The Ring (2002)

[Requiem-for-a-Dream]

The Ring (2002)- 10/10

Starring:
Naomi Watts
Martin Henderson

Rated PG-13 for disturbing sequences involving blood and gore, and pure TERROR.

First off, I'd like to say that The Ring is the scariest film I've seen in ages (if not EVER)

The plot is very simple (At first), it deals with a unique tape, once viewed the viewer will die in 7 days. The Ring starts off with a particularly chilling sequence with two teens discussing the tape (although it sounds cheesy, it truly isn't). One of the girls says that she's seen the tape about a week before. What ensues is pure terror at it's finest.
We are then introduced to Naomi Watts' character Rachel Keller. It seems her son has been drawing disturbing pictures of his dead babysitter (the teen mentioned above). We learn that Rachel Keller is a news reporter who decides to look into the strange death of the girl. She learns her last whereabouts and decides to start there. She discovers the tape at a log cabin that was rented out to the girl and her boyfriend. She views the tape and the story takes off. We are then introduced to Noah (Martin Henderson) who seems like an ex-boyfriend. Rachel explains to him what exactly's going on and he gets rapped up into the plot as well. The film has an incredibly freaky vibe to it that had my eyes glued to the screen from start to finish. What I loved most about the film is the sense of unease it gave me, the movie was unpredictable and that made it a treat to sit through.
One of the more disturbing sequences deals with a horse on a boat, I won't say more than that.
Just check it out!! You won't be let down in the least.

Acting- Having been very familiar with Naomi Watts' early work (Mulholland Dr., Children of the Corn 4, Tank Girl) I was expecting a sensational performance, and I wasn't let down in the least. The other actors all did well but not nearly as well as Ms. Watts.

Directing- Wow, the directing here is stunning, Gore should be very proud of himself for pulling off the kinds of shots he did. Watch for the incredibly smooth shot of the car driving across the bridge or the scene where Naomi Watts is standing on her balcony looking into other appartments.

Gore- There's another post going around about the PG-13 rating this movie obtained. I assure you, I would have given this an R Rating if I worked at the MPAA. Although it's not extremely gory, there is some and it's handled with style. We get some twisted decomposed faces, a rotting corpse, blood, and lots of disturbing imagery.

Nudity- None but Naomi Watts is in her bra and undies.

Final Verdict- 10/10 all the way. A perfect horror film from start to finish.

Matt

[Requiem-for-a-Dream]

Bump

[RogueSpear]

The Ring

**Some minor spoilers throughout**

Not very often does a movie come along that affects me this way. Not very often does a movie send chills down my entire body with each new scene. However, The Ring did just that. From the opening shot to the kickass ending my eyes were glued to the screen. I couldn't take my eyes away. Even after the movie was over I still couldn't get The Ring out of my head. I went into The Ring expecting a few thrills and chills, nothing spectacular and came out with a new best movie of the year. It was just that good.

The plot itself is already pretty well known. There's a video tape. You watch the video tape and then your phone rings and you are told you have seven days to live. Rachel (Naomi Watts), a journalist, learns of the video tape at her niece's funeral. Apparantly, her niece and three of her niece's friends watched the video ago. From there Rachel decides to crack the mystery of the tape. After finding the tape and watching it, Rachel sets about looking for clues with the help of her friend Noah (Martin Henderson) and her son. As she learns more and more about the tape and time ticks by she realizes that nothing is what it seems.

I have not seen many movies feel as depressing as The Ring. The entire movie is filmed with a bluish tint. It's always cloudy, overcast or raining. There is not a single shred of happiness in any of the characters and just when it seems like the light is beginning to shine through the darkness creeps back in. I commend the makers of the film for having the gall to make a movie such as this. I came out of this movie feeling sad and depressed and I loved it. All of this just adds to the tension that the movie conveys.

The cast also helps add to the tension of the movie. Naomi Watts was very good as Rachel. She was the movie. The rest of the cast was good but faded to the back when compared to Watts. I thought that Brian Cox was very good in his small role and David Dorfman was the creepiest kid I've seen in a movie in a long time.

I can't really talk much about the story without giving anything away but I will say that the story was great and just when I thought I had everything figured out...WHAM...something else came out of nowhere and took me completely by surprise. Which is exactly what I wanted out of the movie. To be surprised, creeped out, frightened, feel tense. The Ring gave me all of that.

