Post – October 23, 2002

“The Ring” review

I figured I should write a semblance of a real review of this movie, rather than just the snarky comment from last night.

I loved the visual style – all muted greens and greys – and there were some really nice touches, not the least of which is the explanation for the title itself. The feeling of unease and dread is well done in spots. (I’ve always been sort of spooked by horses anyway.) I think Naomi Watts (late of “Mulholland Drive”) should have a long successful career.

But otherwise, for me it just ended up a big muddle. The script managed to explain too much and not explain enough all at the same time, so often right when you’re getting into the mood, it’s interrupted by a “huh?” reaction. It doesn’t flow.

I’m always looking for a movie that will actually scare me – haven’t found one yet. But I can tell you, I was much more disturbed and unnerved by the more pedestrian goings-on in “Frailty” (now out on video) than I was by any frame of “The Ring.”

Sparky especially will be interested to know that in a fit of film-geek fever, I bought the original Japanese “Ring” trilogy on DVD from eBay last night. I’ll let you know what I think of those.