"The Evil Dead" it ain't, but damn fine horror nevertheless!

Rating: 7/10 (20 July 2009)

I actually don't even know why I'm referring to "The Evil Dead" in the subject line of this user-comment. Presumably because, like the majority of die-hard horror fanatics, I was really looking forward to director Sam Raimi's return to the genre that promptly made him immortal back in 1981. "The Evil Dead" is a timeless masterpiece and a milestone that helped determining the fundamentals of an entire genre. Even though nobody expected "Drag Me to Hell" to be on the same dazzling quality level as "The Evil Dead", it's nonetheless a refreshment to see Raimi directing a good old-fashioned grueling movie that doesn't feature any comic book superheroes in tight spider maillots, massive 200 million dollar budgets or hi-tech spectacular stunts.
"Drag Me To Hell" has a fairly simplistic plot and even regularly reverts back to some of the most ancient clichés of the horror genre, but at least the excitement is non-stop and fast-paced with a handful of authentic jump-moments. The story is a bit of a mixture between Stephen King's "Thinner" and the legendary classic "The Exorcist". Over- ambitious bank employee Christine Brown becomes the victim of a terrible curse when she refuses to extend the loan of an ageing gypsy woman and subsequently puts her to shame in public. The evil-eyed gypsy wench Sylvia Ganush (glorious role for TV-actress Lorna Raver) possesses Christine with the spirit of Lamia; a malignant and insurmountable goat- lord demon that demands animal sacrifices and can't even be controlled during professionally staged exorcism sessions. Experienced horror buffs know that a plot description like this guarantees a giant amount of sinister séances, magic talismans and hysterically rampaging witches. Especially the first half hour and the climax of "Drag Me To Hell" are downright fantastic and genuine 'oldskool' horror material. The middle section is more or less familiar territory, with derivative twists and irrelevant sub plots, but Sam Raimi nevertheless professionally sustains the moody atmosphere and even gradually builds up towards the stupendous finale. Obviously I can't reveal anything about the ending, but I assure it's the best frikkin' climax I saw in cinemas in decades! The make-up and sound effects are sublimely unsettling without ever becoming overly tasteless or shocking, and the acting performances are really satisfying. Alison Lohman is very good as the tormented protagonist – not at all hysterical or irritating like I initially feared – and she received adequate support from Justin Long, David Paymer and the aforementioned Lorna Raver.
The only thing missing here is a cameo from ultra-cool dude and regular Sam Raimi buddy Bruce Campbell, but according to the trivia section he got in conflict with other filming responsibilities, so even that's forgiven.