In all my years, I don't think I've ever gone to see a horror film on the big screen. I usually like to watch them in a dark room with a few friends instead of hearing annoying kids who shouldn't get into the theater scream when a random cat jumps out of nowhere. However, being a Sam Raimi/Evil Dead fan, I HAD to see Drag Me to Hell in the theater, and I HAD to see it opening night. So, unable to get all my friends together, as most were "too tired" or "busy" I went with my best pal and my sister who both love the Evil Dead trilogy almost as much as I do. In fact I also went to see My Name is Bruce with a Bruce Campbell Q and A with the two of them for the same reasons.

Entering the theater, I looked around at the groups of kids while saying things like, "Awww, look! Baby's first horror film!" and wondering if any of them had any idea what they were getting themselves into. That said, I enjoyed the reactions of these kids to Raimi's comedic style, discovering time and time again that I was right to question whether or not they knew what to expect.

Now to the main event:

If you don't know the story, a young, very cute loan officer Christine Brown (Alison Lohman) refuses to give an old woman a third extension on her mortgage to prove she is worthy of an assistant manager position. The woman, in return, curses Christine. She then has three days before her soul is dragged to hell.

This film is a crash course in Sam Raimi horror. It's a great way for those unfamiliar with his works to get a taste of what he's all about and a fun way for the fans to get to see Raimi go back to his roots. From the first scare, Raimi perfectly blends horror with comedy in ways you just don't see in horror movies today, and his amazing shots and camera angles make you feel uncomfortable, but make you want more!

This film, to me, is a Thank You from Sam Raimi to his fans for their support and love over the years and a way to say that even though Raimi is making the huge movies he is today, he's still who he always has been, and knows where he comes from. It so much resembled the Evil Dead that I half expected Bruce Campbell to jump in and start fucking shit up with his chainsaw and boomstick.

When it gets going, this film is a load of fun. And things get pretty enjoyable near the end when Christine is outside in the rain and mud.

I have some problems with this film, though. First off, the acting was pretty poor. At many times I cringed at how poor absolutely everyone in this film is. There is no one that gives a decent performance. Also, it moves pretty slowly. It takes a long time before anything really gets rolling, but when it does, it's a great ride.

Hands down this is a full price film. Just don't go in expecting just straight up scares, and don't be afraid to laugh.