him to be or not.  The woman that gave birth to me suffered from mental health issues and put all her time and energy into religion.  My little sister and I was forced into watching religious films and several horror films that had very little with religion.  The two films that stood out to me was Gold Told Me To! and Evil Dead II.  I didn't mind being forced to watch these two films but I never did get the reasoning behind her forcing us to.  As I got older I realized how amazing Sam Raimi is and I started collecting his work.  While I was in college he released Drag Me to Hell.  I remember liking it but it was easily forgettable.  Recently, Scream Factory released the film on blu.  It was time for me to revisit this one and Scream was kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!     

     The film follows loan officer Christine (Lohman) who is working for a promotion to assistant manager at her bank.  While trying to show her manager she can make tough decisions she declines an elderly woman her third extension on her mortgage payment.  The elderly lady is a gypsy and places a curse on her after she attacks her in a parking garage.  At first Christine doesn't believe in the curse at first but she quickly realizes her soul is in danger when a demon starts stalking her.  She seeks the help of a mystique to solve her problem but this curse goes much deeper than they suspected. 

     I remember Drag Me to Hell had a fun story but it was overshadowed by unlikable characters and horrible CGI.  After revisiting it I still stand by initial opinion of the film.  It is fun to watch every decade or so but no replay value at all.  The acting in this one isn't bad but the characters are really hard to get behind with the exception of the gypsy that placed the curse.  The cast does a solid job with the characters they are given but the writing makes it difficult for you to feel any emotions at all towards the main protagonist.  Honestly, with the story we are given you can easily want her to die.  You feel sympathy for the gypsy and understand why she did what she did.  The story for this one is really enjoyable but does have room for improvement.  I loved the gypsy curse angle and the rabbit's hole we go down with the young woman but I honestly feel that the story would have more impact if the characters were likable.  Justin Long's character is constantly ignoring his girlfriend's warnings which is really fucking aggravating.  The film's protagonist does a dick move to better herself resulting in her own demise.  The gypsy is the only one you feel any real emotion for and you find yourself rooting for her in a fight scene.  It just feels like some major changes happened from script to screen.  Finally, this film is a messy one.  We have several disgusting gags that implements top notch practical effects that is not only impressive but really makes the film as enjoyable as it is.  Sadly, it also incorporates horrible CGI that does take a lot away from the scenes.  Overall, Drag Me to Hell has a lot going for it but weak characters and horrible CGI stops it from being perfect.  The cast is great and the story is fantastic but you just have no emotional connection to the film except in a negative way.  It's still a fun watch and the Scream Factory blu is a must.  Check it out.