While Ellen Page’s departure from Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell remains something of a mystery (the official line claims a schedule conflict; the rumor mill blames the screenplay), the project is moving forward with a new star. Or is that a new actress? I mean, technically, Alison Lohman will be “the star”, but will she even get above-the-title billing? No disrespect intended to Ms. Lohman, who was excellent in Matchstick Men and Where the Truth Lies, but they can’t even sell her as an “Academy Award-nominee”.
Looks like Raimi’s PG-13 “spook-a-blast” is going to be marketed strictly as the spam-in-a-cabin pioneer’s return to the horror genre, which will mean nothing to the legion of kids brought up on his Spider-Man movies. But fuck them anyway. As a replacement for Page, Lohman is definitely sexier and probably more daring, but can she do comedy? Will she have to do comedy? I’m interpreting the “spook-a-blast” label as an indication that Drag Me to Hell will be a femme-led companion piece to the Evil Dead movies. If so, Lohman seems an odd choice; she was spunky in Matchstick Men, but kinda plain in everything else (though I missed the Tom DiCillo movie). Could’ve been a great comeback vehicle for Lindsey Lohan.
Page’s exit delayed production a little, but the film should commence principal photography by the end of the month. The screenplay is by Sam and Ivan Raimi, and it should be in my clutches for a Crop Report this week!
8 comments
I do look forward to a Sam Raimi horror flick circa 2008, with reservations. Here's hoping Hollywood hasn't dulled his senses. That being said I loved Spiderman 2, a great balance of character building and action.
Another twenty-something, going on twelve looking chic, my segment producer thanks you.
Looking forward to that crop report then.
Really looking forward to the Crop Report too! Would love to see Raimi make a great "spook-a-blast" (btw would Army of Darkness be considered a "spook-a-blast"?) movie, but the PG-13 rating doesn't fill me with confidence.
Ooof, I read the headline as Lohan.
Ugh. I agree, thought it was Lohan when I read the headline… then I found out it's someone a lot more forgettable.
Is it me, or is this chick to constantly be confused with the actress in 'Panic Room' and the dreadful 'The Messengers'?
Damn, I Was looking forward to ripping this project for the inception of THE LOHAN.
Okay, I'm officially sick of the term "Spook-A-Blast."
I like Lohman, kind of loved her after "Matchstick Men", but thought she sunk "Where the Truth Lies". I'm skeptical she has that magical Bruce Campbell-ness needed to carry a "spook-a-blast". I hope I'm wrong. Good luck, Sam.
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