Dragged to hell.

Finally saw the Raimi' brothers DRAG ME TO HELL and loved it. Probably not a ton more that needs to be written about it except if you love horror it's required viewing and if you're easily terrified -- despite a number of my film critic friends who complained it wasn't scary enough, you'll still be terrified. It's deliciously malicious.

And even though I actually saw the ending (which I won't spoil at all) coming, it still felt perfect, satisfying, even, if such a thing is possible, cheerily upsetting. 

And even though Sam and Ivan Raimi (who cowrote the script, with Sam directing) commit one (unwritten) Cardinal sin of movies -- which, again, I won't spoil here, but if you've seen it you can figure out what I'm talking about -- I forgave it. In fact that plot point ends up making more sense later, and fits the overall tone, fits the Raimis clear desire to both play with horror expectations and say "screw you!" while giggling.

I'm not fully sure what it's saying, but the film is also an interesting feminist study. For example, Alison Lohman's character battling for a promotion at her job with a conniving colleague who uses male bonding (tickets to a hoops game, etc) to win his boss over -- but then this is later turned on its head. Her sweet boyfriend (Justin Long) wants to help and protect her, but then the story asks, is that really for her benefit?  Another theory, which I at least partially embrace, passed along by Peter Sciretta and a few others, is that the film is really about a woman with an eating disorder. While likely not intended, it's interesting to think about.

Also, Lorna Raver's Mrs. Ganush is truly the most terrifying cinematic gypsy in recent memory, going well beyond the usual benign creepiness.   

DRAG ME TO HELL pushes your horror buttons, and you know it, and when you're not hating it, you'll like it. Even if you're damned for doing so.

Comments

[Mike Ambs]

I haven't seen this yet - seems like I'm one of the only people I know who hasn't still. I know I'll probably watch sooner or later... and I hope I enjoy it... but man, I really kinda' despise Raimi after his work the last 10 years. And maybe that's not fair. I need to see this and give him *one* more chance.