Drag Me To Hell

[Watashi]

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/dragmetohell1-440x293.jpg




Co-written by Raimi with his brother Ivan, Drag Me to Hell tells the story of a young woman who isdesperate to break an evil curse. Alison Lohman stars as Christine Brown, “an ambitious L.A. loan officer with a charming boyfriend, professor Clay Dalton (Justin Long). Life is good until the mysterious Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver) arrives at the bank to beg for an extension on her home loan. Christine denies the extension to impress her boss, Mr. Jacks (David Paymer), shaming Mrs. Ganush and dispossessing her of her home. In retaliation, the old woman places the powerful curse of the Lamia on Christine, transforming her life into a living hell. Haunted by an evil spirit and misunderstood by a skeptical boyfriend, she seeks the aid of seer Rham Jas (Dileep Rao) to save her soul from eternal damnation. To help the shattered Christine return her life to normal, the psychic sets her on a frantic course to reverse the spell. As evil forces close in, Christine must face the unthinkable: how far will she go to break free of the curse?”

Raimi describes the film as a chance to get back to his roots and make a small movie: “This script was one I wrote with my brother many years ago, but we couldn’t get the money to make it with the director we wanted at the time. I decided it would be a great change for me to get back to the basics of filmmaking, a chance to work with a smaller budget and challenge myself with the more old-fashioned ways — not being able to afford a crane every day, covering five or six pages of material every day, back to those basics of less luxurious filmmaking. I thought that would be refreshing.”


Raimi returning to horror, eh? I still need to see the Evil Dead films. I saw part of the first one on a fuzzy webcam.

[Bosco B Thug]

I heard underwhelming things about the script, but I got a big kick out of the clip that was shown at Comic Con. Brriiinng ittt.

[Wryan]

"Life is good until the mysterious Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver) arrives at the bank to beg for an extension on her home loan."

Is her first name Baba? Cause that would be awesome.

[Sven]

Justin Long as a professor, eh? Riiiiiiight...

[Ezee E]

At least he got to do something besides Spider-Man, which he'll probably be getting right into when this comes out.

[Skitch]

I think its good to leave comic book world in between sequels. Seemed to keep Nolan grounded...

[Kurosawa Fan]

That description is awful.

[Wryan]

That description is awful.

Seriously. How many Los Angeles loan officers can be described as "ambitious"?

[Raiders]

Justin Long as a professor, eh? Riiiiiiight...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

I will say that I am looking forward to it. I actually think the description sounds pretty cool.

[Grouchy]

It's exactly what we wanted, right? Raimi NOT doing a Spiderman movie for a while.

[Dukefrukem]

I heard underwhelming things about the script, but I got a big kick out of the clip that was shown at Comic Con. Brriiinng ittt.

is that clip online somewhere?

[Ivan Drago]

As awesome as this sounds, horror films nowadays find some magical way to suck. This will be no different.

[DavidSeven]

Working on meaningless drivel for so long has apparently melted Raimi's brain. Too bad.

[Lasse]

So far, I'm interested.

[MadMan]

I need to see a trailer before making any more judgments, but right now I'm just glad to hear Rami returning to horror for a brief moment. Even though I like the last two Spiderman films I don't like that they have dragged him away from a genre in which he has done his best work in. The Evil Dead series is one of the best horror trilogies ever.

[Bosco B Thug]

is that clip online somewhere?
Really bad shaky-cam bootleg, but this might be all we ever had and what I had watched back when it leaked from comiccon... don't remember...

[transmogrifier]

That description is awful.

Exactly. Curses and paranormal spirits have to be the WORST foundation for a film possible. Bores me to tears even thinking about it.

[Bosco B Thug]

Really bad shaky-cam bootleg, but this might be all we ever had and what I had watched back when it leaked from comiccon... don't remember...
Wow, I forgot to include the freaking link. My bad.

http://vodpod.com/watch/906528-drag-me-to-hell-clip

[Dead & Messed Up]

Trailer! Yes!

Yahoo! (http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810029193/video/12431635)

This looks great. Like Devil Rides Out stuffed into The Exorcist. And a little Fulci thrown in for good measure.

[number8]

Oh, Raimi.

[MadMan]

This film could be kind of creepy. But that trailer had some silly/dumb moments.

[megladon8]

Colour me unimpressed.

Looks like any other horror movie. Aside from the shot of the fly, I didn't see much of Rami's bombastic style coming through there at all.

[transmogrifier]

Looks terrible. I hate paranormal horror more than any other piece of genre tripe. No rules, no scares, just outlandish "events" randomly piled up on top of each other. The only time it works is when it is played as exquisite camp, like The Devil's Advocate.

[eternity]

To the untrained eye, this looks like a typical tweeny horror movie.

To the trained eye, who knows what the hell it is.

[Dukefrukem]

Colour me unimpressed.

Looks like any other horror movie. Aside from the shot of the fly, I didn't see much of Rami's bombastic style coming through there at all.

I thought the same thing. I'm disappointed. It doesn't even look scary.

I'll still see it and buy the DVD.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Looks terrible. I hate paranormal horror more than any other piece of genre tripe. No rules, no scares, just outlandish "events" randomly piled up on top of each other. The only time it works is when it is played as exquisite camp, like The Devil's Advocate.

Can you give some examples of those kinds of films?

I'm confused, because I think paranormal horror like Rosemary's Baby, The Wolf Man, and Pulse are among the best films that horror can offer.

[transmogrifier]

Can you give some examples of those kinds of films?

I'm confused, because I think paranormal horror like Rosemary's Baby, The Wolf Man, and Pulse are among the best films that horror can offer.

Rosemary's Baby works because it totally downplays the hokey devil crap. Haven't seen the other two.

The types of films I am talking about are the ones that look exactly like what this trailer suggests. Curses, hell, seances....boring as all fuck. I have no examples from recent years because I don't watch them, but the epitome to me is the Korean horror, The Red Shoes, where some demented ghost can be anywhere at anytime and manipulate anything....or Into the Mirror....I don't know. The Ninth Gate? Shit. Silent Hill? Ick. Ghost horror does NOTHING for me at all.

[Boner M]

Yeah, this looks pretty lame. Basically tuned out halfway through.

And Alison Lohman just isn't believable as anyone over the age of 14.

[Spun Lepton]

Looks a little generic, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as the execution is good. I'll wait to see what others think before seeing it.

[number8]

I dare Raimi to make another film that has no camp in it whatsoever, ala Simple Plan. I don't think he can.

[D_Davis]

I love ghost stories, but mainly in literature. However, the premise for this seems really silly. Is it a cautionary tail in these times of troubled mortgages?

[number8]

Cautionary to who?

Beware, banks! Be generous to people who can't pay their mortgages, or you'll get what's coming for you!

What?

How about a ghost story about a credit card that kills people for spending money they don't have?

[Spun Lepton]

How about a ghost story about a credit card that kills people for spending money they don't have?

This summer, at a theater near you.

Ameri-Kill Express.

Rated R for graphic violence, nudity, and rampant spending.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I love ghost stories, but mainly in literature. However, the premise for this seems really silly. Is it a cautionary tail in these times of troubled mortgages?

If I hear the phrase "In these troubled economic times" one more time from a commercial, movie, promo, or whatever, I'm gonna kill a banker.

[Barty]

Ameri-Kill Express.

Rated R for graphic violence, nudity, and rampant spending.

I can see the tagline now!

"It's expiration date had arrived. It's credit limit reached. But now...the only thing that will be declined...is your life."

[Ezee E]

I dare Raimi to make another film that has no camp in it whatsoever, ala Simple Plan. I don't think he can.
Also his best film.

[Kurosawa Fan]

If I hear the phrase "In these troubled economic times" one more time from a commercial, movie, promo, or whatever, I'm gonna kill a banker.

:eek:

THE MOVIE WAS RIGHT!!!

[KK2.0]

So, Raimi is back to his campy horror and you are still NOT satisfied?

Or maybe he can't do it without Bruce in it?

The Gift wasn't campy, and dealt with the supernatural, and it was mediocre. I'll take his camp over it any time.

[megladon8]

IGN gave it 4 1/2 out of 5 (http://movies.ign.com/articles/962/962813p1.html).

[Dead & Messed Up]

IGN gave it 4 1/2 out of 5 (http://movies.ign.com/articles/962/962813p1.html).

I'm predicting Mist or Descent quality here.

[megladon8]

I'm predicting Mist or Descent quality here.


