Drag Me Through the Laughs

Rating: 7/10 (15 June 2009)

Drag Me to Hell is simply put, one of the best horror films in years. It never takes itself too seriously and lets itself take its course to where it's destined to go, a comedic-horror gem. A bit of a copycat from Stephen King's Thinner, it tells the story of Christine Brown, a bank loan officer trying desperately to become assistant manager. When a old gypsy woman comes in to ask for an extension of her mortgage, Christine decides to take control and deny her claim. The gypsy woman then curses young Christine and prolong her final days before being 'dragged to hell.'
Sam Raimi, director of Spider-Man takes this on and shows he's the perfect match to breathe new life into the horror genre. Alison Lohman, who once was very promising in her outstanding performances in White Oleander and Matchstick Men, doesn't capitlize on that promise. The role doesn't demand much of her but she remains throughout the film, extremely unlikable. Even her boyfriend Clayton played by Justin Long can't give her sympathy for the viewer.
The comedy in the film doesn't walk the comedic line like Old School or Wedding Crashers but recreates a grotesque new type of humor in which the audience enjoys the pain and suffering of our protagonist and you shouldn't feel guilty about either. Drag Me to Hell doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't and that's what you have to admire most. Is it Oscar worthy? Absolutely not but its definitely worth a watch if you're into the genre and you shouldn't be afraid to like, if not love it for its personality.
***/****