Review

The Ring

The Ring

Director
Gore Verbinski
Year
2002
Rating
3 stars
Reviewed by
José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
Review date
Tuesday, December 17, 2002

Naomi Watts became an overnight sensation when Mulholland Dr. (2001) hit theaters last year. And Dreamworks was quick enough to snatch her for their next big project: a remake of the Japanese cult classic Ringu. Apparently the idea paid off, because the movie received the approval of critics and audiences alike, which made of it a resounding success that is already spooling talks about a sequel.

Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) just lost her niece due to some strange happenings that may be connected to a tape she watched a week before dying. As it goes, urban legend indicates that whoever watches that tape will die in seven days. Rachel is skeptical about the idea, but she takes it far more seriously once her son (David Dorfman) watches it as well. She then starts a full-blown investigation with the help of ex-boyfriend Noah (Martin Henderson).

After having watched The Ring there was no doubt in my mind that this is easily the official scare feast movie of the year. I haven’t seen anything as scary in a long time and it easily left me shaking once the credits started rolling. Director Gore Verbinsky proves to be a real revelation. He understands perfectly what tense moments and unbearable suspense are about. He plays with us, because he just never lets go. From the atmosphere to the story, this is a movie that’ll scare the shit out of you.


That said, I must also state that anyone looking for a movie that makes a lot of sense should stay away from this. Sure, Rachel gets to the bottom of things while we follow her through every lead she’s got. But when the movie’s over it’s likely you’ll still have more than a couple of unanswered questions in your mind. To tell you the truth, that didn’t bother me in the slightest. I had such a good and entertaining time that whether it made sense or not was secondary.

Naomi Watts proves she’s got what it takes to hold a movie on her shoulders. She’s really good and believable, as is Martin Henderson. Brian Cox has a small, yet memorable appearance. David Dorfman, as Naomi’s son, is spooky.

Overall, an effective thriller worth a look.

“But I do… and I’m sorry. It won’t stop.”

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Comments

Get your permanent avatar at Gravatar.com Groucho wrote at 12/24/2002 1:29:16 PM:

I deliberated a lot with myself about my opinion of this movie from the script point of view of a film critic. Now I've decided that I do consider it a good movie. I did think that it could've been a lot better, and that many things spoilt good posibilities of finer horror. However, any film that causes so much distress that it actually has you worried for a week, MUST be good!!

Plus: Naomie Watts rules!!!!

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