Movie Review: DRAG ME TO HELL

DRAG ME TO HELL
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Written by: Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi



I found DRAG ME TO HELL to be a refreshing entry in the American horror cinema landscape, albeit another PG-13 movie. Here, Raimi gets back to his horror (EVIL DEAD) roots. And that’s where he belongs. The SPIDER-MAN movies are very good. But horror needs a great director leading the industry. Raimi is just the guy. Slapstick and satire aside, he definitely knows how to make horror.

This may not be his best work, but it’s nothing to push aside. There are plenty of thrills and shocking moments. In addition to the many instances of Raimi’s style that harkens back to the EVIL DEAD trilogy, it makes for a very entertaining movie-going experience.



From the opening scene you get a feel and a sense of what the movie is going to be like, introducing you to the demon, Lamia, and what it can do. Then, we see the title. I love how it hits you in the face, popping on screen in huge text. From there we meet the characters and the plots laid out for you. Christine Brown, a loan officer, denies Mrs. Ganush, a very creepy gypsy, a loan on her home. After begging, Mrs. Ganush puts a curse on little Christine. After a bitter battle in a parking garage with gypsy-psycho-lady, Christine is tormented by the Lamia, and subsequently destroyed.

There are some great shocking scenes which provide plenty of gore and icky-ness to make the gorehound within the true horror fan smile. In fact, between that and the comedy in the movie, I found myself smiling quite a bit. Raimi definitely knows how to blend the genres between horror and comedy.

The sound design in the film is fantastic. All the creepy, eerie sounds add to the overall look and feel of the film. Christopher Young’s score is also a shinning example of how to add to the atmosphere with dark underlying tones, and strange foreboding violins streaming along your curiosity, then shattering your senses with large, loud, violent screeches and screams.

Overall, I had a ball watching the movie. I predicted the ending, which I never like, and I did hope for more at certain parts of the movie (I really, really wanted to see the Lamia in its true Monster form), but despite all that it’s a great film and I can’t wait to watch it again.

Rating = 8.9/10.0

Words of Inspiration

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."
        --Proverbs 29:11

Currently Reading:

Aliens vs. Predator Omnibus: Volume 1



Very good stuff. The first AvP story is clearly an inspiration to the first movie. A great deal was pulled directly from the comics. The writer, Randy Stradley, is quite gifted at storytelling. He makes AvP more than just an action/horror comic. He adds a dynamic to writing that is rarely seen in comics. Plus anything with ALIENS and PREDATORs I love.


If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell



The Man himself with his first autobiography. Brucey is one of my favorite actors. Obviously the EVIL DEAD Trilogy is some of my favorite stuff. But his most recent film, MY NAME IS BRUCE, is unbelievably good. I love it.

This book is insanely entertaining. I could read this book even if I hated reading…or even if I hated him (but that's impossible).

Currently Listening To:

Dredg - Catch Without Arms (2005)



There’s something about the music of the California-created band Dredg that affects me. The sounds and melody throughout are rhythmic, hypnotic, and enthralling at the same time. I’ve been listening to them since I discovered them in 2001 at a DEFTONES concert. They were amazing then and they have easily become one of my favorite bands.

Catch Without Arms is an excellent album from top to bottom. The chords resonate a sense of passion and desire within me that makes it difficult to keep away from it. I find it inspirational more than just something to listen to for a good time. If I ever feel down or scatterbrained or am just not feeling in a comfortable state this album, along with their others (Leitmotif and El Cielo), help me rise above my temperamental shades of gray.

From the opening track, Ode To The Sun, you are cast upon in the landscape and atmospheric tones of Dredg. The title track has a clingy rhythmic tune with contemporary proverb-esque words of wisdom for me personally. Sang Real’s beat brings you in, while Hung Over on a Tuesday reveals their true hard rock/metal side that can’t be ignored. My favorite tracks are Planting Seeds and Matroshka (The Ornament) for their insanely encapsulating melodies that truly touch me with its tender emotional effectiveness.

Movie Review:

UP
Directed by: Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson (Co-Director)
Written by: Bob Peterson (Screenplay)



Quite simply the best animated movie of the year and is definitely UP there when you talk about best animated movies ever. Yeah, it’s that good. Should you expect anything less from Pixar whose animated features have absolutely transformed the animation industry? Year after year they have been producing stellar work that both kids and adults can enjoy with great story, depth, characterization, comedy, action and the utmost in entertainment. And UP is no exception.

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about this one I thought it wouldn’t be that good and it really didn’t look interesting. Well, I’ve now learned never to doubt Pixar. This is an outstanding movie. The animation itself is always supreme quality. It’s an excellent blend of comedy, action, adventure, drama and suspense. These movies have it all and it really makes it difficult not to like. There’s something in them for everyone.

One of the most surprising elements in the picture for me was the characterization and the depth of the story. Clearly from the trailer you don’t get much of the story other than the general premise. And that alone is enough to make you curious, but nothing is there for one to really get excited about. From the opening scene to the end credits, this movie will keep your attention. You are immediately pulled into the world that is created on screen; you follow the characters and you get emotionally attached. You can relate with them and you sympathize with them. That’s just good writing and great execution of the script. That’s a trademark of these Pixar movies. That’s why it’s my belief that these are some of the best stuff on the market, and everybody should be looking forward to them year after year.

