Drag Me to Hell/(newly released dvd)

Drag Me to Hell

"Notable Actors"

1. Allison Lohman- White Oleander
2. Justin Long- Jeepers Creepers, Accepted, Dodgeball

"Genre"

• Horror

Drag me to hell. Let me start off by explaining that the last "horror film" that  I've reviewed was the Unborn. Needless to say my standards have been set pretty damn low. If you've seen the film, (or read my review) you would then understand my sheer delight in discovering that Drag Me to Hell had all the ingredients to make quite a delicously, frightening tale of a young woman facing damnation.

Apperently Hell is not especially forgiving. In the first 3 minutes of the film a young boy, Juan, is litterally dragged to hell for stealing an old Gypsies silver necklace, we never se the said gypsie but see Juan's poor fate. I'm not really sure this segment was needed in the actaul movie because its never mentioned after the fact, and the rest of the film takes place about 4o years later.

The films leading lady, Christine (Lohman) works for a bank and  has a promotion hanging over her head. Unfortunately  she picks the wrong day and the wrong woman to use while trying to impress her boss with her long awaited authority and carelessness for other peoples plights, (which is key at a bank.) She comes face to face with Mrs. Ganush, whom I assume is the old gypsie young Juan stole from. She appears to be nothing more than an old, yet creepy looking woman.  Her hair is stringy and long she has a Foreign accent,  a glass eye(?), terribly worn and rotten dentures and the filthiest finger nails Christine has ever seen.

She wants an extension on her mortagage. Acutally she needs it.  She even gets down on her knees and begs in front everyone and Christines boss leaves the choice to her. Xtine knows its a test from him, and acts accordingly. She dismisses the old woman who is shocked and says "you have shamed me"....

Christines boss is impressed with her desicion as she leaves work for the day. She enters an empty dark parking garage , and the most disturbing scene of the film. Mrs Ganush somehow found her way into Christines back seat  and attacks her. They fight for at least 7 minutes ( 3 dvd chapters) and its awesome!

 This gypsie is one tough old relentless bitch. I grew exhausted watching her and Christine was no Match. Even after Mrs. Ganush slammed into the dashboard hard enough to knock out her dentures she  tries gnawing the poor girl to death with her gums! Yes, its as nasty as it sounds. Even after being stapled and stabbed  with by Xtines office supplies shes feelin well enough to take one of her coat buttons and curse her and it, (the button). The countdown to damnaiton commences.

Xtines boyfriend (Long) is without personality. Or likeability. Or  presence. Or desire.  And when she lets him go to seek others that want to help her I'm releived.

The movie is good, but its a bit too long. How much can one drag on when death is round the corner?

 The length may prevent you from watching it again. Which is kinda sad because its a heavy hitter in horror. One of the strongest competitors I have seen in a while. All the elements were there: the gore factor was up, there was lots of suspense and what I call "jumpers" (images that cuase one to jump back in their seat.) I mean I was spooked. Had it been night time I could not have watched it.

This is one fo the films where there wasn't a happy ending . I dont think I have to say exactly what happens to Christine but when she tries going back to  Mrs. Ganush for forgiveness she stumbles in on the old womans funeral and even from the grave she makes sure Christine pay for her coldness.

The conclusion to this tale, "do unto others as you would like done unto you or ye shall piss off an old gypsie and will be tortured for a few days and then litterally dragged to hell and lose a button from your expensive coat".

 Movie Grade

B+

Worth Watching?

yess