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by Jeb
Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:43 pm
Forum: Full Reviews
Topic: Drag Me to Hell
Replies: 12
Views: 7928

Drag Me to Hell

I have been a faithful fan of Raimi's work ever since he directed his first major B-movie masterpiece, The Evil Dead. He balanced scares and gratuitous violence with hilariously campy and absurd humor, and continued this formula in the next two chapters, which both lived up to the hype and cult following of the original. Then Raimi took a more focused turn with the Spider-Man trilogy, which all three succeeded in domestic grossings, although the third film didn't receive too many light reviews. Now, Raimi has once again returned to his roots and signature strategy and tactics. His techniques are all present here in Drag Me to Hell, from the average joking to the proper distinctive standards that were there in Evil Dead. Even the knockout combination and blend of cachinnation and consternation is here, but the trepidation doesn't occur as much as you want it to until the last two sections where all hell breaks loose. Drag Me to Hell also carries an eccentric charm within its hard shell, which ignites a flurry of frequent amusement among the three elements mentioned. The plotline is eminently and immensely primitive, and has a fresh take on the usually ripped off concept of hell itself. I was expecting the cast to induligibly fail at every line they spoke, but both Justin Long and Allison Lohman deliver juggernaut exhibitions, and they have good connection with each other here. The only flaw I can find in Drag Me to Hell is the predictability and pretentious path it chooses towards the end. Only the fatal twist (which is sadly revealed and hinted tremendously in the trailer) is incredible in this contaminated area. However, everything else and the sheer entertainment factor it holds prevents it from falling vigorously from the top.

Drag Me to Hell is a fine demonstration of American horror done right, and it shows that Raimi has not lost his touch in the horror genre. You get a certain sense of primal fear and distress watching it that soon penetrates after a pun is cracked, which then precedes to lead into another unfortunate scare. If Sam Raimi once again decides to make a horror movie, he will most definitely come back with this trait, along with the trait to make amazing movies just like this one.

87/100