Scariest movie in a LONG time

Rating: Null/10 (21 October 2002)

One day, I will try and explain the difference between movies that are scary, and movies where stuff jumps out at you while the girl screams and tries to run. I would give examples of movies that make you cower in your seat, knowing you can't stop the movie as it marches on, each frame more nerve-racking than the last. I will cite works like "Poltergeist", "Sixth Sense" and "Blair Witch Project." These movies are scary. "Jason X" is cinema fodder.
Having said that, let me go on to confirm that "The Ring" is one scary mother of a movie. Don't expect any big money shots from this thriller, it goes for tense and it doesn't let go.
The film starts with the premise of an urban legend. There's a freaky Nine Inch Nails-esque video cassette, and after watching it, the phone rings. Answer it or not, you now have seven days before you die. Rachel Keller, a workaholic journalist, overhears some kids discussing it at the wake of Rachel's niece, a supposed victim of the tape.
The movie does a good job of hiding the true evil. Because its not the tape itself that's doing the killing. Its a power behind the tape, the force that created it that follows the victims. By watching the tape, whatever's on the other side watches right back.
There's a bizarre connection between the source of that power and any electronic device, puddles of ominous water, and a number of dead horses. It was either a convention of the filmmakers or a truly odd coincidence, but everyone under age 20 seemed to be either a little bit psychic, a little bit precognitive, or both.
Rachel's son, who I believe was in kindergarten, had the creepiest eyes and monotone voice. I wondered a few times if that wasn't just some amazing make-up applied to Christopher Walken, but no, the kid's really that good.

As far as the scarier elements go, its all about subtly here. When a conversation dies down, the phone will ring very, very loudly. TV's just turn on to static at full volume. In this movie, there's nothing scarier than what's waiting just around the corner. Using color, water, and almost miss able computer generated images, what's scary is the threat of what's coming.
What I liked most about this movie was its unconventional ending. When you think the movie's getting done, it's just building its energy for a terrifying and memorable finale.
I don't know what your preferences are as far as scary goes. I like nervously burying my face in my jacket. Some people like a guy with a knife jumping out of dark places with no explanation of how he got there. What I can tell you is that `The Ring' is scary. Enter at your own risk.