***1/2 StarsDrag Me to Hell, Sam Raimi's deliciously campy horror extravaganza, is an effortlessly watchable experience. In the nostalgic style of Raimi's Evil Dead legacy, prepare to enter the ultimate mix of schlock and terror, in a film that stands on its own as a newly surefire cult-classic in the making.
Alison Lohman plays Christine Brown, a typical bank worker who unfortunately suffers from the wrong-place-at-the-wrong-time syndrome, that will lead to her potentially losing her, uh, soul to the devil (yes, it's one of those kind of horror films). But don't worry, Raimi wastes no time on religious or sacrificial accuracy, and instead goes right for the entertainment factor, mixing in all the B-movie shock and awe moments one desires from such a formula. With this, Raimi succeeds admirably.
When a poor little old lady dressed like a real life Little Red Riding Hood after a life in rehab approaches Christine's desk at the bank, requesting a third extension on her mortgage payments, Christine chooses a career move and denies her. The old-hag gets upset, pathetically begs her, then when rejected again, casts an evil spell on her.
You can tell Drag Me to Hell was made in our economic recession day-and-age when the one mortal sin this poor young woman commits is denying a loan for an old lady who is undeserving of it anyways. Sure, we're suppose to feel empathy for her because its her home and all, but should Christine suffer perfusively because of someone else's financial troubles? Ah, forget it. I'm not getting into that one.
What we're really here for is a frighteningly good time. Raimi claws his way into your nerves without your permission and discharges hell covered with numerous vintage-horror elements. Drag Me to Hell will scare the living bejesus out of you. A hard task to accomplish when you're also watching one of the funniest films of the year. Sam Raimi, welcome back.
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