Backtrack,
I agree with you completely. It's not a horror film but that doesn't mean it doesn't know what it is. I think what Raimi has done, and done well, is make entertaining films that are interactive and stick with you. I have found myself analyzing the structure and choices over the last couple days. They are all so self-aware and so clearly full of love for the film medium in general. I like to think that directors like Raimi transcend genre, creating films that are merely an experience (and a communal one at that). I thought it was really fun to be in a packed theater that was screaming with fright one second, yelling eww the next, and howling with laughter the second after that.

Yeah, I guess, I think what I have an issue with is how much ass kissing is going around at the minute and reflectively over the years, myself included.
I really regret not getting to get to the prescreening Q&A with him, as I reckon I'd have gotten thrown out

At the end of the day, it IS entertaining. And that's what counts.

You just finally pinned down the problem I've been having with it all along. Perfect. You are so right on.