That would be awesome, but I really thought the trailer sucked a lot.

It looked like any other horror movie that comes out this time of year, sucks, and is on DVD by May.

[Bosco B Thug]

Thank you, Horror Gods. Let's just get Lars Von Trier's new movie with some equally exultant pre-release buzz and I'll build some churches.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm predicting Mist or Descent quality here.

How do you rate Mist? Because I rate it on the opposite end of the spectrum of Descent (well... mainly the ending).

[number8]

How do you compare the best horror film of 2005 with the best horror film of 2007? Crazy! :P

[Dukefrukem]

How do you compare the best horror film of 2005 with the best horror film of 2007? Crazy! :P

I don't disagree it isn't the best horror film of 2007, but that wasn't saying much that year.

[Grouchy]

Looks terrible. I hate paranormal horror more than any other piece of genre tripe. No rules, no scares, just outlandish "events" randomly piled up on top of each other. The only time it works is when it is played as exquisite camp, like The Devil's Advocate.
I'm so, so glad I'm not you.

[KK2.0]

IGN gave it 4 1/2 out of 5 (http://movies.ign.com/articles/962/962813p1.html).


although i've skipped most of the text, I'm glad that it's such a positive response.


But i wouldn`t dare compare it to Mist or Descent, it`s probably gonna be more along the lines of Raimi`s own Evil Dead 2, like insanely funny and twisted, but not scary at all.

[transmogrifier]

I'm so, so glad I'm not you.

You'd think I care, but such is life.

[D_Davis]

I'm predicting Mist or Descent quality here.

That would be awesome.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Rating: PG-13.

Good or bad?

I can't help being just a little disappointed - I was hoping for unapologetically hardcore Raimi. Still, thing looks stylish, and, from what I understand, the film is joyfully goofy.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm disappointed.

[Dukefrukem]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Movie%20%20Misc/dragmenewnew051509.jpg

[number8]

Duke, stop stealing images from Bloody Disgusting.

[Dukefrukem]

Duke, stop stealing images from Bloody Disgusting.

Huh? I'm just updating threads with shit.

[megladon8]

Huh? I'm just updating threads with shit.


But you're hotlinking their images directly from their site.

That's a shitty thing to do.

If you see an image you like, save it, then upload it onto ImageShack.

[Dukefrukem]

But you're hotlinking their images directly from their site.

That's a shitty thing to do.

If you see an image you like, save it, then upload it onto ImageShack.

rgr

[megladon8]

rgr

Yes.

Rapid Ground Refueling.

Exactly.

[Dukefrukem]

rgr = Roger = Roger That

[megladon8]

Yeah, I know.

[Pop Trash]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Movie%20%20Misc/dragmenewnew051509.jpg
LOLZ! I'LL SWALLOW YOUR SOUL!!!

[D_Davis]

Bah, who cares, hot link away.

Just make sure to tag it:

/hotlinked
//linking like its hot
///slashie fun

[number8]

Just to be clear, I didn't say it because I have something against hotlinking. I said it because the image didn't show up.

[Dukefrukem]

Bah, who cares, hot link away.

Just make sure to tag it:

/hotlinked
//linking like its hot
///slashie fun

I figured it wouldn't matter much coming from our site considering we have a whole 100 active members drawing kilobytes of traffic away from their site.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I just got back from an early screening:

Drag Me to Hell

Sam Raimi's is pure, unfiltered joy. It's hilarious, repulsive, scary, gross, and hilarious. The plot, strung together with bits left over from Thinner, The Devil Rides Out, and (of course) The Evil Dead, looses a barrage of special effects, camera tricks, and unbelievable sight gags (wait until you see the goat!) in its quest to shake you silly. And it succeeds. There's nothing particularly intelligent to the story, and one might question why hell is reserved for slightly selfish bank loan officers (rather than those who would damn such people to hell for eternity). But who fucking cares? The film's a roller-coaster of a thrill-ride that is not merely stupid, but stupid in that same transcendent way as Raimi's first horror opus. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun in a theater.

A-

He got away with murder nabbing a PG-13, and I thank him for it. Little girls should see this and have their sorry asses scarred for life.

[megladon8]

This is really good to hear.

I've always hoped Raimi would make another horror film. I hope it's the breath of fresh air he needs before returning to the Spider-Man franchise.

[MadMan]

DaMU, you are known for having good taste, so this mini-review praising Drag Me to Hell is great news, and kind of overweighs some of my concerns.

[Bosco B Thug]

Hooray!

[Dead & Messed Up]

DaMU, you are known for having good taste, so this mini-review praising Drag Me to Hell is great news, and kind of overweighs some of my concerns.

I really have to emphasize how funny it is. So many sequences end so audaciously, and develop with so much confidence. It truly deserves comparison to Evil Dead II.

[Dukefrukem]

You made my day D&MU! I'm so fucking pumped!!!!!!!!

[Spun Lepton]

This is good news, indeed!!

[jenniferofthejungle]

Jim, you've renewed my interest in this film. I was on the fence before the trailer was released, but after the trailer I was leaning towards the side where I keep my money in my pocket. I feel pretty good about it now.

[Dukefrukem]

Jim, you've renewed my interest in this film. I was on the fence before the trailer was released, but after the trailer I was leaning towards the side where I keep my money in my pocket. I feel pretty good about it now.

Jenn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jenniferofthejungle]

Jenn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:) Hello there.

I know you must be looking forward to this one.

I'll probably treat myself to it after jury duty.

[Dukefrukem]

:) Hello there.

I know you must be looking forward to this one.

I'll probably treat myself to it after jury duty.

I'm very very excited for this. Esp after Dead's quick little tease.

[Spun Lepton]

94% on Rotten Tomatoes, wow! That's an astonishing score for a horror movie. I am going to do my best to catch this in the theater.

[Dukefrukem]

seeing it tonight. im sad there are very few viewings.

[megladon8]

seeing it tonight. im sad there are very few viewings.


This is my problem too.

I'd like to see it at some point this weekend if I could, but it seems like the theatre here is only showing it a couple of times a day.

I also don't expect it will be a huge seller.

[Pop Trash]

94% on Rotten Tomatoes, wow! That's an astonishing score for a horror movie. I am going to do my best to catch this in the theater.

Yeah I've always believed you should add 10 points to the RT or metacritic score for horror movies or broad comedies (ie movies made to make you LOL the whole time, not 'dramadies' or whatever) due to the inherent bias many critics have against those genres.

[D_Davis]

seeing it tonight. im sad there are very few viewings.

It looks like it's playing on 3 screens at the mall by my house, and on another 1 and 2 screens about 2-5 miles away at different theaters.

Crazy.

I wonder if my area is more known for a horror audience?

My old home town of Fresno, CA was always a "select city" when it came to horror films because horror films did very well there. Films like May and The St. Francisville Experiment played in Fresno months before they played anywhere else - it was very odd.

[Spun Lepton]

My old home town of Fresno, CA was always a "select city" when it came to horror films because horror films did very well there. Films like May and The St. Francisville Experiment played in Fresno months before they played anywhere else - it was very odd.

Uuggh, my condolences.

[Dukefrukem]

Saw the 6:55 showing and it was probably half full. And my experience was a little bit ruined since there were five to seven 10-14 year olds behind me laughing, giggling and talking after every sequence. This is why I don't go to opening night showings very often. I got the manager and had them scolded in the scene after the fortune teller scene, which btw, fucking scared teh shit outta me. So I missed a few minutes after that... however....

...this movie is everything D&MU described it to be. It's pure Raimi bliss. If Raimi had pulled a Richard Bachman, it would have been eye gougingly obvious this was a Raimi film. Drag Me to Hell is scary as shit, funny as fuck and the best part, disgustingly entertaining. Really. There's some gross shit in this movie. I've never been so terrified of a horror film with scenes shot in the daylight before. It was a new experience and it felt weird; I had no idea where Raimi was going with some scenes and it works to my benefit.

Dare me to say, it's his best movie? Dare me to say, it's the scariest movie I've ever seen? I need to see it again... soon.

[Pop Trash]

I'm so fighting the temptation to see this before T4, but I vowed to see T4 first since it's been out longer. I just wonder if the whole time during T4 I'm going to be thinking "gee I wonder what Drag Me to Hell is like?"