From the perfect opening scene to the depressing finale this was a perfect movie. That's all I can say. It was perfect. The perfect cast, the perfect mood, the perfect story. I loved everything and I doubt I will see a better movie this year.

Final Score - 10/10

[Romero&Juliet]

I wateched the Ring earlier today...without having the pelasure of seeing the original first, unfourtunately..

First of all, is was a GORGEOUS horror movie.. Verbinski uses EVERYHTING in his power to milk the scenery for everything it was worth and that REALLLY helped me get into the latter half of the movie.. Plenty thrills were present and kept me in the edge of my seat...
I think one of the big problems with the story was the way Samara's character took on a TOTALLY different light with in the last act of the movie.. Should we pity her? Fear her? She was obviously meant to be a kind of mysterious, "god-like" character (and I'm not saying it wasn't pulled off well!)..it just kind of left me with such mixed feelings that I doubt I could see her being at all Marketable in the future (which is supposed to be the case, if I remember)..

I'm reserving the right to change the overall grade (AND my opinion of the movie) seeing as how I haven't let it all sink in yet. :)
...but I'll SURELY be seeing it agian when it comes out on video..

7/10.

[kubotakhan01]

"The Ring" is hands down the creepiest film in 2002. I went to see it and wasn't really ready for it to be a chilling as it was. A well done script as well as plot, and it will have you relaxing when you find out what the hell is going on. Just don't relax too long. The scariest film I have seen in quite some time.


RATING 9.5/10

[Requiem-for-a-Dream]

great reviews guys! Keep em coming!

Matt

[Guybrush-Threepwood]

I've heard people complain about critics and the media calling The Ring the scariest film since the Exorcist. I was beginning to believe them. The Exorcist was and still is the scariest film I have every seen. The atmosphere and dread throughout that film was terrifying. I am happy to report that there is a new number 2 scariest film ever in my book, The Ring. I couldn't think about anything else as soon as I got home. i actually stayed awake at night because I couldn't fall asleep. I thought my damn t.v. would turn on and swollow my soul. The ring's plot has been discussed in other posts so I won't even bother telling people about it again. However I will say that it was one of the scariest films ever. The dread and atmosphere definately rivaled that of the Exorcist in my book. The ending world. The beggining put all other opening suspense scenes to shame. Kudos to Gore for being such a genius behind the camera. My favorite shot was...
SPOILERS:
The flashback of the niece in the closet. The way it flashed fast and didn't even change the score. It was very jumpy and fast. It was an image that would follow you for the rest of the movie. Also when samara comes out of the T.V. AWESOME
The acting was top notch. Ms. Watts delivered a steller show.
Even though I still have a few questions, I am sure they will be answered later. A great movie. One that truly deserves a 10 out of 10.
My only advice is see it in a quiet theater. My theater is shit. People were screaming (which is fine) but they were talking and screaming at not scary parts just to be annoying. They were also yelling things like "you are the cock gobblers" throughout the entire film. To tell the truth, if the theater wasn't soo noisy I probably would not have made it through the movie in one piece.
I just order ring 1 and 2 online region 0 dvds. If anyone would like the address, let me know.

Guybrush Threepwood - Mighty Pirate

[Moviebuff]

One of the scariest films I've seen, and one of the best films of the year! The Ring features solid performances showcased by Naomi Watts, and a creepy atmosphere with stunning visuals. ****(out of 4)

[doggyboyuk]

I have watched the original and that was pretty good. I saw H8 last night and the trailer for the ring was on there. It looked pretty good i may have to check it out but i have usual fear it may be a crappy remake. However from what i've heard here i am more encouraged to see it when i is realeased.

[skweemkween]

:mad:

Unfortunetly, I will piss off some folks here. Having been one of the few who have seen the Japanese original (which is actually a remake of the first Korean original), I was let down by the American version.

SPOILERS********


If you HAVE NOT seen the original ,, PLEASE do not read below!!!

******


My MAJOR problems thru out:

1. Why oh why did they feel they had to make the little son a Six Sense kid? He was wayyyyy too talky, annoying, and reminded me of a Culkin sibling.
2. Why oh why did they take out the psychic history of Samara's (in the Jap movie, Sadako) mother? A horse breeder?? Are you kidding????
3. Lastly, WHY did they , in my opinion, ruin the MOney shot??


