Drag Me to Hell

With Drag Me to Hell, Raimi makes a partial return to “his” 1980s, but he doesn’t forget to also use what he has learned in the mainstream waters. I think this film is just the kind that can satisfy horror fans, while also entertain and scare a little the average viewer. The only little thing I could reproach is the exaggerated likeability. Fortunately, the scary scenes, the humour and the jump-scares are in the right proportion for the result to still be horror instead of comedy (the reviews had made me expect a lot more jokes and I was pleasantly surprised by the reality) – basically, it’s something between The Evil Dead and Evil Dead II. Both approaches work perfectly, when Raimi wants you to feel tense (or scared), you will feel tense (in the moments when danger is approaching), and he’s just as good at making you laugh (when the danger shows itself in all its beauty, expelling various bodily fluids). 8/10 (18/06/2009)

An utterly boring and plotless horror. From start to finish there was nothing scary; the only good scene was maybe the one in the car when the old lady started laying into Christine. The rest isn’t worth my breath and I can’t understand the high scores given by others. I couldn’t find a single excuse to give this even one dumb star... Complete nonsense... (06/01/2013)

It lacks atmosphere for a horror. On the other hand, it has too many jumps waiting which let you know about themselves long ahead of time. I jumped just once and that was when a friend brushed against my hand when reaching for his drink. I hope it was by mistake. The black humor scenes work nicely, but there aren’t enough of them to make this work as a comedy. Apart from the “Itchy and Scratchy" fights between Christine and Mrs. Ganush, not much memorable happened. And Raimi without Bruce... Those words just don’t fit together in one sentence. But it’s true and it’s doubly disappointing when you realize that the role of Milos would fit him like a glove. In fact, I can’t believe that it wasn’t originally intended for him. (21/06/2009)

An excellent ride, during which one laughs at times at the admitted and intensified nonsense, and at times catches their breath during brilliantly shot jump scares. Raimi has still got it, and Drag Me To Hell is nothing but living proof that when someone has a gift, they will scare you at anytime, and in any way. A wonderful adrenaline injection and, as strange as it may sound, a very pleasant film. Pure pleasure, but I'm honestly scared about tonight... :o) [85%] (09/06/2009)

Excellent in terms of atmosphere, with good performances , and technically at least above average. Sam Raimi doesn't hold back and delivers a fairly entertaining, albeit simple, piece. Alison Lohman's delicacy beautifully contrasts with the unpleasant setting, the ominous sky, and the brutal performance by Lorna Raver. Only that green slime wasn't quite my cup of tea. (14/11/2009)