This Ring is Solid

Rating: Null/10 (3 November 2011)

What you get here is a stylish horror film that is, stunningly, better than the Japanese original. Are there plot holes here and there? Sure. Is the kid annoying? Absolutely. Do we need a little old lovers' conflict brought up, or young dad anxiety? Nope. None of that hurts the movie, really, chiefly because of Watts' wonderful performance and, again, the style. It is easy, in fact, to make light of 'The Ring' because of association with all the rip-offs afterward. But - it's just damn good. It moves in a fine arc, presents truly creepy visuals, and goes where it needs to go. As a plus, Noah, the ex, is hot. You even get the marvelous Jane Alexander. 'The Ring' isn't absolutely brilliant, but it's the best American horror film to come along in a long, long, long time.