Sorry ,gotta go having internet problems.....oooopps!!!

[Antonio]

While not totally worthless, THE RING was a derivative ripoff of better films of the same supernatural nature: THE CHANGELING, STIR OF ECHOES and FINAL DESTINATION to name a few. The acting was bland and the supposed scares non-existent. Stylish, yes. Scary, not even close. Rent THE CHANGELING instead.

[RogueSpear]

Originally posted by Antonio
Rent THE CHANGELING instead.

I have, and while it was pretty good it was nowhere near as scary as The Ring, IMO.

[izombie]

**************** MAJOR MAJOR SPOILERS ********************



Originally posted by skweemkween
[B]:mad:

Unfortunetly, I will piss off some folks here. Having been one of the few who have seen the Japanese original (which is actually a remake of the first Korean original)

Um which Korean version?? The Ring Virus?

Mostly I'd have to agree with skweemkween, I enjoyed the Japanese version much more than the US remake, BUT I did get a chance to see the remake this past weekend and I was glad I did.

While I gave the original veriosn a 9/10 I'd give the remake 8/10 I did enjoy myself and did not feel like I wasted my money with 2 tickets on a Friday night.

If you've seen tjhe original Swkeemkween has some real good points:the lack of psychic history with Samara I feel it may have, for lack of a better word, confused some viewers. And the "money shot" was ruined by Aidan's character asking why they "helped her".


All in all I am glad, I know in the past year I was a very bit opponent of a US remake of this movie, I glad I was wrong about it.

"Frolic in brine, goblins be thine."

[Tagia_Romero]

Having seen the impressive "Ringu" first, I was quite against it being remade into an English version because I thought it would not have the same intensity as "Ringu" did. However, as the positive reviews came in, I began to warm to the idea. So, last night, with a friend in tow, I went to see Gore Verbinski's latest cinematic effort... and I was very pleasently surprised with the result.

Although it starts off in the style of a teen kill movie, it swiftly takes a left turn and delves into a darker, more intense movie. Verbinski's expert directing and the neat work from the cast really had me compelled throughout the entire movie. Naomi Watts, of the "Mulholland Drive" fame delivers a solid portrayal of a diligent and intelligent journalist Rachel Keller who, at the same time is not exactly the most attentive mother of her son, Aidan (David Dorfman). However, her attitude and priorities change when, investigating the shocking and mysterious death of her niece, she watches a video tape that her niece and her boyfriend watched 7 days prior to their deaths. Rachel is skeptical (of course), but at the same time very curious as to how a video tape can herald the death of anyone who watches it. After watching the notorious and disturbing tape, Rachel recieves a deadly phone call notifying Rachel of imminent death within 7 days. From there, it becomes a race against time for Rachel, and when Aidan and her ex-lover Noah (Martin Henderson) watches the video, her search becomes more frantic. As they piece together the clues as to what the images in the tape mean and how to avert their deaths, Rachel discovers all is not what it seems.

I enjoyed this movie thoroughly. Although it did not have the EXACT same intensity as "Ringu" this film was chock-a-block full of suspense and did not rely on liberal use of gore, swearing and T&A unlike other "horror" films. The chief characters in this film are nicely fleshed out by their respective actors and actresses that I actually felt for them in the various situations that they encounter.

Out of 5, I give "The Ring": ****

[Skaboy18]

Recently on my honeymoon, my wife and I decided to catch a movie and a breather ;). She came up with the idea of going to see The Ring. I had heard of the Japanese version on this board and had read only praise about it. I was afraid that The Ring was going to be just another crappy remake. I wasn't sure what to think about the film when it first started. I felt it was going to be a scream-esque film by the opening scene. But the film immediatly pulled me in *spoiler* with the image of the niece when she was found in the closet.

I was immediatly enthralled by the film and proud of it. It's the first time I've actually jumped at a film in a long time. The pace was fast throughout the film and didn't have too many slow moments. Although the son did get on my nerves sometimes, this film was perfect. The direction was great! Verbinkski really knew what he was doing. All I need to do now is get a copy of the original Ring.

