Craig A
Stunt Coordinator
- Joined
- Sep 6, 1999
- Messages
- 70
Here's my review (no spoilers):
Best suspense/horror film of the year?
I don't like to give away much plot when I talk about a film, but I think the trailers at least give away this much:
An urban legend tells of a video cassette. If you watch it, you will die seven days later.
Creepy, or campy? The movie swings both ways, but with hindsight the "camp" almost seems intentional - but not in a Scream kind of way. The "cheese" and self referential humour serve more to lull the audience into a false sense of security, before something genuinely suspenseful/spooky comes along to darken the atmosphere and set the film on a more serious horror slant.
Typical horror film cliches are often set up, but the payoff either never materializes, or isn't what you expect. All this helps to keep the audience off-balance. You really aren't sure where the stoy is headed.
Although there is some gore, the movie isn't strictly visceral. There are enough plot details left unexplained, and a few loose ends to inspire a good conversation or two when the movie is over.
Given a choice between seeing The Ring or Red Dragon (a movie I enjoyed as well), I'd recommend The Ring hands down.
Best suspense/horror film of the year?
I don't like to give away much plot when I talk about a film, but I think the trailers at least give away this much:
An urban legend tells of a video cassette. If you watch it, you will die seven days later.
Creepy, or campy? The movie swings both ways, but with hindsight the "camp" almost seems intentional - but not in a Scream kind of way. The "cheese" and self referential humour serve more to lull the audience into a false sense of security, before something genuinely suspenseful/spooky comes along to darken the atmosphere and set the film on a more serious horror slant.
Typical horror film cliches are often set up, but the payoff either never materializes, or isn't what you expect. All this helps to keep the audience off-balance. You really aren't sure where the stoy is headed.
Although there is some gore, the movie isn't strictly visceral. There are enough plot details left unexplained, and a few loose ends to inspire a good conversation or two when the movie is over.
Given a choice between seeing The Ring or Red Dragon (a movie I enjoyed as well), I'd recommend The Ring hands down.