Yes, those considered Raimi fans certainly remember his non-web-slinging exploits such as the underrated The Gift, or even the overrated Darkman, but only the tried and true recall the horror days. It all began with the revered The Evil Dead and the series of sequels that were to follow. With Drag Me to Hell, Raimi looks to get his hands dirty once again and pay due respect to the genre that launched his illustrious career.
Drag Me to Hell, set in Pasadena, California, introduces us to Christine Brown, a quiet country girl who processes loans at a local bank. Things are beginning look up for Christine. She has a successful PhD boyfriend, an adorable kitten at home, and most importantly is up for a big promotion at the bank.
However, according to her boss, she lacks the ability to make “the tough decisions” and wants to prove him wrong. She spies her opportunity when an old gypsy woman comes into the bank begging to keep her home. Despite having the ability to grant the old woman another extension, Christine plays it tough and denies her any relief. Upon hearing this rejection, the gypsy flies into a rage and puts a curse on Christine that raises an evil entity known as “Lamia” who will claim her soul in three days time.
 |
| All Mrs. Ganush wants is an extension on her loan. |
Although not an elite film,Drag Me to Hell is a good time that feels more like a carnival ride rather than an exercise in cinematic construction. The plot is stripped down and the narrative has the pulse of a zombie, but Raimi’s prowess behind the camera is enough to make audiences forget. His brilliant sense of timing and creative visuals gets the adrenaline peaking with more than a handful of jumps and terrifying delights. As with his other pictures, the sound rounds out the experience and instills the fact that the journey to hell is indeed bumpy.
When the rambunctious upstart Ellen Page (Hard Candy, Juno) decided to bail in pre-production there was concern; however, the doe-eyed Alison Lohman fills in admirably as Christine. Besides, can you really see Page in the role of scream queen? The rest of the cast is decent with Justin Long rehashing his Jeepers Creepers days, but honorable mention goes to Lorna Raver as the old gypsy. She is one scary and disgusting hexer.
Drag Me to Hell is a thrilling ride at times and worth the exorbitant theatre price, but Raimi has almost too much fun with this one. What begins as a good blend of horror and comedy descends into full-on camp with little to take serious. The genuine terror subsides and we are left in a world with talking goats and, surprisingly, questionable CG effects. However, despite a degree of predictability, the ending saves some face and allows the famed director to once again claim success. Chock full of references to his early years, including his 73’ Oldsmobile, Raimi proves that you can come home again, just as long as you know that hell awaits.