[Dead & Messed Up]

...this movie is everything D&MU described it to be. It's pure Raimi bliss. If Raimi had pulled a Richard Bachman, it would have been eye gougingly obvious this was a Raimi film. Drag Me to Hell is scary as shit, funny as fuck and the best part, disgustingly entertaining. Really. There's some gross shit in this movie.

Nosebleed, sucker. Nosebleed.

Glad you loved it! You're right about that Richard Bachman comparison - not just for the obvious Thinner comparison, but the way Bachman was always so unrepentant and gruesome (and darkly fun).

I hope you were giggling as much as I was during that seance sequence. When that guy went evil and did a jig, I was like, "Raimi snuck The Evil Dead into a mainstream movie! Yes!"

[D_Davis]

Uuggh, my condolences.

Never saw it.

[Bosco B Thug]

Wow, well. I don't know. I wasn't impressed. :sad: WHAT'S HAPPENED TO ME???

More later while I recoup my slightly deflated spirit. I mean, it was fun.

And it was a good diversion, and it was smart - very smart for a quickie horror movie. It's definitely a comedy pretending to be a horror movie. I loved the scenes where it was developing Christine's character, they were consistently hilarious. I loved the scene at the parents' house, the gypsy home scene, the diner scene.

But where it failed me, amazingly, were the scenes where it was trying to be a horror movie. The scares felt redundant. Raimi's directing had the energy I expected, him channeling his kinetic Evil Dead style, but it also felt repetitive. No scenes really opened up to create real tension that wasn't just, "Cue the creeping camera, cue the trilling bass strings, wait for something to pop up." CGI just totally sucks. I hate it. Etc.

:sad: :sad: :sad:

[Dukefrukem]

Nosebleed, sucker. Nosebleed.


Oh man that was wonderful.




I hope you were giggling as much as I was during that seance sequence. When that guy went evil and did a jig, I was like, "Raimi snuck The Evil Dead into a mainstream movie! Yes!"

As i mentioned in the horror thread, i most assuredly did. Two things came to mind; the first when Ash's girlfriend rose from the grave and jumped off into the darkness and the second was the: "it's a trick get an axe" scene when the witch first revealed herself in AoD.

So good!

[Dukefrukem]

Wow, well. I don't know. I wasn't impressed. :sad: WHAT'S HAPPENED TO ME???

More later while I recoup my slightly deflated spirit. I mean, it was fun.

And it was a good diversion, and it was smart - very smart for a quickie horror movie. It's definitely a comedy pretending to be a horror movie. I loved the scenes where it was developing Christine's character, they were consistently hilarious. I loved the scene at the parents' house, the gypsy home scene, the diner scene.

But where it failed me, amazingly, were the scenes where it was trying to be a horror movie. The scares felt redundant. Raimi's directing had the energy I expected, him channeling his kinetic Evil Dead style, but it also felt repetitive. No scenes really opened up to create real tension that wasn't just, "Cue the creeping camera, cue the trilling bass strings, wait for something to pop up." CGI just totally sucks. I hate it. Etc.

:sad: :sad: :sad:


Yeah, I was a bit surprised at the CGI scene, more speciciall the scene at the seance when the woman told the spirits to go away... but that was about all i hated in terms of CGI. I loved the arm down the throat, I loved the fly scenes and most of all, I loved the train sequence at the end.

[Bosco B Thug]

I'm convinced there was just something wrong with me last night. I just keep on remembering all there is to like about this movie. The free-flowing/spraying fluids, the cat scene, the seance scene where Lohmann's running around from angry demons in a distractingly sexy black slip. Etcetera! Everything's there. I mean, this movie is a breath of fresh air and has principles way way ahead of most other horror movies we're getting nowadays.

It's just I don't think Raimi made a good movie. The film's all gags and self-parody, and it didn't nearly match the technique of the Evil Dead films.

Plus, I'm not scared nor did I feel the patience for the weaker scares tactics. Like the CGI handkerchief. So much time is spent on that stupid CGI handkerchief.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I'm convinced there was just something wrong with me last night. I just keep on remembering all there is to like about this movie. The free-flowing/spraying fluids, the cat scene, the seance scene where Lohmann's running around from angry demons in a distractingly sexy black slip. Etcetera! Everything's there. I mean, this movie is a breath of fresh air and has principles way way ahead of most other horror movies we're getting nowadays.

It's just I don't think Raimi made a good movie. The film's all gags and self-parody, and it didn't nearly match the technique of the Evil Dead films.

My one problem with the flick was the aggressive sound mix. There were a few times where it hurt my ears.


Plus, I'm not scared nor did I feel the patience for the weaker scares tactics. Like the CGI handkerchief. So much time is spent on that stupid CGI handkerchief.

That was a wonky little thing. But I liked how she had to do battle with it. Something about that amused me very much.

How about the kitten? I lost it. It helped that, two minutes before she's digging its grave, we saw a kitten poster that said "Hang In There." Haw haw.

Honestly, I think Raimi made a very good movie. He wanted to make a horror/comedy with a little bit more depth than normal, and he succeeded.

[Henry Gale]

This was way too much fun. I purposely stayed away from trailers and clips when I realized a few weeks back that a TV spot was the first footage I had seen of it. I think it made the experience even better as it really was the amazingly thrilling time I had hoped for.

The theatre was surprisingly full and the whole time people were going nuts, laughing, expressing disgust at the right things and most seemed pretty into it. Though I'm not exactly sure how many actually got that it was trying to be absurd and hilarious since at least a few people walked out and I heard some "it was so stupid!" comments as I left. Plus when it ended there was at least a few people murmuring "huh?" to themselves (even though I and everyone I went with seemed to absolutely loved the ending). But I like to think that even if were marketed a different way that it would have gotten the same reaction.

Was this really PG-13 though? Here it was 14A (which tends to be a few of the more graphic or vulgar PG-13 and most mild R-rated stuff) so I didn't think much about it, but it really is one of the more bloody and weird things I've seen the MPAA let slide. I guess you could argue that it isn't exactly "knife goes in, blood comes out" horror violence, but for something that people of any age can get into I'm quite amused that it feels as frightening and "R" as it does.

I wish there were more summer movies like this... (By the way, how terrible does June look release-wise?)

[D_Davis]

Just saw this. First movie I've seen in the theater since Pineapple Express.

First - it was way too loud. I ended up putting my earbuds in and cupping my hands over my ears for most of the film.

Are movies this loud now?

It's like the movie industry is involved in the same loudness wars plaguing the music industry. It sounded as though the movie's sound was brickwalled to death, completely stripping away any kind of audio dynamic.

Secondly, I thought it was pretty good, but I didn't like its message. Horror films in this vein, similar to the old EC Comics stuff, often had tragic endings where the "hero" dies in order to teach some kind of lesson. "Don't be like so-and-so, or you'll burn in hell!"

Drag Me to Hell was far too cynical. It rewarded evil, and punished the person with the better heart. Is it saying that there is no chance at redemption? Is there no room for goodness? Perhaps I've grown soft with age, but the narrative disturbed me on a spiritual level.

I guess you might say that in this regard the film was a success. But what am I supposed to think about it? I don't mind being disturbed by something when it makes me think about different possibilities, thus opening my mind to other things. And if the punishment fit the crime, and the hero was not remorseful, then I wouldn't have had a problem with it...

Bah...I don't know. I guess I didn't really like it. Man - it's weird. I used to really like cinematic violence, and horror, and stuff like this. But I think I'm changing as a person. This is something I've commented on here before. I just don't like subjecting myself to this kind of "entertainment" any more. So perhaps it is not the movie, but me.

It's not you, it's me!

:)

Rambling post is rambling.

I just thought about something...my feelings for this movie mirror those that I have towards Joe R. Lansdale's fiction. On a technical level, I like it, but it makes feel bad. It's far too cynical, a downer, and I just don't like subjecting myself to this kind of thing now. As a person, I try to see as much goodness in the world as I can, and I don't need entertainment to get me down. It just isn't edifying in any way.

[Bosco B Thug]

Secondly, I thought it was pretty good, but I didn't like its message. Horror films in this vein, similar to the old EC Comics stuff, often had tragic endings where the "hero" dies in order to teach some kind of lesson. "Don't be like so-and-so, or you'll burn in hell!"

Drag Me to Hell was far too cynical. It rewarded evil, and punished the person with the better heart. Is it saying that there is no chance at redemption? Is there no room for goodness? Perhaps I've grown soft with age, but the narrative disturbed me on a spiritual level.

