As good as the first, but just.

Rating: 6/10 (20 October 2002)

As scary movies go, it's not bad in spite of taking a very creepy
theme - death by videotape - and making it PG-13 material. Which
makes me want to rant on WHY this one made a PG-13 rating in
spite of its thematic content and yet a light romantic comedy like
Kissing Jessica Stein received an RÂ…. but I'll abstain.

Comparatively, this version is more engrossing than the Japanese
original (1997) and although it does flesh the original script out a
bit, it still fails to live up to its creepy theme - that a supernatural
presence is killing people by having them watch a videotaped
picture puzzle riddle. The Japanese version depended too heavily
on the metaphysical and internal struggle of its heroine (and her
clairvoyant ex-husband) and as a result it doesn't pack much of an
emotional punch. The American version brings more of that inner
turmoil to the surface and we are able to follow along as she trips
and stumbles and figures her way through this nightmare.
The production values are all good, particularly with re: to the
videotape itself and the collective imagery it holds. It's a well-shot
movie, and the DOP deserves kudos for a job well done.

The performances are all fine, and the story is full of possibility, but
the delivery is lacking and could have been much better. I blame
the director, Gore Verbinski, who has failed to live up to his
potential before (The Mexican, Mouse Hunt). In what other
profession can a man make millions by being mediocre?

Naomi Watts deserves better material than this, as does the
under-used Jane Alexander, who makes an appearance here as
an island doctor who may or may not have a clue to what's going
on.
I think, in greater hands, this might have been an excellent film
going experience. As it is, I can recommend it on a matinee if you
really want to spend the money, or on rental if you are smarter
than, and have a greater depth of patience than, the average
PG-13 consumer.