UP should be on everyone’s list of movies to see.

Rating = 8.8/10.0

Movie Review:

TERMINATOR SALVATION (2009)
Directed by: McG
Written by: John D. Brancato & Michael Ferris



TERMINATOR SALVATION is everything I thought it would be, if not more. It lived up to my expectations, and I set the bar pretty high. I was definitely impressed. Every aspect of the movie seemed to click and flow and create a great film going experience. It’s simple stunning!

This is a rare movie that has an amazing set of trailers for it and the movie itself lived up to those previews not allowing them to reveal too much. And I really appreciate that considering that amount of films that come out and do the exact opposite of that.

The special effects are wonderful. The Terminators look exceptionally well. The CGI is very good and doesn’t seem too contrived. The environment and landscapes look fairly good and add to the rugged look of the film.

There is good acting throughout by the entire cast. Sam Worthington (Marcus Wright) does a particularly good job considering he hasn’t been in much and certainly nothing as big as a Terminator movie. Christian Bale is on par with his other great performances. I’m a huge fan of his and it is like a dream to see him play as the legendary John Connor in this movie. Terminator fans couldn’t ask for more with him. Also, Anton Yelchin’s portrayal of young Kyle Reese is very good and the importance of his character is not something to push aside.



I really like how the main characters' screen time is split while being able to tell a compelling story from both characters' standpoints. Both characters, Wright and John Connor, have an interesting dynamic and when they come together it adds to the sense that they are like brothers, even though they are so different, being two different breeds (one a resistance leader for the human race; the other a new hybrid of Terminator-Synthetic based organism who believes he is actually human but ultimately used as a pawn by the machines).

Seeing the Arnold T-800 is nice. It really brings a presence and attitude that no other single Terminator can do. It looks strikingly like the original Terminator back in 1984. Arnold's face is CG'd onto a built stunt player. The irony being that this Terminator, the one that originally tried to kill his mother then was sent to protect him and becomes much like a father to him, would be the one to FINALLY kill him and eliminate the chances for success for the Resistance.

The action is fantastic throughout and is very much one of the strongest elements of the entire movie. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat wanting more and more and becoming engulfed in the excitement. Rarely does a movie accomplish that.

Overall I can’t say enough positive things about it. I was extremely pleased and I will be watching this movie for many, many years to come. I really can’t wait to see it again.

Rating = 9.1/10.0

Currently Reading:

‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King



I just finished it. And I have to say, even back in the late 70s, King reigned supreme in his mastery of writing. I don’t think anybody can argue against his ability because clearly he can write extremely well. The suspense and the way he pulls you into certain scene really allow you to experience the terror just as the characters themselves. One of the best instances of this is when Ben Mears, the main character, is describing his first experience with the dreaded, evil Marsten House. Reading this scene and following as the nine year-old boy sneaks into the house on a dare and witnesses an absolutely terrifying image of Hubert Marsten’s hanging dead body open his eyes and look at Ben had my heart racing. I’ve never really experienced that feeling just reading a book. That’s why you can never underestimate the impact of reading.

Overall the book is very enjoyable. Not a whole lot of action, and certain plenty of dialogue, but you shouldn’t struggle following what’s going on. I love how King only reveals what the book is truly about as you read along and experience what and when the characters experience. I believe that is an extremely effective style of writing.

Rating = 7.8/10.0

Currently Listening To:

Godsmack - Self-Titled (1998)



This is their best album although their most recent release, IV, will give it a run for its money. Both are great albums. But this one is the one that introduced me to the Boston-based group lead by lead singer Sully Erna. His vocals are unique and produce a tough, edgy quality to the music that make the sound really strike hard. Their first single “Whatever” is still one of the best tracks in addition to “Voodoo”, “Bad Religion”, “Keep Away” and “Stress”. This is an album that I can listen to all the way through and not be inclined to skip a track here and there. I can only say that for very few albums and that’s what makes it one of my favorites.

Best Movies of 2009 (So Far)

It’s really starting to pick up. We’ve had a number of good movies so far and it’s not even June. So there’s still a lot left. But here’s some of my favorite movies so far that might be on my “Best of” list at the end of the year:

The Wrestler 1.30.09
The International 2.13.09
Friday the 13th (2009) 2.13.09
Watchmen 3.06.09 ½
Sunshine Cleaning 3.13.09 ½
I Love You, Man 3.20.09 ½
X-Men Origins: Wolverine 5.01.09
Star Trek 5.08.09


STAR TREK is the biggest surprise right now. I really didn’t think it was going to be that good, but it was. SUNSHINE CLEANING isn’t really my kind of movie but it’s just one of those films that has an intangible quality to it that really makes me like it. I’m sure it has to do with the excellent direction, action, and storytelling. I LOVE YOU, MAN has Paul Rudd. And what I can I say about Paul Rudd other than he’s probably my favorite comedy actor and I have a man crush on him. WATCHMEN will definitely be on the list at the end of the year; at least in some regard. Good filmmaker adapting a great graphic novel. No real surprise there.

We’ve still got some potentially great ones coming up. I hope none of them make my “Let Down” list. Until then, au revoir! (Has Gambit would say…even though Deadpool could kill him easily.)