I guess you might say that in this regard the film was a success. But what am I supposed to think about it? I don't mind being disturbed by something when it makes me think about different possibilities, thus opening my mind to other things. And if the punishment fit the crime, and the hero was not remorseful, then I wouldn't have had a problem with it...

Bah...I don't know. I guess I didn't really like it. Man - it's weird. I used to really like cinematic violence, and horror, and stuff like this. But I think I'm changing as a person. This is something I've commented on here before. I just don't like subjecting myself to this kind of "entertainment" any more. So perhaps it is not the movie, but me.

It's not you, it's me!

:) I don't know, I've a feeling you'd respond to the film if it just developed its points better. You could tell when Raimi's working real hard to make Christine an increasingly shallow and non-higher-minded person. Those are the best moments. But it's not fine-toothed enough. A fuller, more consistent attention to what it wanted to communicate about the character would have very well given you what you're supposed to think.

I loved loved loved the scene where she's gathering stuff to sell for money. Seeing her pack up (with that pouty still-in-high-school look on her face) an old flute and ice skates was utter genius.

But man, that anvil scene would've been SOOOO much better with practical effects. I'm more and more convinced CGI is 45% why this movie failed me.

Hey, did anyone think this was going to happen at the end?

The train would actually hit her first before the demons fully took her, so she'd go up to heaven and Raimi would do some Heaven schtick where she'd be judged and end up going to Hell anyway? Then we'd see her dragged down like in the previews?

[Dead & Messed Up]

Secondly, I thought it was pretty good, but I didn't like its message. Horror films in this vein, similar to the old EC Comics stuff, often had tragic endings where the "hero" dies in order to teach some kind of lesson. "Don't be like so-and-so, or you'll burn in hell!"

Drag Me to Hell was far too cynical. It rewarded evil, and punished the person with the better heart. Is it saying that there is no chance at redemption? Is there no room for goodness? Perhaps I've grown soft with age, but the narrative disturbed me on a spiritual level.

I suppose that's true that the film is cynical. At the very least, it's mean-spirited, with Raimi eager to put his heroine through hell before literally sending her there. All the same, she has a legitimate progression from upstanding woman to self-serving bitch. Does that selfishness justify eternal damnation?

Hell, nothing does. That's why my brain shut off that sense of moral judgment going in - because there's no moral equation in which eternal damnation fits. I took it as little more than the EC comics you describe: she dies. And even then, I don't take it seriously. It's more like she "dies."

To explain that last point further: a big clue to the film occurs during the fly scene when it literally crawls over the camera lens. In essence, breaking the fourth wall.

That announced to me that this was not a story, but a "story." Not a film, but a series of sequences, technique, and formal play.


I guess you might say that in this regard the film was a success. But what am I supposed to think about it? I don't mind being disturbed by something when it makes me think about different possibilities, thus opening my mind to other things. And if the punishment fit the crime, and the hero was not remorseful, then I wouldn't have had a problem with it...

I think the Raimis make a conscious effort to showcase how selfish she's becoming. She kills a kitten. She puts the seance people's lives at risk. She goes to that retreat knowing she's bound to embarrass her boyfriend. She actually considers sending other people to hell. And then she acts just as awful as Mrs. Ganush, by deciding to send her to hell. To top it all off, she's happy with this newfound selfishness, which is exemplified by how she goes out of her way to purchase that expensive coat. Honestly, I thought her remorseful comment to Long was entirely unconvincing.

And maybe this is just me filling in blanks, but I have little doubt Mrs. Ganush was headed straight to hell also. People who put hell-curses on others can't be on God's good graces.


I just thought about something...my feelings for this movie mirror those that I have towards Joe R. Lansdale's fiction. On a technical level, I like it, but it makes feel bad. It's far too cynical, a downer, and I just don't like subjecting myself to this kind of thing now. As a person, I try to see as much goodness in the world as I can, and I don't need entertainment to get me down. It just isn't edifying in any way.

I just read "Duck Hunt" by him. Lansdale's kind of fucked up.

But I see no reason why Drag Me to Hell presumes to be edifying, nor why it should be. As you point out, this may be an issue of what you're wanting out of your art anymore.

Wish you dug it more.

[Dukefrukem]

I will admit the sound was extremely loud at my theater as well. to the point where I noticed it being louder than other movies. Maybe the reels came with a "put sound on 10/10" note?

[The Mike]

I will admit the sound was extremely loud at my theater as well. to the point where I noticed it being louder than other movies. Maybe the reels came with a "put sound on 10/10" note?
Ours go to 11.

[Mara]

Davis and non-fun folk like me: I totally take earplugs to movies and concerts now. They're great. They cut out ambient noise very well, and I find I can hear what is happening 100% better.

[number8]

I like the loud. That's part of why I prefer going to theaters instead of watching movies on my less loud home theater.

Admittedly, when I do, the other people in the house always asks me to turn down the volume. And then I'd argue about "the immersion of the experience" and we get into fights.

[D_Davis]

I like the loud. That's part of why I prefer going to theaters instead of watching movies on my less loud home theater.


It's not just the volume, it's the loudness. I could tell that the master audio was totally brickwalled, much like the newest Metallica album and like most modern CDs. If you're unfamiliar with the travesty of brickwall mastering and the loudness wars, check out this example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gmex_4hreQ

The above link gives a great example of how brickwall mastering strips the audio of nuance in its dynamics.

Yes, as a recording artist I may be overly sensitive to this kind of thing, but overall it's distracting, damaging to ears, and doesn't do the sound mix any justice at all.

[number8]

Ah, that. Hmm. Yeah, I think I noticed that in Terminator too.

[D_Davis]

Ah, that. Hmm. Yeah, I think I noticed that in Terminator too.

I wouldn't be surprised if the films during the blockbuster season follow this trend. And in the end, we all lose.

[megladon8]

Yeah, that was pretty great.

Don't be messin' with gypsies, yo!

[megladon8]

This has inspired me to do a comic strip. Three ways to avoid gypsy curses.

Basically, if you encounter a gypsy, do everything in your power to make them happy. 'Cause curses kind of suck.

[Ezee E]

Got harassed by three gypsies in Florence. I was taking a picture of their cathedral, and the gypsy literally shook her paper cup of coins in my face.

When I said, "No euros," she immediately walked away.

They were always within 15 feet of each other too. I'm pretty sure one abused her baby out of hope of it getting sympathy from tourists to give money.

[Dukefrukem]

This has inspired me to do a comic strip. Three ways to avoid gypsy curses.

Basically, if you encounter a gypsy, do everything in your power to make them happy. 'Cause curses kind of suck.

I want to see this.

[Dukefrukem]

Got harassed by three gypsies in Florence. I was taking a picture of their cathedral, and the gypsy literally shook her paper cup of coins in my face.

When I said, "No euros," she immediately walked away.

They were always within 15 feet of each other too. I'm pretty sure one abused her baby out of hope of it getting sympathy from tourists to give money.

Holy shit. Me too. I caught one of them reaching into my pocket!!! I couldn't fucking believe how intense they are.

[The Mike]

Dang Meg, that's way better than my idea of making the Gypsy porno Bang Me 2 Hell. :cry:

[Pop Trash]

This was a Hell of a lot of fun (harhar). It's certainly the most, well, Rami-est of Sam Rami's movies since probably Army of Darkness (But I haven't seen The Quick and the Dead which I've heard has lots of crazy camera work as well) I'll write some more thoughts in a bit. Work beckons.

[Wryan]

They were always within 15 feet of each other too.

This is how they strengthen their power.

[megladon8]

I definitely laughed for about 5 minutes straight when she had the nosebleed at her office, and David Paymer so non-chalantely says "Did I get any in my mouth?"

That was such a perfectly timed comedic moment.

[chrisnu]

I'm late to the party, but this was fun. :cool: I liked that it was not super-serious or deadpan boring, like many recent mainstream horror films are. I also like that it did not pretend to be "real life" at all. Just schlocky goodness.

I have to say I was surprised by the ending, but I'm not really good at predicting huge plot twists.

Talking goat FTW. Also, way too much CGI handkerchief.

[Pop Trash]

Yeah I totally predicted the coin switcheroo thing early on but then it seemed like it was going to end all happy sappy hunky dory and I was like...wait...Rami isn't really going to end it like this is he? And then of course he doesn't and then *bang* title card DRAG ME TO HELL and me with a big ass grin on my face. Oh Mr. Rami you old joker you!

