Drag Me To Hell Review

So. Sam Raimi is back, and better than ever with his newest film, “Drag Me To Hell”. I love that title by the way. After the mess that was “Spiderman 3” it seems Sam has decided to revisit his horror roots with this inspired, campy, and deliciously diabolical flick.

This is Raimi the way he’s meant to be experienced : bold, in-your-face style, with strong characters and tongue in cheek camp. Oh, the camp! This one is a howler of a film. No one can do the horror genre quite the way Sam can. He gives us memorable characters and outlandish situations sure to stick with even the most jaded movie watcher. I had just about concluded that Sam wasn’t going to come back to the genre, but not only does he come back to it, he gives us (arguably) one of the best horror movies of the last few decades.

Powering Sam and brother Ivan’s terrific script is a powerhouse performance by the always impressive Allison Lohman. I remember being particularly impressed with her performance in Ridley Scott’s “Matchstick Men”. Her tough yet tender heroine carries the movie in places. She’s very ably supported by the very likable and talented Justin Long.

The story concerns Lohman being struck with a curse by a deranged elderly gypsy and subsequently enduring a barrage of demonic torture for the course of three days before being consumed by a particularly nasty demon who will “drag her to hell”. That’s really all you need to know about the plot. Get on the rollercoaster and enjoy the ride.

Raimi doesn’t so much depend on gore here (it is rated PG-13 afterall) rather than he does on that gross-out ick factor. There is a good deal of nastiness that assails the viewer, but Sam knows how to walk the fine line required in horror and not totally offend his audience. He balances his scares with some really fine humor, and attitude to spare. He has focused on his story and kept the structure tight and the scope fairly small. This is the definite way to handle this type of material. It allows him to concentrate more on each scare sequence and gag.

Being a veteran of this genre, Sam knows how to pace his movie, and no scene ever feels to long. He can manipulate the scares here so well. He knows his stuff.

If you are a Raimi fan don’t dare miss it, and if you like a scary movie that harkens back to days gone by in a hip manner, then you’re in for a treat. This is a prototype for horror movies that will appeal to the masses and horror fans alike. I wouldn’t be surprised if it became a sleeper hit, or a cult classic at the least.

Five of five stars

Vines and Heroes

Here in the Mississippi Delta the combination of heat and humidity has been oppressive as of late. Yesterday as I hacked away at vines surrounding our bayou here, I felt abit like Teddy Roosevelt or John Huston in Africa slaving away through the insect ridden rivers of the desolate. At least I can quit and come into a air-conditioned room at the end of the day.
I am working to clear out the last section of our sector of the Cassidy bayou here in Tutwiler. Its hard work, but I really enjoy it. Today, though, its too hot to really be doing such strenuous work without passing out. Heat index is around 110. Youch!
Its a beautiful day though, and I plan on going out later in search of some good shots. Summer provides great scenery, but its like being in the jungle. Very challenging. Lots of mosquitoes here. I hate mosquitoes!

On another note, I attended the opening day show of The Dark Knight! It was fantastic and brutally jarring, leaving me haunted by its vision. I have read comics all my life, and I can say that this is hands down the best comic adaptation ever made. It sums up everything that is appealing about Batman and his world. And I really do hope Heath Ledger gets that posthumous oscar that everyone is talking about. He really became the character. He is barely recognizable. Absolutely brilliant portrayal! This has to be my favorite film of the year. But it is definitely not for kids.
I also loved Iron Man. I can't imagine anyone doing a more faithful and fun adaptation of that comic(yeah it was one of my favorites too). I am a big fan of Robert Downey Jr. So bring on Iron Man 2 and the Avengers!!