Director: Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead, Spider-Man)Cast: Alison Lohman (Big Fish, Things We Lost in the Fire), Juston Long (Waiting..., He's Just Not That Into You), Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao, David Paymer (Mr. Saturday Night, Alex & Emma), Adriana Barraza, Reggie Lee (Prison Break, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End)
The Deal: Life is good for Christine Brown (Lohman). She works as a loan officer for a L.A. bank and is close to a promotion, and her boyfriend Clay (Long) seems to be "the one." One day a woman comes to the bank requesting another extension on her home loan, but when Christine denies the request, the woman feels shamed and places a curse on Christine. As Christine begins to have violent encounters with an dark demon, she seeks the help of a fortune teller who informs her that unless she lifts the curse in three days time, the demon will drag her soul to Hell.
Thoughts: The problem with most horror films today is that the film usually strays from its story path and also fails to actually be as serious as the film is intended to be, but this is not the case with Drag Me to Hell. The film always stays on track, with every scene serving a relevant purpose towards the main story arc. Instead of trying to be a super serious film, it goes the fun route, straddling horror and comedic aspects. Though there are plenty of gruesome moments, they are intentionally cheesy at times, proving to be startling yet also funny. It's a deadly combination that helps make this an entertaining and suspenseful film from start to finish.
The fact that the film at times tries to be a very B-movie really helps the actors. Alison Lohman is not a bad actress, but she isn't great either. With the film being intentionally cheesy at times, it allows her performance to more than carry the film. She actually does quite a good job, and though you do ultimately just want to see her get dragged to Hell, there's still that bit of emotional connection that almost makes you want to see her survive. Justin Long is suitable as well as her boyfriend. The two have solid chemistry on screen, and the relationship works well with the stress and certain doom that has presented itself.
One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Christine goes to meet the woman who may be able to lift the curse. Four people and a goat are sitting around the table, and the goal is to summon the demon and trap it inside the goat so it can be killed. This scene was a perfect example of the film's balance between suspense and humor. I really can't thin of a more suspenseful moment than when the spirit starts moving from body to body, but when they finally get it into the goat, the ensuing sequence is both unexpected and humorous while still maintaining the terrifying feel.
Verdict: B-movie elements are blended wonderfully with the more serious horror aspects to make up an entirely entertaining film. Though you may laugh at some scenes, you'll still find yourself on the edge of your seat at the same time, leaving you thoroughly satisfied. ☆☆☆☆
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