OcR Horror
06-11-2009, 11:13 AM
http://l.yimg.com/eb/ymv/us/img/hv/photo/movie_pix/universal_pictures/drag_me_to_hell/dragmetohell_bigposter.jpg
Title: Drag Me to Hell
Rated PG-13 (US), 15 (UK)
Released: 2009
Genre: Horror (Horror/Black Comedy)
Main Actors: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao
Summary: A loan officer makes a tough decision to get ahead at work, and finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse, which turns her life into a living hell.
Review: Drag Me to Hell is Sam Raimi's return to his horror roots. After directing the Evil Dead series his distinct brand of slapstick comedy and nightmarish horror gained cult status, and created a benchmark for black comedy/horror for years to come. While still keeping a hand in the horror world through his production company Ghost House (30 Days of Night, The Messengers, The Grudge 1 & 2), Raimi famously focussed his directing talents on the 3 hugely successful Spiderman films, and caused many to question whether he was still able to write and direct a great horror movie. With Drag Me to Hell, he has proved he is more that capable.
DMtH would be best described as 'old fashioned' as far as horror films go. It's a bit trashy, the story is lean and without fluff, and it's a little predictable. But amongst the slew of J-horror remakes (Ring, The Grudge, The Eye etc.) and 'controversial' gore flicks (Hostel, Frontier(s), Turistas), it's like a breath of fresh air to see a scary movie that doesn't rely on ultra violence or tired Japanese rip-offs. That's not to say it isn't gory or scary. While not being particularly bloody or violent, there's enough gross moments including phlegm, stapler combat, furious gum action, embalming fluid and a shit-load of bugs. And as for scares, this film is all about the scares. Nobody can build (or bus, if you're gonna be technical) a jump-out-your-seat moment like Raimi. Hold onto your popcorn tightly.
It's all acted competently enough, Lohman makes a likeable, but not angelic, main character, Lorna Raver gives her all as the shamed gypsy and Dileep Rao shines as a lowly mystic thrust into the deep end. Best seen in a cinema to get the best out of the fantastic sound design and hilariously gruesome effects (not to mention the dark), but don't expect a tour de force of violence and horror. Raimi fans will be very satisfied with the way the director doesn't try any cheap tricks with the story, more slyly nods knowingly to horror buffs while still doing the groundwork to scare/surprise horror dabblers.
Would I recommend?: I can't recommend this film enough. It's a great scare movie, with enough laughs to stop it from becoming repetitive. Don't expect The Evil Dead 4, but be assured that Sam Raimi is definitely back in the fruit cellaaaarrrrrr.
(5/5 Demonic Goats)
Status: In cinemas now.
Trailer: (Trailer is a bit loud, eyes open for the boss if you're at work!)YouTube - Drag Me To Hell - Official Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-REviL75zg&fmt=18)
Title: Drag Me to Hell
Rated PG-13 (US), 15 (UK)
Released: 2009
Genre: Horror (Horror/Black Comedy)
Main Actors: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao
Summary: A loan officer makes a tough decision to get ahead at work, and finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse, which turns her life into a living hell.
Review: Drag Me to Hell is Sam Raimi's return to his horror roots. After directing the Evil Dead series his distinct brand of slapstick comedy and nightmarish horror gained cult status, and created a benchmark for black comedy/horror for years to come. While still keeping a hand in the horror world through his production company Ghost House (30 Days of Night, The Messengers, The Grudge 1 & 2), Raimi famously focussed his directing talents on the 3 hugely successful Spiderman films, and caused many to question whether he was still able to write and direct a great horror movie. With Drag Me to Hell, he has proved he is more that capable.
DMtH would be best described as 'old fashioned' as far as horror films go. It's a bit trashy, the story is lean and without fluff, and it's a little predictable. But amongst the slew of J-horror remakes (Ring, The Grudge, The Eye etc.) and 'controversial' gore flicks (Hostel, Frontier(s), Turistas), it's like a breath of fresh air to see a scary movie that doesn't rely on ultra violence or tired Japanese rip-offs. That's not to say it isn't gory or scary. While not being particularly bloody or violent, there's enough gross moments including phlegm, stapler combat, furious gum action, embalming fluid and a shit-load of bugs. And as for scares, this film is all about the scares. Nobody can build (or bus, if you're gonna be technical) a jump-out-your-seat moment like Raimi. Hold onto your popcorn tightly.
It's all acted competently enough, Lohman makes a likeable, but not angelic, main character, Lorna Raver gives her all as the shamed gypsy and Dileep Rao shines as a lowly mystic thrust into the deep end. Best seen in a cinema to get the best out of the fantastic sound design and hilariously gruesome effects (not to mention the dark), but don't expect a tour de force of violence and horror. Raimi fans will be very satisfied with the way the director doesn't try any cheap tricks with the story, more slyly nods knowingly to horror buffs while still doing the groundwork to scare/surprise horror dabblers.
Would I recommend?: I can't recommend this film enough. It's a great scare movie, with enough laughs to stop it from becoming repetitive. Don't expect The Evil Dead 4, but be assured that Sam Raimi is definitely back in the fruit cellaaaarrrrrr.
(5/5 Demonic Goats)
Status: In cinemas now.
Trailer: (Trailer is a bit loud, eyes open for the boss if you're at work!)YouTube - Drag Me To Hell - Official Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-REviL75zg&fmt=18)