Blank Videotapes Are Spooky...There's A New One

Rating: 10/10 (21 March 2003)

When I was younger, the spookiest thing that had ever come on a blank videotape was a loud, sustained beep that came on the head cleaner that was used to clean my VCR. After watching "The Ring", now I realize that this movie is video tapes what "Psycho" is taking a shower. Here are my reasons (some spoilers revealed): (1) Naomi Watts is a very capable actress and she has cemented herself as a suspense queen ("Mulholland Drive" is also recommended). (2) Very solid plotting and very solid writing. Ehren Kruger is a superior screenwriter and this is the best effort since "Scream 3". (3) Brian Cox is one of the best character actors out there currently and he stuns here as well. (4) David Dorfman had the best performance in the film. He reminded me a lot of Haley Joel Osment in "The Sixth Sense". (5) Since when can Gore Verbinski direct a suspense film so well? I was very surprised to learn that he also directed "Mouse Hunt". (6) The mystery of the tape's origin kept me glued to the screen because it was strangely complex. (7) I was still asking questions at the end of it. (8) I found the film to be an odd mix of "8MM" and "The Mothman Prophecies". (9) The American version has inspired to check out "Ringu". (10) Watching "The Ring" late at night makes you want to keep the light on as you fall asleep. Ten reasons give a score of ten. "The Ring" is definitely a great film if you want a good fright or if you want to waste time.
PS: As I watched this movie, I especially paid attention to Naomi Watts. The way she acted made me wonder if I was watching Nicole Kidman at one point and then Laura Linney the next. She was a great choice for the film and I hope she chooses more roles to showcase her unique style of acting. Here ends my rant!