To really enjoy Drag Me to Hell, which I did immensely, you have to be a fan of this particular brand of horror. This isn't torture porn (Saw, Hostel, etc.), nor is it a serious work of horror (The Exorcist, The Omen, etc.). While Drag Me to Hell does offer up truly memorable scares, this is clearly a horror/comedy fusion, and for fans of early era Sam Raimi (the amazing director behind the Spider-Man films), you'll definitely feel a big dose of that old Evil Dead magic at work.

In Drag Me to Hell, Alison Lohman is Christine Brown, a sweet natured loan officer who, in a bid for a promotion at her job, refuses a struggling old woman (a hilariously freaky Lorna Raver) an extension on her credit. As it turns out, the creepy elderly lady is actually a gypsy, and after the extension refusal, Christine quickly discovers that getting that promotion is now the least of her worries. It seems that this one time happy-go-lucky loan officer is now the proud beneficiary of a demonic curse.

Sam Raimi is a burst of innovative energy, and he utilizes nearly every early career trick he knows to bring the creatively wicked Drag Me to Hell to life. This is a hyper kinetic thrill ride that offers up jolts and laughs at every corner. The ending of the picture in particular really pulled the rug out from under me. The screenplay (as written by Sam and his brother Ivan) is simplistic and silly and the film as a whole seems perfectly content reveling in its own absurdity. That's what's so great about it. Drag Me to Hell never takes itself seriously. It knows exactly what it is.

Stylistically, Drag Me to Hell is everything you'd expect. Raimi incorporates quick camera moves and he never really shows us the physical manifestation of the supernatural force that's stalking Christine. Instead, he only hints at the ominous force through the use of creepy shadows, effective sound design, and zany P.O.V. shots.

While Drag Me to Hell does resort to several CG effects shots, Raimi opts to go old school for much of the film, unveiling some truly outstanding practical effects work (courtesy of Greg Nicotero and crew). There are some great bits here involving a kitten, a goat, and dentures but I'd rather not elaborate, because it would take away from your enjoyment of the picture.

Hardcore horror fans shouldn't be too put off by the PG-13 rating because for the most part, Drag Me to Hell delivers the goods. The previous statement should serve as a warning to those who might consider taking there kids to this movie. Probably not a good idea. I suspect Drag Me to Hell landed the PG-13 because so much of the carnage on display, is so cartoonish in nature.

Drag Me to Hell is ooey gooey fun and it evokes screaming and laughing in equal measure because as much as Raimi wants to scare the hell out of you, it's his undeniable sense of humor and playfulness that really shine through. This is one of the most entertaining horror flicks to hit the screen in quite some time.