Iffy for 13+
More scares than gore, but still too much for young kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this is a review of the movie seen in theaters and not the unrated version available on DVD. Many of the scares, jumps, and jolts in this horror/action movie from Spider-Man director Sam Raimi are played for comic effect. Still, it's quite bloody, and along with the scary moments and gore, there's extensive discussion of curses, spells, ghosts, and spirits. Surprisingly, the film also has an ethical core, as the main character makes several tough decisions and tries to do the right thing despite implacable odds -- though she occasionally fails.
- Families can talk about the choices Christine faces. What could her character have done differently? What would the cost of those decisions be?
- Families can also discuss the tradition of horror films as cautionarytales; do the scares and startling moments make the message go downmore easily?
The good stuff
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Messages: For all of the movie's horror-film trappings and scares, the message about the consequences of your ethical choices is quite strong.
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Role models: Lohman's character repeatedly struggles to do the right thing. The movie offers a stereotypical depiction of "Gypsies," but it's notmalicious and is in keeping with the movie's horror-film historicalcontext.
What to watch for
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Violence: High on scares, but they're peppered with some humor. Extensive fighting and scuffling, with a mix of graphic imagery and good-natured goofiness; blood, but in such outlandish amounts that the effect is ultimately more cartoony than grisly. An old woman grapples with the main character, who fights her off with fists, a stapler, and the laws of gravity; a staple is plunged into human flesh. A spectral vision is hit by a falling heavy object, to squishy, comedic effect; spectral forces hurl, batter, and buffet people around. A machete is used. Discussion and depiction of animal sacrifice.
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Sex: Kissing; an unmarried couple wakes up in the same bed. Some wearing of damp, clingy clothing on the main character's part.
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Language: Extensive use of "hell," also occasional use of "damn," "ass," "pissed," "s--t," "screw," "bitch," "Christ's sake," "oh my God," "goddamn," "whore," and one barely articulated, under-the-breath use of "f--k."
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Consumerism: Some brands seen (Apple, Motorola) and mentioned (American Express).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink wine and speak of relatives who were alcoholics.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Sam Raimi, where have you been!!! by Cal Varnson
Reading the reviews of those that didn't like the movie, I question if they were fans of the "Evil Dead" series of films released during the 80's. This was classic Raimi; over-the-top, graphic, violent, gore & humor. This is not a serious horror flick as the previews may lead a non-Raimi fan to believe.
I love the way Raimi injects humor into his scenes, even during a moment that leads you to believe will be scary. His characters make the obvious twist & turns entertaining throughout. The gross-out scenes are just that...GROSS! It will leave you turning your head from the screen and laughing at the same time.
I understand Raimi is planning to remake "Evil Dead" and plans to release it in 2010. Count me as one who will be in line opening night.
4
Drag Me to Hell by bloodredguy
Look it's a Sam Raimi movie. If you don't know what you're in for then I really feel no sympathy for those who sit there in a PG-13 horror movie and expect garbage like Saw or Hills Have Eyes or the slew of no script, no flair, nondescript horror movies and can't appreciate this one (or the Evil Dead films).
Sam keeps the pace fairly well with story, gut busting gore/violence and then "scary/creepy". The fight scene in the car near the beginning had the entire theater gasping, crying with laughter and groaning.
This ain't the Exorcist and this ain't Hallowen. It's more fun.
5
Woo! by supergalacticjones
This movie is a satire, and a satire is supposed to be ridiculous and over the top!
It's classic Sam Raimi, and it's hilarious.
The only bad thing about this movie is Justin Long.
What a terrible actor.
He's the Keanu Reeves of this generation.
4
Five Word Review by redyeah
Sam Raimi back to roots
5
in the spirit by cherkahn
if you are one of the true Sam Raimi fans, who loves and appreciates movies such as The Evil Dead, and Army of Darkness, you will ADORE this movie. it is both hysterical and scary.
seriously, i screamed out loud then peed my pants....
well, i didnt really pee my pants.
5
Really Jumpy by JS'Horrors
This horror movie by Sam Raimi( The Messengers, Evil Dead, Spiderman) is a really awesome horror movie. Very tense and jumpy so not for very young children, but there isn't alot of violence in it. 10 out of 10.
5
Drag Me To Hell thrills by vfmsballer
Drag Me To Hell looked like a complete joke when I first saw commercials on TV. It looks like a complete waste of time, dealing with terrible special effects and more gore than most people could handle. But then a PG-13 rating, and a little research on director Sam Raimi and his previous movies, I thought this movie might actually be ok.
Drag Me To Hell is a nice change for horror movie fans as well as any movie goers. The plot is simple but unique which makes it very easy to enjoy. No one is left saying "huh?" or "how?", but just wow. Along with a fun and strange plot, it involves a likable cast, and a lot of scary or jumpy moments, leaving my girlfriends head between her knees throughout.
This movie is a must go for horror movie fans and a go for any one looking for a fun movie to see this summer. Scary, funny, and unique qualities all make this movie very good.
5
Drag Me To Hell by Selena_Marie
This is the first time in a long time that I was actually scared by a "horror" movie. It was so awesome this movie scared me so so so bad I was afraid to go into the parking garage to get into my car! It was also a great experience in the theater everybody was yelling out funny stuff, people were screaming, some were crying. One of the best theater experiences i've ever had. The movie was really good to I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen and then the movie would prove me wrong! Very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat!
5
went to the midnight viewing of film today Friday 12am. by australian68
this movie is SCARY...and i guess im told if you liked Evil Dead then you will love this film.
This movie was so good, the whole story was well done.
I didnt like the animal sacrifice in one part of the film cuz that just puts me off the film when i see stuff like that.
but overall this film id give a 9/10.
go see it at nite before you go to sleep .....
4
Unlike anything I've ever seen. by pianokid10
Drag Me To Hell is without a doubt one of the most unusual films you will see this year. Shockingly, the movie actually works as both a horror movie and a comedy which I believed would never be possible. Though I have never seen Sam Raimi's earlier Evil Dead Trilogy, I still was able to find this film very enjoyable. However, you must see this movie knowing that it is an over-the-top, horror-comedy throwback. Otherwise, you will be very disappointed. If you want a fun night at the movies where you will laugh and jump out of your seat, this is definitely worth seeing.