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The Ring 2002 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Gore Verbinski
PG-13, 108 min. (violence, disturbing images, language) |
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Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Brian Cox, Jane Alexander
Producers: Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald
Screenplay: Ehren Kruger
Distributor: Dreamworks Films
Released: 10/18/02 (Wide) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
The Ring has some of the required elements for an effective horror/thriller picture, but its lame script makes director
Gore Verbinski's job almost impossible to pull off. While there are some geniunely frightening moments here, and adequate
performances from its cast, the burdensome storyline eventually sinks an otherwise interesting premise. A remake of
one of the most popular Japanese films ever, Ringu, The Ring was somewhat "Americanized" to relate to audiences on this
side of the Pacific. While the "boo factor" is high (Verbinski clearly did his homewok), the satisfaction level is hollow due
to numerous plot holes and a nearly absurd final act that whiffs of a Sixth Sense final twist. That, coupled with
endless questions about the storyline, leaves the film just shy of success.
It's almost certain that The Ring will find considerable popularity for its eerie atmosphere and spooky visuals, and I wouldn't
be surprised to see it become one of the year's surprise hits. Due to a relatively poor year for horror films, this film will clearly
stand out as the best of the bunch - although that's not saying much. Considering audience reactions during the film, word
of mouth will push the film to the forefront of most moviegoers' minds, making the film ultimately profitable. While I agree there
is much to discuss about the film, the discussion is more about making sense of a jumbled plot than any serious evaluation
of the film's effectiveness as a thriller.
Maybe the film's highlight is the presence of the immensely-talented Naomi Watts, whose performance in David Lynch's
Mulholland Dr. was last year's best. She seems at home in almost any role, and here, she
provides enough depth to make the journey through the film watchable. Watts' charisma clearly rubs off on her
co-stars, elevating their performances (or at least making them appear that way) to satisfying levels. Watts, who is
clearly destined for Oscar glory in the near future, is Verbinski's security blanket when scenes become so incoherent
they're difficult to comprehend. I can just see him telling her, "Use your skill to get me through this," on several occasions.
The story centers around a video tape that causes all those who see its contents to turn up dead seven days later. One
watches the tape and soon afterwards receives a phone call with the words "seven days" whispered into their ears. After
an effective opening sequence that leaves the niece of Rachel (Watts), an investigative reporter, dead, Rachel begins a
search for the origins of the video tape after viewing it herself and receiving the phone message. She enlists the help
of former boyfriend Noah (Martin Henderson), whose technical expertise comes in handy when researching the tape's
clues. Together they search for answers before their time runs out, and things become frantic when Rachel's young son,
Aidan (David Dorfman), accidently watches the tape.
What makes The Ring somewhat less than enchanting is the release of a similar film, FearDotCom, just weeks ago. Although
that particular film is easily one of the year's worst films, the premise is essentially the same. Therefore The Ring seems
like a rehash of material that's already been presented. The good news for this film is that it's a masterpiece in comparison.
The bad news is that in presenting its vision, Verbinski has some serious issues tying up loose ends. In fact, the film's
conclusion actually raises more questions than it answers - not exactly a tidy ending. However, most audiences will enjoy the twist
that makes watching static on a TV in the future truly frightening.
While on some level I'd give The Ring a mild recommendation for its interesting use of atmosphere and at times surreal
presence, it doesn't negate the fact the film has many problems that it simply can't overcome. Most viewers will find themselves
asking many obvious questions to the characters in the film, who seem completely inept at times. This is one of those films
that could provoke serious interest from moviegoers while challenging them to comprehend its convoluted plot. Verbinski's desire to
frighten the audience outweighs his concern for clearly defined plot points. For some, The Ring will be good enough; for me,
it's a near miss.
© 2002 Jonathan Cornwell
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 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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