Sleepless in and around Seattle

Rating: 8/10 (21 March 2007)

Don't see this movie! I'm telling you, don't see this movie, especially at night when it's raining and you've got the lights out. Although "The Ring" has one of my favourite actresses in it, don't see it. Naomi Watts is terrific in so many ways and very convincing as Rachel. Still, the movie should not be seen. It's terrible! I do think that either the director or the writers knew about Luis Bun~uel and Salvador Dali's "Andalusian Dog" because the video tape that Rachel is told not to see, but sees anyway, seems very much modeled on that early surrealist film. "Andalusian Dog" (1929) has its ants, while the video within "The Ring" has its fly.
"The Ring" is the scariest ghost movie you'll ever see, which is why you shouldn't see it. It ranks up there with my favourite FRANKENSTEIN-themed film, "The Fly". In terms of "The Ring"'s fright potential, it is unequaled. It's well acted, well scripted and the music assists foreboding mood, rather than getting in the way.
"The Ring" could have been titled: "Sleepless Around Seattle". Calling it, "The Ring" gives it a Wagnerian tone. But no, this ring heralds a phone call. You pick up the receiver and some insomniac child from a 'village of the damned' will tell you that you only have seven days to live because you watched her personal "Un chien andalou". Samara will come, 'uninvited' to visit you in seven days. Don't risk this. Don't see "The Ring".