Raimi's return to horror

"Drag Me to Hell
Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer
Grade: B+

Not only is Drag Me to Hell a great bounce back for director Sam Raimi after the dreadful Spider-Man 3, it's also good to see a scary movie that scares. Raimi's past directorial efforts prior to the Spider-Man series were campy horror flicks like the Evil Dead and Darkman. With his latest film, Raimi breathes some life into the genre with this spook a minute tale of gypsy's, demons, spirits, etc.

Alison Lohman who most will know from Big Fish and Matchstick Men plays Christine Brown, a loan officer with a pretty normal life. She's successful at her job, and is dating Clay, who is maybe to good of a guy, played by Justin Long (the Mac guy). One day Christine evicts an old women from her house, mostly in attempt to show her boss played by David Paymer that she can make tough decisions in hopes of getting the assistant manager position. Soon Christine's world is turned upside down, shes cursed by the old women/gypsy, and evil spirits will visit her for three days, on the third day she will be brought to hell unless she can stop it.

While the premise sounds over the top, and not that interesting, I beg to differ. The movie tries to have fun with the viewer, and it succeeds on almost every level. It's loud film with jumps a plenty. This movie has characters puking up insects, coughing up blood, along with many supernatural things that are more than entertaining.

Alison Lohman is the perfect non A-list actress to pull this role of. She has a natural vulnerability that makes the audience care. Justin Long is convincing enough as her boyfriend and Psychology professor. They have a good on-screen chemistry together, which doesn't hurt the movie either.

I haven't seen Raimi's past horror films, but I bet there were a few wink-wink homages to his other films in this. The movie succeeds as being unpredictable for the most part, and total fun for 95 minutes. It's a shame the film will probably only match it's $50 million budget, and not exceed it. For quick thrills, and un-matched fun, nothing stands toe to toe with Drag Me to Hell.

The tiring mess that is "The Hangover"

"The Hangover"
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham
Grade: C-

Todd Phillips had proved pretty reliable for making raunchy comedies that appeal to wide audiences. He usually casts his films appropriately with a likable cast that the audience will love. This is not the case with Phillips' latest adult-comedy. The cast of unfamiliar faces, save for Bradley Cooper, are unappealing and not fun to watch.

I feel I'll be in the extreme minority by saying this film is mediocre at best. It has all the formulaic plot twists and predictability that restrains it from being something truly funny. The familiar plot goes like this, four guys shove off to Vegas for the weekend in hopes of showing their friend Doug the time of his life before his wedding. The group of guys couldn't be any more un-original. Bradley Cooper plays Phil, the asshole of the group, Ed Helms plays Stu, the soon to be engaged, play it safe guy, Zach Galifianakis plays Alan, the step-brother to Doug, and overall wierdo/creep, and Justin Bartha who plays Doug, who is in the movie for maybe 20 minutes.

The movie is 90 minutes of these guys tracing their steps around Vegas to try to find Doug, figure out what to do with a lost baby, and many other things that would take up the next paragraph trying to describe. I guess it sounds like I really hate this movie, I didn't hate it as much as I was letdown by it. I laughed a few times early on, but the whole middle was a long stretch of "I've seen this seen many times in other movies."

"The Hangover" has a made a killing at the box-office, and a sequel is on the way, I can't even imagine what the movie will be about, but I assume it will also make good money. The movie does make a star out of the Alan character, and the actor that plays him. Zach Galifianakis is the next Danny McBride, Seth Rogen, or even John Belushi.

Phillips does a fine job directing, the performances are there, but the characters are cardboard when it comes to being original. The movie jumps from one episode to another, I swear this could have played out better if it was a TV show. Each episode could visit each place these guys visit, yes it's that tiresome. Mike Tyson is the only redeeming quality, he provides a decent cameo and a few laughs as well.

"The Hangover" wont be the best comedy of the Summer, and maybe not of the month. See it if you must, since I'm sure it will be the talk of the town until the next Transformers comes out.

Oh OH!, the credits should never be the funniest part of the movie.

Pixar delivers the goods once again

"Up"
Starring: Edward Ashner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai
Grade: A-

The best movie of the year so far is a heartfelt and entertaining film from Disney Pixar, no big surprise here. Last year the studio released Wall-E, the film got rave reviews and many felt it should have been nominated for best picture. With "Up," the studio once again proves that their films are filled with as much quality and substance as most mainstream films.

The story is about loss, coming of age, friendship, and a journey. The main character is 78 year old Carl Fredrickson, he's a crusty old man who has no patience and little understanding of the world changing around him. We see in a perfect opening credit sequence the love he had for his now deceased wife Ellie. They lived a happy life and always wanted to travel and seek out adventures in South America. They never got their chance due to different reasons, after many years together, Ellie died. Carl's street is now being torn apart for tanning salons and technology stores way beyond Carl's understanding. He meets a young boy scout named Russell who he initially despises due to Russell's willingness.

The story ends up following Carl and Russell as Carl's ties his house to thousands of balloons. There is no where left to go for Carl expect one last adventure in Ellie's name. Russell troubles him early with his nagging and persistence, but Carl eventually warms up to the lonely youngster who has troubles of his own.

On their journey, they encounter storms, animals, past heroes from Carl's past, and life-lessons that will serve them well in time. "Up" is a touching film with some tender and quiet moments that adults can identity with. The kids will enjoy the hilarious birds, dogs, as well as the touching relationship between Russell and Carl. The film has nearly flawless pacing, and incredible exotic images and beauty throughout. Director Pete Doctor, who also did "Monsters Inc," has done a fine job representing himself and Pixar with this home-run hit that will be the delight of the Summer.