Also, the audience reaction during my screening was pretty awesome. Why this movie isn't making as much money as The Hangover is beyond me. I mean it's frickin' PG-13! Stupid teenagers!

[Kurosawa Fan]

Just noticed that one of my theaters still has this in the cheap section. My wife and I are going tonight.

[megladon8]

Just noticed that one of my theaters still has this in the cheap section. My wife and I are going tonight.


Awesome! Enjoy! It's a lot of fun.

[Dukefrukem]

October DVD release. I can't wait.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Ended up seeing it last night rather than the night before. Fucking LOVED this movie. Funny, scarry, gross, it had everything going for it. Seriously awesome. I'm so impressed. Raimi needs to stop fucking around with Spider-Man and get back to making these more often. This is where his talent lies. Best "horror" movie I've seen in a long, long time.

[Dukefrukem]

*waits for sig grade*

[Dukefrukem]

*sig grade approved*

[Kurosawa Fan]

Oh, two more things. The sound was incredible. This should be up for an Oscar for sound design. So good. And the film was really intense despite it's light-hearted tone. I jumped quite a few times, and certain scenes were just relentless. It didn't matter how many times something had jumped out, I was never sure until the scene ended whether they were going to throw one more at me.

The only misstep was the scene in the shed. That was more eye-roll worthy than funny.

[Dukefrukem]

I also remember jumping a lot. But it was hard for me to tell whether or not they were cheap scares or clever. I'm moving slightly more to the clever side, for this is the first film (from what I can remember) where I felt tension during scenes in the daylight. That's crazy to me. You should be able to see things coming in the daylight. Not in Drag Me To Hell.

[megladon8]

Awesome, KF. So glad you liked it.

[Pop Trash]

Ended up seeing it last night rather than the night before. Fucking LOVED this movie. Funny, scarry, gross, it had everything going for it. Seriously awesome. I'm so impressed. Raimi needs to stop fucking around with Spider-Man and get back to making these more often. This is where his talent lies. Best "horror" movie I've seen in a long, long time.

Duuuuuude Siiiiiiick!!!

[Pop Trash]

The only misstep was the scene in the shed. That was more eye-roll worthy than funny.

Could you refresh my memory as to what scene you are talking about here? Use spoiler wraps if necessary.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Could you refresh my memory as to what scene you are talking about here? Use spoiler wraps if necessary.

She's gathering all her stuff to pawn, and she goes into the shed to grab a drill and ice skates. The old gypsy appears and attacks her, shoving her arm elbow deep into her mouth. Christine notices an anvil hanging from a rope above the gypsy's head, and cuts the rope with her ice skate. The anvil drops on the gypsy's head, making her eyes and brains shoot out of her skull all over Christine's face.

It was too Loony Tunes for me.

[Pop Trash]

She's gathering all her stuff to pawn, and she goes into the shed to grab a drill and ice skates. The old gypsy appears and attacks her, shoving her arm elbow deep into her mouth. Christine notices an anvil hanging from a rope above the gypsy's head, and cuts the rope with her ice skate. The anvil drops on the gypsy's head, making her eyes and brains shoot out of her skull all over Christine's face.

It was too Loony Tunes for me.

Yeah the anvil stuff was a bit much. Like winking at the audience too much.

But I enjoyed all the weird mouth things in that movie. That was the most orally fixated movie I've seen in awhile.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Yeah the anvil stuff was a bit much. Like winking at the audience too much.

But I enjoyed all the weird mouth things in that movie. That was the most orally fixated movie I've seen in awhile.

Definitely.

The embalming fluid emptying into her mouth was just wrong. Blugh. Just gave me the shivers thinking about it.

[Boner M]

Hmm. Should've been funnier.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Hmm. Should've been funnier.

You should be funnier.

[Dukefrukem]

Hmm. Should've been funnier.

Your FACE should be funnier.

[Boner M]

I'll add the disclaimer that this was probably the worst theatre experience I've had in a while. There was a dickwad couple next to me talking throughout the whole movie. At one point the girl was explaining to her bf what 'cursed' meant. In addition, the group of friends in the row in front of me were trying to give the film the MST3K treatment, even during the blatantly funny scenes.

Where's that von-Trier-clubs-audience-member-to-death gif when you need it?

[Dukefrukem]

I'll add the disclaimer that this was probably the worst theatre experience I've had in a while. There was a dickwad couple next to me talking throughout the whole movie. At one point the girl was explaining to her bf what 'cursed' meant. In addition, the group of friends in the row in front of me were trying to give the film the MST3K treatment, even during the blatantly funny scenes.

Where's that von-Trier-clubs-audience-member-to-death gif when you need it?

Been there. I don't stand for it. I get the manager and/or speak to them directly. No way will I sit through a movie like that for $10+

[MacGuffin]

I'll add the disclaimer that this was probably the worst theatre experience I've had in a while. There was a dickwad couple next to me talking throughout the whole movie. At one point the girl was explaining to her bf what 'cursed' meant. In addition, the group of friends in the row in front of me were trying to give the film the MST3K treatment, even during the blatantly funny scenes.

Where's that von-Trier-clubs-audience-member-to-death gif when you need it?

Did anyone not have their worst theater experience with this movie? Moreover, did Raimi and the production company send out directions to turn up the theater volume four times as loud in an effort to ruin the theater speakers or something? The movie sucked anyway.

[D_Davis]

Moreover, did Raimi and the production company send out directions to turn up the theater volume four times as loud in an effort to ruin the theater speakers or something? The movie sucked anyway.

Thank you.

[Pop Trash]

Did anyone not have their worst theater experience with this movie? Moreover, did Raimi and the production company send out directions to turn up the theater volume four times as loud in an effort to ruin the theater speakers or something? The movie sucked anyway.

Yet more inane garbage from the annals of Clipper comments. This was probably the best theatrical experience for me since Grindhouse. Everyone in my theater was laughing at all the right places and making "eww" sounds. It was great. Raimi would have loved it.

[MacGuffin]

Yet more inane garbage from the annals of Clipper comments. This was probably the best theatrical experience for me since Grindhouse. Everyone in my theater was laughing at all the right places and making "eww" sounds. It was great. Raimi would have loved it.

Yes, Pop Trash, more inane garbage from me! Now go watch some crap at the mall and get back to me when you actually care about cinema a little bit.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Did anyone not have their worst theater experience with this movie? Moreover, did Raimi and the production company send out directions to turn up the theater volume four times as loud in an effort to ruin the theater speakers or something? The movie sucked anyway.

The thread is filled with people who enjoyed the movie, so I'm pretty sure that some of us didn't have their worst theater experience. Toning down on the condescension will help people take your posts more seriously. Food for thought.

[Pop Trash]

Yes, Pop Trash, more inane garbage from me! Now go watch some crap at the mall and get back to me when you actually care about cinema a little bit.

You're right. I deeply, deeply hate cinema. :sad:

[MacGuffin]

The thread is filled with people who enjoyed the movie, so I'm pretty sure that some of us didn't have their worst theater experience. Toning down on the condescension will help people take your posts more seriously. Food for thought.

I was mostly being tongue-in-cheek and wasn't trying to be condescending. I've read of a lot of people who had a fun time at this movie, but also a lot of people who didn't (more so than usual). If you like the movie, that's fine, but I haven't read a very compelling argument for why it's supposed to be good. Similarly, I hated Evil Dead II also. I appreciate the comments, but Pop Trash has had a grudge against me since I don't know when; probably when I said Dogville was one of the best movies ever made or something.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I was mostly being tongue-in-cheek and wasn't trying to be condescending. I've read of a lot of people who had a fun time at this movie, but also a lot of people who didn't (more so than usual). If you like the movie, that's fine, but I haven't read a very compelling argument for why it's supposed to be good. Similarly, I hated Evil Dead II also. I appreciate the comments, but Pop Trash has had a grudge against me since I don't know when; probably when I said Dogville was one of the best movies ever made or something.

I don't really care about your little feud, but part of my point, and it's even more magnified by this post, is that you're saying a movie sucked without providing a viable reason why outside of the fact that you thought the volume was turned up too loud. And now you're saying you haven't read a very compelling argument for the merits of the film (even though I'm pretty sure there are several in this thread, whether you agree with them or not) when you yourself didn't bother to offer up anything to substantiate your opinion. I get sick of people waltzing into any thread, whether I liked the film/show/book or not, and having nothing to say other than "That sucked".