Also, if you liked The Ring, check out The Mothman Prophecies. It has that same general feeling of doom and leaves you disoriented for a while after watching.

The Ring: 10/10

[Mojo67821]

Actually, I have seen both of the original and the remake and I LIKE THE REMAKE ALOT BETTER.

For starters, the "scary" moments that I found in the Remake were nonexistent in the original. The girl in the closet, the video tape, and the deaths were so not scary it wasn't even funny.

The story in the original Ringu is a god damn mess. It makes no sense and as Arrow pointed out that one guy is like a god damn genius! He figures out every plot point like it's adding 2+2.

Anyways, I think the remake had a better script, better style, better directing, and most importantly, it was scarier!

Ringu 3/5
Ring 5/5

[Requiem-for-a-Dream]

Originally posted by Mojo67821
Actually, I have seen both of the original and the remake and I LIKE THE REMAKE ALOT BETTER.

For starters, the "scary" moments that I found in the Remake were nonexistent in the original. The girl in the closet, the video tape, and the deaths were so not scary it wasn't even funny.

The story in the original Ringu is a god damn mess. It makes no sense and as Arrow pointed out that one guy is like a god damn genius! He figures out every plot point like it's adding 2+2.

Anyways, I think the remake had a better script, better style, better directing, and most importantly, it was scarier!

Ringu 3/5
Ring 5/5

I agree completely even though I haven't seen the original.

Matt

[Zombie]

Agreed, yet disagree...

I believe that it was the same "scariness", intensity, darkness, ect., but, the reason that we enjoyed it more and think that Ringu sucked is because of one reason, it is an English made movie! This may seem useless, but think about it, would you enjoy reading subtitles the whole time OR actually viewing/understanding the movie in perfect English. I'm sure that is why the Japanese are thinking the American one is good, but not as good as their version ( although they are pretty much same movie except for a few details ).

That is just my opinion, in which everyone is entitled to one.

My Score for The Ring : 5/5

[Mojo67821]

It could be a cultural thing, but I don't think it's "just because it's Japanese"

2 main things I was disappointed in. The video tape was not scary at all in the original. It was too dark to see anything and wasn't half as freaky as the one in the remake

Second is the faces of the dead people. The way they are done in the remake is absolutely unnerving, but in the original they just look "scared", this didn't affect me at all.

I felt the opening scene was done much better in the remake, the one in the original didn't give me the same feelilng.

These are just a few things...it's not "just cause it's Japanese" but there may be some cultural significance which is lost because I am not from that culture.

[Zombie]

Of course! I agreed 100%! What made me unsettled especially was when she looks into the window in the house, and it shows the guy...pretty freaky. I think the whole movie is unsettling, and it doesn't let go of you.

Also, Ringu wasn't a high budget film, unlike the American remake.

[JCLC11]

Disturbing and Thought - Provoking. **** out of **** stars.

Rachel Keller is a single mother and journalist with a promising future until her entire world is flipped upside down by a videotape filled with disquieting images.

After her niece, Katie, dies under mysterious circumstances, Keller (Naomi Watts in a stellar performance) begins to examine Katie and the final days of her life more closely. Only to stumble upon a legend involving a videotape which, after viewing, leads to a mysterious phone call where the recipient of the call is told he/she has seven days to live.

Keller discovers the video, watches, and receives the phone call. Now she has seven days to unravel the mystery before death claims her life and the lives of those around her.

As I mentioned before Watts as Keller delivers a superb performance. She carries the film effortlessly on her shoulders. But this I expected from the critically-acclaimed actress of "Mullholland Drive." What I did not expect, however, were the astonishing performances from the supporting cast. Especially the performances delivered by Martin Henderson as Noah, Rachel's ex-husband, and the underage talents David Dorfman and Daveigh Chase.

Is "The Ring" an excellent film? Yes (One of the best I've seen in quite sometime). Will everyone who views it enjoy it? Probably not. Will it disturb you in some way? Most likely. But, like the videotape featured within the film, "The Ring" is much more than a series of disturbing images. It is something that can not be explained. Something unremarkably simple and, at the same time, utterly terrifying.

[Saint]

well, its the first new movie that has scaried me in a long time!!!!


9/10

great plot/acting/horror scenes

[skweemkween]

Originally posted by Requiem-for-a-Dream
I agree completely even though I haven't seen the original.

