Product: Ring of Darkness (2004)
Rating: 2.0
RING AROUND THE FILM
Director David DeCoteau hits it big with this one, casting three "stars" to his usual unknown cast: Maude's Adrienne Barbeau, Baywatch's Jeremy Jackson, and American Idol's Ryan Starr. But try as they might, they all sink low in this supernatural, sci-fi, horror, comedy, whatever-you-want-to-call-it mess of a film. Let just say that the premise looks interesting. After the lead singer of a boy band supposedly enters rehab, it's up to the rest of the group to find a new front man. Comes Shawn (Coltin Scott) who against his better judgment (for a guy who despises boy bands he sure fits the mold) auditions and gets picked among two others for the final spot showdown where only one will live up to the challenge. Technically, RING OF DARKNESS impresses. For a low-budgeter it sure doesn't look like one. DeCoteau has a pro eye, despite his bad script, bad actors, bad FX... His reputation as a lover of kitsch cinema (and of male forms) still holds out, but his execution is sleek looking. Imagine what he could do if he had a real project in his hands. Like any boy band RING OF DARKNESS may look the part but, in the end, it's talent that counts. Too bad DeCoteau is the only one who has some. -----Martin Boucher