[MacGuffin]

I don't really care about your little feud, but part of my point, and it's even more magnified by this post, is that you're saying a movie sucked without providing a viable reason why outside of the fact that you thought the volume was turned up too loud. And now you're saying you haven't read a very compelling argument for the merits of the film (even though I'm pretty sure there are several in this thread, whether you agree with them or not) when you yourself didn't bother to offer up anything to substantiate your opinion. I get sick of people waltzing into any thread, whether I liked the film/show/book or not, and having nothing to say other than "That sucked".

I'm pretty sure I said a little more than "That sucked." and that wasn't even the main point of that post (I could have easily left that out and the post would have stood alone fine and we wouldn't be having this conversation now). But if you must know, the reason I didn't like it is because it's a horror movie that isn't scary, has too many attempts at comic relief that aren't funny, and is basically just a string of cheap jump scares that get really annoying and borderline offensive after a while, especially when we take into account that Raimi thinks that the quiet to loud dynamics of the soundtrack are actually an interesting feature in and of themselves.

[Spun Lepton]

Raimi thinks that the quiet to loud dynamics of the soundtrack are actually an interesting feature in and of themselves.

So, you're a mind-reader now?

[MacGuffin]

So, you're a mind-reader now?

Well, I don't know why he would employ such a method throughout an entire movie if he didn't like it or thought it was an uninteresting method of generating scares.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I'm pretty sure I said a little more than "That sucked." and that wasn't even the main point of that post (I could have easily left that out and the post would have stood alone fine and we wouldn't be having this conversation now). But if you must know, the reason I didn't like it is because it's a horror movie that isn't scary, has too many attempts at comic relief that aren't funny, and is basically just a string of cheap jump scares that get really annoying and borderline offensive after a while, especially when we take into account that Raimi thinks that the quiet to loud dynamics of the soundtrack are actually an interesting feature in and of themselves.

Here's your post:


Did anyone not have their worst theater experience with this movie? Moreover, did Raimi and the production company send out directions to turn up the theater volume four times as loud in an effort to ruin the theater speakers or something? The movie sucked anyway.

There is nothing more in that post than what I originally said, which is "I thought it was too loud. The movie sucked." You offer nothing of substance.

Also, if replying to me and offering substance to your opinions is such an imposition for you (which I can only assume it must be considering your snarky "If you must know" before responding to me), then maybe keeping them to yourself is the better option for you.

[MacGuffin]

There is nothing more in that post than what I originally said, which is "I thought it was too loud. The movie sucked." You offer nothing of substance.

Also, if replying to me and offering substance to your opinions is such an imposition for you (which I can only assume it must be considering your snarky "If you must know" before responding to me), then maybe keeping them to yourself is the better option for you.

I could have originally just said "Did anyone not have their worst theater experience with this movie? Moreover, did Raimi and the production company send out directions to turn up the theater volume four times as loud in an effort to ruin the theater speakers or something?" and it would have been an interesting post questioning whether or not Raimi did indeed purposefully intend for the soundtrack to the movie being louder than usual. The first sentence of my post suggests that I too had an awful theater experience and I've read of others that did also. Obviously, others probably enjoyed this, but I was being facetious and just joking around. Maybe I shouldn't have said that it sucked, but I figured since certain posters who will be left unnamed usually gets away with doing this for nearly every other movie, it would be fine if I did it for a 2009 release that everyone will probably forget about in ten years. I've kept my opinion quiet here for a month or two, but I didn't think it would matter this much. Geez.

[Dead & Messed Up]

So, you're a mind-reader now?

Raimi certainly didn't do it on accident, and that absolute-quiet-to-loud-shock thing was in heavy use throughout the Evil Dead trilogy.

He probably doesn't find it "interesting," though, so much as he finds it effective. Which it absolutely is.

[Boner M]

I didn't care much for the quiet/loud thing either; if the film had more scares like the parking lot scene at the beginning, with the cloth circulating around the car to unobstrusively reveal Ganush sitting in the backseat then I would've been happy. It also needed more funny scenes like the botched seance. I dunno, I had reasonable fun with it, but it just didn't hit the scary or funny extremes that I was hoping for.

And Alison Lohman and Justin Long are two of the boringest actors ever.

[Amnesiac]

I recall Inland Empire using the quiet/loud thing to disturbing affect when I went to go see that in the theater. It worked there because, of course, you can escape the image (warped Laura Dern face) by looking downward/closing your eyes but you can't escape the unsettling sound design. That was a really uncomfortable moment, actually.

[transmogrifier]

I've always thought of Pop Trash and CSC as the exact same person, so to see them feud like this creates a weird sense of queasy dissonance, like seeing some homeless guy rant at thin air out front of the bus station.

[Ezee E]

It's too bad that I missed this in theaters.

[Ivan Drago]

I'll add the disclaimer that this was probably the worst theatre experience I've had in a while. There was a dickwad couple next to me talking throughout the whole movie. At one point the girl was explaining to her bf what 'cursed' meant. In addition, the group of friends in the row in front of me were trying to give the film the MST3K treatment, even during the blatantly funny scenes.

This is probably what would've happened to me if I saw it in theaters. Everyone I know from back home and at school who has seen it has called it the stupidest and worst movie they've ever seen because of how unintentionally bad it was. But from the reviews I've read, it's supposed to be campy.

[Dukefrukem]

This is probably what would've happened to me if I saw it in theaters. Everyone I know from back home and at school who has seen it has called it the stupidest and worst movie they've ever seen because of how unintentionally bad it was. But from the reviews I've read, it's supposed to be campy.

I had all my friends say the same thing. They don't understand the concept of camp.

[transmogrifier]

But from the reviews I've read, it's supposed to be campy.

But if you don't like camp, would that make any difference?

[Bosco B Thug]

But if you don't like camp, would that make any difference?
Yeah, I'd think that would make the difference.

[Spun Lepton]

Misunderstanding camp is usually a byproduct of youthful stupidity.

/didn't understand camp until seeing Evil Dead 2

[Dukefrukem]

Misunderstanding camp is usually a byproduct of youthful stupidity.

/didn't understand camp until seeing Evil Dead 2

I learned it in Army of Darkness. Had to go back to ED2 to confirm it existed.

[Spun Lepton]

I learned it in Army of Darkness. Had to go back to ED2 to confirm it existed.

Army of Darkness went beyond camp into full-blown slapstick. (Which is part of the reason I consider it the least of the series, although I do still enjoy it.)

[Dukefrukem]

Army of Darkness went beyond camp into full-blown slapstick. (Which is part of the reason I consider it the least of the series, although I do still enjoy it.)

There's really only one two scenes that should be qualified as slapstick. The Mirror scene and the graveyard scene. Other than that movie is pretty much camp. I don't think it went beyond some of the slapstick in EV2.

[Pop Trash]

Misunderstanding camp is usually a byproduct of youthful stupidity.


I'm pretty sure Serial Mom taught me about camp. Which is why I will forever love Serial Mom.

[Spun Lepton]

There's really only one two scenes that should be qualified as slapstick. The Mirror scene and the graveyard scene. Other than that movie is pretty much camp. I don't think it went beyond some of the slapstick in EV2.

Dude. The whole movie is dripping with slapstick. The fight with the pit she-demon, the entire windmill scene, the entire graveyard scene, even the big battle at the end is filled with goofy slapstick. Evil Dead 2 has some slapstick, but it's not nearly as prevelant as it is in AOD. There's a sinister edge to everything comedic or otherwise is ED2.

[Grouchy]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y121/HawleyGriffin/13-1.jpg?t=1255392857

Drag Me to Hell
Sam Raimi, 2009

Wow. I can't believe it's been 9 years since the last time Sam Raimi's name was up on the marquees on anything non-Spiderman related. I can't believe his distinctive camera style once again seems so refreshing and potent when applied to other genres other than the naturally bombastic superhero stories.

Drag Me to Hell has a storyline which could have easily been taken from an EC Horror comic from the '50s. In keeping with the nostalgic material, the movie even has the old '80s Universal logo. Allison Lohman portrays the damsel in distress, a loan officer who turns down and humiliates an old gypsy lady for fear of losing a job promotion. The gypsy, as gypsies tend to do, gives her an evil three-day curse. During these three days, the girl will see the old hag's face come out of nearly everything, from a cake to a cell phone screen. She will also be chased around by shadowhy horned devils. When those three days are over, she WILL be dragged down to the depths of hell.

