YES! Finally a GOOD "scary movie"!

Rating: 8/10 (27 May 2003)

There are scary movies that are your typical no-brainers with silly little plots that really don't drive the movie, but rather hinder it. These movies are purely for fun and not so much for mulling over at the water-cooler on Monday. Then there are those scary movies that make you think...question...and ponder. The Ring is definitely the latter.
The premise: there exists a video tape that when you watch it, you have seven days before you "see the ring" (ie: die). Sounds silly enough...at least I thought so upon seeing the previews. I will happily admit I was wrong since The Ring turned out to be one of the best scary movies I've seen in years.
The acting was well done on all accounts, right down to young David Dorfman as the Keller's young son, Aidan. The imagery is incredibly freaky and was enough to make me sleep with a light on (Not something that happens very often, mind you, having seen about every horror movie I could lay my eyes on). The plot was good enough without the standard "cheese" associated with most scary movies. I like a movie that can make you think!
If you're into a movie that holds your hand throughout and gives you a neat, tidy little explanation in the last thirty minutes or so, this movie is not for you. Oh, don't get me wrong, it DOES give you answers; but it makes you think for them. With subtle innuendos, imagery, and whispers of conversation, the viewer is able to decipher Samara's message and the overall "meaning" of this thrilling ghost story. And while attempting to understand Samara's message, she will scare the bejeebers out of you.
Honestly, a very good ghost story with few "plot holes" (regardless of what other reviews might state...there really ARE explanations). Overall, The Ring deserves a 9 out of 10...not quite the BEST, but quite close.