The movie is a dog from start to finish, with enough genre inconsistencies and plot holes to make it a textbook example of borrowing from too many divergent horror films to get anything right.
The Ring (2002)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:169
Fresh:120
Rotten:49
Average Rating:6.6/10
Consensus: With little gore and a lot of creepy visuals, The Ring gets under your skin.
Rated: PG-13 [See Full Rating] for thematic elements, disturbing images, language and some drug references
Runtime: 1 hr 55 mins
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Theatrical Release:Oct 18, 2002 Wide
Box Office: $128,579,698
Synopsis: 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... 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. [More]
Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Brian Cox
Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Brian Cox, Daveigh Chase, Lindsay Frost, Amber Tamblyn, Rachael Bella, Shannon Cochran
Director: Gore Verbinski
Director: Gore Verbinski
Screenwriter: Ehren Kruger
Producer: Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald
Composer: Hans Zimmer
Studio: DreamWorks Distribution LLC
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Release:
Sep 9, 2008
Reviews for The Ring
The American version retains much of the original but does little to justify its existence beyond the commercial considerations of relocating the setting to Seattle and filling the screen with Caucasian faces.
The creepy exploration of the unknown and unexplainable is far more frightening than the violent killings that typify most horror films.
Seat-moistening ... shot-by-shot faithful to the original film in many instances, yet fully capable of conjuring up molar-grinding moments of its own invention.
Based on a 1998 Japanese box-office smash, this electric shocker runs rings around its recent competition.
There were two points where I thought it was over, and both would have made for better endings than eventual finale.
Just in time for Halloween comes Gore Verbinski’s chilling-to-the-bone suspense ride... guaranteed to have you biting your nails long after the film is done.
While The Ring is not horror-flick greatness, it’s a good shot of gothic creepiness with enough unsettling scares that will keep you awake at night.
Latest News for The Ring
January 08, 2007:
Remaker Focused on "The Host" and "The Ring 3"
Since producing the American version of "The Ring" in 2002, producer Roy Lee has stayed firmly within the realm of the "re-imaginings" by producing movies... More...
October 18, 2006:
Naomi Watts to Star in Bay's Version of Hitchcock's "Birds"?
Apparently Naomi Watts is itching to become the Queen of the Horror Remake. She's already done "The Ring" and "King Kong" -- and now comes word that she... More...
September 21, 2006:
Box Office Guru Preview: Jackass Crashes into Theaters
Four new films open wide, but they may not be enough to stop the North American box office from suffering its third consecutive down weekend. More...
April 27, 2006:
"White Noise 2" Set Visit: Shawn Williamson On Horror Remakes, "Dungeon Siege," and...Canadian Horror?
RT's "White Noise 2" set coverage, Part Three: producer Shawn Williamson, whose 50+ credits include "Slither," "White Noise," and many of Uwe... More...
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