As good Horror movies always should, this one uses fantasy as a mask for a message, and that message is about capitalism, greed and what we'd be willing to put at stake for personal gain. Raimi mocks the protagonist viciously, showing her as a blank slate of a perfect, smiling, straight-out-of-high-school girl and then deconstructing that by showing us a nervous being who's desperate to escape her country roots and depressing family life. Although the movie is hardly big on character development, Raimi gives the audience enough hints about this to make it the film's major theme apart from itself. True, Catherine is not a bad person, and ultimately doesn't deserve everything that happens to her, but it's her selfishness what gets her into trouble. And that same absorbed behavior is what she needs to break free of the curse, a process which involves harming others who are no more guilty than herself.

Ultimately, though, Drag Me to Hell is all about the setpieces. It's a loud, shrieking movie from beginning to end and it features talking goats, swallowing embalming fluid and eye-stapling. Although definitively not as gory as any of the Evil Dead films (even less than Army of Darkness), there's a trend of extreme slapstick physical violence which is bound to get most movie audiences (that is, people not as desensitized as me) to cover their eyes and go "ewww" - which is what most were doing at my showing. Raimi's magic is how he can get a scene to be physically intense and morbid while at the same time showing the ridiculousness of the fictional movie strings that are holding it together. On that balance, the only one who can claim to challenge him is Tarantino. But QT loses because he never capped off a Horror scene by stealing a trick out of the Looney Tunes.

[Ezee E]

I liked this a TON. A great director having as much fun as he could with a script. Too bad it was advertised so wrong.

[Morris Schæffer]

I'm predicting Mist or Descent quality here.

If only that were true. I saw Drag me to Hell yesterday and although I'm not a massive fan of The Evil Dead series - Darkman, A Simple Plan and Spider-Man 2 are my Raimi faves - Raimi's debut flicks were so grotesquely over the top that there was little doubting their intent. DMtH seemed to exist inbetween earnestness and outright pandemonium, unsure in which way the balance should have been tipped. I didn't relish the concoction as much as I had hoped, found much of it merely noisy rather than energetic. There were a few good moments of build-up, particularly in the opening scenes, but my interest waned quickly. Mind, it's not terrible, but rarely truly scary, never funny, never hilariously gory. It's possible that if this were helmed by any other director, the praise wouldn't be quite so positive, but Raimi gets a free pass because this is the genre he invented or something like that. Whatever. Lohman is no Campbell either and this is coming from someone who doesn't subscribe to the idea that the latter is GOD. To be fair, perhaps I'm not the right audience for Raimi's kind of horror flick. I do know this doesn't hold a candle to Jackson's Braindead to name but one example.

[Adam]

Yeah, I watched this ruckus yesterday, too, and to me it just feels like Raimi doing a bad job cribbing from himself. I wasn't expecting it to be scary, necessarily, but I really had no idea how joyless it would be. Guess you can't capture the spirit of Evil Dead when you have 30 million dollars to play with, Sam

[Spinal]

I thought this was pretty disappointing. My biggest issue is that Alison Lohman in the lead is pretty dreadful. Her personality just does not register at all. I could have used someone with a sense of humor or with some charisma. She is little more than a placeholder.

I also thought that the film landed at an awkward spot between shlock and mainstream crowd pleaser. I don't think it's completely satisfying as either. It's not rough enough to be an intense, gritty dark comedy. It's not well written enough to be a captivating mainstream horror.

There is some fun to be had along the way. A few giggles. But all in all, the whole thing seems a little too timid. Christine's moral dilemma is fairly arbitrary and hardly seems worthy of the punishment to which she is subjected. The haunting sequences too often devolve into gross-out territory. And the ending couldn't be more telegraphed if one of the actors had held up the final page of the screenplay to the camera and let us read it.

[megladon8]

You suck.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I don't quite understand the criticism that Christine's crime is unworthy of hell. How many crimes are worthy of eternal pain and torment? I can't think of a single one.

The rest I disagree with but understand. Although I fully admit to being suckered by the ending - in retrospect, it's very obvious, but I was having such a good time that the envelope-switch didn't even register.

[megladon8]

I have not been able to understand anyone who has said that the moral implications of the film didn't sit well with them. That the moral of the story is "do anything for yourself and you'll go to Hell." They seem to have missed something in the movie.

The moral of the story is (if anything) "don't fuck with gypsies".

I think Raimi sympathized with Christine just as much as we, the audience, did. The gypsy was clearly not "right" in what she did.

[Ezee E]

There's a moral in Drag Me To Hell?

[Spinal]

So hell in this film is not a place to punish the wicked, but rather a place for an ostracized minority to settle personal grudges? Seems excessive.

[megladon8]

There's a moral in Drag Me To Hell?


Exactly.

[Spinal]

There's a moral in Drag Me To Hell?

Christine frets over making a moral decision. This is a key part of the film.

[Grouchy]

So hell in this film is not a place to punish the wicked, but rather a place for an ostracized minority to settle personal grudges? Seems excessive.
Bah, the concept of Hell itself is pretty arbitrary.

If Gypsies are able to send people there for the purpose of good Horror movies, so be it.

[Dukefrukem]

I don't quite understand the criticism that Christine's crime is unworthy of hell. How many crimes are worthy of eternal pain and torment?

Rape? Murder? Serial Murder? Serial Rape? Genocide?

[Grouchy]

Rape? Murder? Serial Murder? Serial Rape? Genocide?
ETERNAL pain and torment? That's hardly justice or equal. The victims of those crimes only suffered for hours at most.

[Dukefrukem]

ETERNAL pain and torment? That's hardly justice or equal. The victims of those crimes only suffered for hours at most.

Okay the victim only suffers for hours.. but what about the victim's parents? siblings? friends? relatives? etc etc....

So you're looking for an eye for an eye punishment? Who says hell is equal? And who says a punishment needs to be equal?

If I knew people went to hell for even THINKING about doing one of those crimes I'd be okay with it.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Rape? Murder? Serial Murder? Serial Rape? Genocide?

All of those are temporal, and hell is eternal. Sending anybody to hell would be the worst sin possible.

[Rowland]

If I knew people went to hell for even THINKING about doing one of those crimes I'd be okay with it.*backs away slowly*

Truthfully, I find the very concept of Hell to be insane and, well, kinda hilarious.

[Spinal]

Hell is for children.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Hell is for children.

:eek:

[Rowland]

And the ending couldn't be more telegraphed if one of the actors had held up the final page of the screenplay to the camera and let us read it.Indeed. The moral dilemma she is struck with almost plays like another comic interlude, given that I knew how the movie would end the very moment she lost her letter within a shuffle of others. It seemed so obvious in fact that I was tempted to interpret that very point as a purposefully sick joke, which wouldn't surprise me given the nature of the movie as a whole, but it does render the tension of the climax as significantly less engaging.

Anyways, I largely agree with your general perception of the movie, particularly your point regarding its tonal dissonance, so you aren't alone.

[balmakboor]

Well, I've avoided reading anything about the movie including this thread until I saw the movie and I finally watched it tonight. I pretty much loved it except for that damn envelope bit. Forget knowing what's going to happen when the envelope gets lost in the shuffle of papers. I knew the rest of the movie the moment I saw the button placed in the envelope.

But that parking garage scene is like the best thing Raimi has done since Evil Dead II and there were many other moments that honestly made my skin crawl.

But man, I used to collect coins and any true coin collector worth his salt would've put that quarter straight into a holder and placed it into an album that very day. Then the whole confusion thing would've been avoided. Maybe he was just so afraid to be thought a nerd that he forgot to be a good coin collector.

[Spinal]

I have not mentioned this yet: I loved the goat.

[Derek]

I have not mentioned this yet: I loved the goat.

That was the best part of the film for me, which should speak to my overall opinion of it. When it looked like it was smiling from the profile, my friend and I were the only two in the theater who burst into laughter.

[Ezee E]

Well, I've avoided reading anything about the movie including this thread until I saw the movie and I finally watched it tonight. I pretty much loved it except for that damn envelope bit. Forget knowing what's going to happen when the envelope gets lost in the shuffle of papers. I knew the rest of the movie the moment I saw the button placed in the envelope.

But that parking garage scene is like the best thing Raimi has done since Evil Dead II and there were many other moments that honestly made my skin crawl.

But man, I used to collect coins and any true coin collector worth his salt wouldn't put that quarter straight into a holder and placed it into an album that very day. Then the whole confusion thing would've been avoided. Maybe he was just so afraid to be thought a nerd that he forgot to be a good coin collector.
I'll say the parking garage scene may be the best thing he has done outside of A Simple Plan. Far better than any action sequence in the Spider-Man movies.

