31 More Days of Horror: Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Set in modern day—I know, scary enough, the story follows the results of an up-and-coming loan officer Christine (Alison Lohman) who turns down an extension request made by a creepy Gypsy woman. An altercation in the parking garage convinces Alison that she has been cursed. A consultation with a psychic confirms it. Christine has three days. With the help of her boyfriend (insufferable Justin Long) and the psychic, Christine will try to keep her soul from being dragged to hell.

If you’ll check your common sense at the door, Drag Me to Hell is a solid scare. The main trouble with this one is Sam Raimi. He can build an effective thrill, a top-notch scare, a mind-boggling protagonist—but he always seems to temper it an overdosing portion of cheese. As a director Raimi consistently frustrates me because he builds the horror perfectly then kills it with humor.

The haunting of Christine is wonderfully creepy. The special effects are crazy good—the gypsy in particular. Whether it’s something tangible like a fly or the spirit realm, Raimi delivers the goods, but not the plot. Grab the popcorn and get set to scream!

As I mentioned yesterday, Drag Me to Hell is based on the 1957 classic Night of the Demon. While it’s not necessary to have seen the B&W version to enjoy this—Raimi spells it out—I do think a certain edge is maintained if you’ve seen the original. Regardless Drag Me to Hell is just the movie you want to see this time of year.