| In Gore Verbinski's remake of Hideo Nakata's chilling
horror film, a group of teenagers all die suddenly and
inexplicably exactly one week after watching a mysterious
videotape at a remote cabin in the Pacific Northwest. Journalist
Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts), a relative of one of the victims,
begins an investigation that leads to a mountain resort where she
discovers the tape, which contains footage of random and surreal
images. After viewing the tape, Rachel receives a phone call
stating that she, too, has seven days left to live. As the clock
ticks away, Rachel enlists the help of her former boyfriend, Noah
(Martin Henderson), who is the father of her startlingly serious
young son, Aidan (David Dorfman). Assisted by the intuitive
illustrations of Aidan and the initially reluctant research of
Noah, Rachel attempts to discover the significance of the cryptic
tape before her time is up. The original RING, based on a novel by
Kôji Suzuki, was a cult phenomenon in Japan, spawning a sequel, a
prequel, and other spin-offs. Although Verbinski's adaptation
shares much in common with its Japanese counterpart, the director
distinctly alters numerous plot elements and, in grandiose
Hollywood style, employs a much larger budget. The beautiful
cinematography is one of the more telling enhancements, along with
added screen time for other characters, including the morose
Richard Morgan (Brian Cox). However, the key to this RING is
Watts, who shines through the creepy atmosphere in a role that
follows her success in MULHOLLAND DRIVE. This would appear to be
no coincidence, since the film comes across like a David Lynch
version of an X-FILES episode that presents shockingly scary
moments and makes the most out of the unknown. A clear cut above
most contemporary horror films, THE RING offers genuine chills and
will make viewers think twice before watching any unmarked
videotapes.
"...A stylish Hollywood remake....[The] craft elements are
fine, with special kudos to the Method Studios for creating the
compellingly mysterious Ring video as well as visual
effects..."
"...One of the keys to making THE RING work as well as it
does is the strong performance of Watts....Her presence succeeds
in making us believe..."
"...It creates a gloomy and disturbing mood..."
Theatrical release: October 18, 2002
"...Very elegantly crafted....Watts has a live-wire
charisma reminiscent of the young Debra Winger..."
"...THE RING sticks very close to the original
script....The film-makers add some impressive sequences..."
"...Smart, savvy and distinct....There's a troubling
atmosphere that clogs up your throat..."
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