[Spun Lepton]

Drag Me to Hell -- 7/10

I suspect this movie is really going to grow on me. I want to watch it again with a more critical eye.

I loved all of the gallows humor. The cake. "Here kitty, kitty!" And the goat, oh, that fucking glorious goat made me laugh so hard. That whole seance scene left me a little giddy. I love the way he blindsides the audience with the ending, too.

The scene in the parking garage, and the reveal of the gypsy woman was spot-on perfection. I really had to hand it to him, there.

There were a few missteps. The anvil scene should've been cut. It was a little TOO slapstick-y, and the CGI didn't work at all. I also thought the "throw everything at the wall to see what sticks" approach that worked so well in Evil Dead 2 had only limited success here. This story probably would've been benefitted from a stronger narrative.

[Spun Lepton]

OH! I forgot to mention how much I loved the way the gypsy woman continued yanking out big clumps of Lohman's hair, even after she was dead. That gag always made me laugh.

[Dukefrukem]

So many great scenes. Why don't people mention the handkerchief scene more? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKSnR4_gFHg)

reminded me 8:55 in Evil Dead 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_-IKze35Yo&feature=related#movie_player) and Army of Darkness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awrem5pfhBk)...so much.

[Spun Lepton]

So many great scenes. Why don't people mention the handkerchief scene more? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKSnR4_gFHg)

That was actually one of the "stick to the wall scenes" that I thought didn't work. It seemed a little arbitrary. The obvious CG didn't help, either.

Had that scene been given to Bruce Campbell, however, it would've been gold.

[Dukefrukem]

That was actually one of the "stick to the wall scenes" that I thought didn't work. It seemed a little arbitrary. The obvious CG didn't help, either.

Had that scene been given to Bruce Campbell, however, it would've been gold.

Awe give her some credit. I thought she pulled it off. Esp when she's trying to pry it off her face in the car... I thought it looked a lot like the scenes where the actor is pretending to try and pull it off... plus it's right after she spouts out; "Imma get me some". LOLZ!

[Spun Lepton]

Awe give her some credit. I thought she pulled it off. Esp when she's trying to pry it off her face in the car... I thought it looked a lot like the scenes where the actor is pretending to try and pull it off... plus it's right after she spouts out; "Imma get me some". LOLZ!

I'm probably going to buy the Blu-ray, it's all good.

[The Mike]

Just curious, Duke, what are your feelings on Osama Bin-Laden?

[Dukefrukem]

Just curious, Duke, what are your feelings on Osama Bin-Laden?

Nice try. Killing him doesn't come close to the punishment he deserves.

edit: Am i going to object?? Of course not. But i hope his punishment doesn't let him off the hook THAT easy.

[The Mike]

Nice try. Killing him doesn't come close to the punishment he deserves.

edit: Am i going to object?? Of course not. But i hope his punishment doesn't let him off the hook THAT easy.
I'm pretty sure wishing someone a fate worse than death is worse than wishing death upon someone.

In fact, it's kinda a literal certainty.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm pretty sure wishing someone a fate worse than death is worse than wishing death upon someone.

In fact, it's kinda a literal certainty.

C'mon. I'm talking about imprisonment. Dont' put words in my mouth. :-\

This is a ridiculous discussion trying to prove me wrong by twisting my words...

edit: im off to watch the Pats ....

[The Mike]

But that's the thing - the movie isn't about killing someone as much as it's about punishment. It is a completely natural animal response to want to punish someone who hurts you or those you love. In the case of the film, Mrs. Ganush is ripped from everything she knows and, in essence, killed by the decision Christine makes. She has the potential to punish Christine, and she acts on the desire.

As humans, we do have the capability to fight back this urge, but the urge still exists for a time. If you tell me you've never had an urge for revenge that hasn't started with you at least thinking "the world would be better off without someone like that" I'd say you've somehow become the most enlightened person to ever exist.

(Especially since you've already stated how many people you'd be OK with seeing damned to hell.)

[Dukefrukem]

But that's the thing - the movie isn't about killing someone as much as it's about punishment. It is a completely natural animal response to want to punish someone who hurts you or those you love. In the case of the film, Mrs. Ganush is ripped from everything she knows and, in essence, killed by the decision Christine makes. She has the potential to punish Christine, and she acts on the desire.

As humans, we do have the capability to fight back this urge, but the urge still exists for a time. If you tell me you've never had an urge for revenge that hasn't started with you at least thinking "the world would be better off without someone like that" I'd say you've somehow become the most enlightened person to ever exist.

(Especially since you've already stated how many people you'd be OK with seeing damned to hell.)

I'm okay with it because I don't think violently to begin with. So I don't have anything to worry about. Of course I get angry and of course I want people to get what's comin to them. But never death. Christime prob shouldn't have thought so selfishly. Argh auto complete on the DROID sucks.

[Spinal]

OK, petty bickering has been removed. Please avoid getting personal and try to stick to discussing the film. Thank you.

[Dukefrukem]

OK, petty bickering has been removed. Please avoid getting personal and try to stick to discussing the film. Thank you.

Sorry. I was bitter about the Pats game, was laying it in bed, on my DROID, and it was shortest response that came to mind at the time. :frustrated:

[megladon8]

Jeez guys, now I wanna know what was said!

And it's lame that Spinal deleted one of my posts which received rep. I think I need compensation.

[Spinal]

Jeez guys, now I wanna know what was said!

And it's lame that Spinal deleted one of my posts which received rep. I think I need compensation.

I've figured out a loophole to get around Raiders' removal of neg-rep!

:twisted:

[megladon8]

Spinal, why do you revel in hurting my feelings?

[Spinal]

Spinal, why do you revel in hurting my feelings?

Ah, you'll get the rep back. Now that I feel guilty, you'll probably come out ahead in the long run.

[Spinal]

Ah, you'll get the rep back. Now that I feel guilty, you'll probably come out ahead in the long run.

Or the short run. ;)

[Sxottlan]

Never thought I'd say this about this kind of movie, but this was a delight!

Goofy with some really hysterical and gutsy surprises (demon goat!). I also loved how the hankerchiff, while at first spooky, eventually became just flat out obnoxious and gets what it deserves. Lohman came across like a Hitchcock heroine transported into a horror film.

One of the best lines of the year:
"Did I get any in my mouth?"

[Dukefrukem]

Never thought I'd say this about this kind of movie, but this was a delight!

Goofy with some really hysterical and gutsy surprises (demon goat!). I also loved how the hankerchiff, while at first spooky, eventually became just flat out obnoxious and gets what it deserves. Lohman came across like a Hitchcock heroine transported into a horror film.

One of the best lines of the year:
"Did I get any in my mouth?"

hahahaha Loved that line too!

But I think I loved;


I'm gonna get me some


more.

[number8]

Ah, hell. This again.

[Sycophant]

I saw this last night on the DVD! Moment-to-moment it was pretty fun, but the ending left me unsatisfied. Best moments were when it was overplaying the pleasantness of a sequence just so it could undercut that pleasantness. I'm a sucker for that.

[Pathétique]

Now Evil Dead II is one of my favorite horror films, but I have to say that I absolutely hated this film. Evil Dead II is silly as in funny. Drag Me to Hell is silly as in pathetically stupid. You know horror films have stooped to a new low when they feature handkerchiefs that attack people. And I know we are supposed to be rooting against the villain, but the villian isn't supposed to be fucking obnoxious. A moral conflict drives much of the story, but the gypsy doesn't invoke the curse because she is denied the loan extension and will be losing her house. No, she invokes the curse because she is SHAMED. Grow up bitch, you're not a respectable villain. And the other characters were about as interesting as cardboard. The plot was tedious, and sorry, but CGI just can't be scarry or funny. By making this garbage, Raimi has forced me to reavaluate my love for the Evil Dead films.

[Spun Lepton]

And I know we are supposed to be rooting against the villain, but the villian isn't supposed to be fucking obnoxious.

Says who?


A moral conflict drives much of the story, but the gypsy doesn't invoke the curse because she is denied the loan extension and will be losing her house. No, she invokes the curse because she is SHAMED.

Perhaps, shaming her in public was the final straw.


By making this garbage, Raimi has forced me to reavaluate my love for the Evil Dead films.

http://www.areavoices.com/adams/images/wharrgarbl.jpg