Matt

Um......sorry but that is SOOOOO not true. I personally don't feel a film is less scary because the vernacular is different. To be honest, the Gore Verbinski version became so "Americanized" in it's dialogue it was laughable. (Let's make the teenager's dialogue sarcastic and overly apathetic because that's the way teenagers are, let's really overemphasize the 'genius' of the sixth-sense little boy by giving him the dialogue of a 40yr old,etc)
THAT really drove a wedge in the suspense and atmosphere of the film because it didn't mirror what was happening.

You shouldn't make a sweeping judgement like that though I understand your point. I rather liked the 'vagueness' of the Japanese script because it didn't attempt to explain EVERYTHING. That's one trend I CANNOT stand in American horror. Everything must be explained. It can never hang out in the primordial 'supernatural' or 'afterlife.' It must almost always have some kind of scientific or organic source. To me, that ruins the mystery of suspense and horror. Which is why I felt the Gore Verbinski version contracted itself.

[skweemkween]

OOPS!!! OK whoa, big mistake in my trying to 'quote' someone. I meant to quote ZOMBIE not MATT!! Sorry Matt! Damn this new computer I'm on !! ARRGGHHH!!! Sorry!!!

[Requiem-for-a-Dream]

skweemkween!! How could you?!?!?!?! Do you think that poorly of me? I can't believe my eyes!

Skweemkeen, it's all good, no need to apologize, it was an honest mistake. Although at first I had no idea why you were attacking my comment, lol.

Take Care Skweem,
Matt

[ringfan3408]

well where do i begin, ima huge fan of this film, i thought it was a perfect movie for me, 10/10, it was the first movie in gos knows how long that scared me to death, i couldnt believe how much it scared me, i had heard all of the talk about the original so i was anxiously awaiting the remake, when i went and seen it opening night, i had no idea what i was in for, this movie is my fav movie of all time and now im trying to get my hands on the original

[psycho path]

I wanna see this,my friend Danny saw this at the theatre and said it was scarier then Pet sematary(which to me and him,is one of the best horror movies ever,see my review on my website if you wish)
Anybody have images of this or the Japanese version?

[redrum]

I know The Ring has been out now for a good while (and coming to DVD March 4th might I add, japanese too) but I really wanted to get the opportunity to see the original Ringu before I did this review so I can make a few comparisons and add my two cents on both films.

first off... I guess I'll do the original while its still fresh in my mind(watched it last night).

Ringu:

Plot:
After reporter Asakawa's niece dies suddenly due to mysterious circumstances she decides to do some snoopin around. She hears rumors that her niece watched a video tape that kills you exactly one week after you watch it. She tracks down the tape and pops it into a vcr and....

Review:
Well... this is the little film that started it all. I can see what all the hoopla is about.... but unfortunetly... it just didnt work for me.
I guess a lot of it had to do with the backstory in this version. The whole way the plot was unraveled didnt do much for me. Personally, I didnt care much for the Ryuji character, he's psychic power just seems kinda hokey and seemed to be an easy way to answer some of the questions the movie threw at you. And eventually every lead character shows SOME psyhic abilities. Asakawa seemed a little bland as well IMO and seemed poorly acted. Yochi was just.... bland and kinda one dimensional... and isnt explored nearly enough.

the unveiling of the mystery is done mostly in psychic flashbacks when Ryuji touches people or things. One of them worked for me... the demonstration.
Spoiler:

the way Sadako ran up to Asakawa and grabbed her arm worked for me. It was a nice way to bring Sadako into the story.

The ending of the film is very good.... ya know the part. Definetly one of the movies redeeming points. Personally I find Sadako more freaky. That is good. Just the walk and the way she gets up off the floor.

Personally, I found it to be a good movie but ultimately just didnt really effect me a lot in all honesty. I guess the best way I can sum it up is a good movie that kinda drags but with those creepy last moments you get one good last kick out of it.

Overall: 3/5 Ryuji kinda makes this film a little bit boring with his auto-knowledge of everything coupled with kinda poor characters on the part of Asakawa and Yochi. And one final question; why did they have buckets and shovels when they didnt know Sadako was killed and thrown in the well yet? they found that out after they touched the well.

Next the american take on it.

The Ring

Synopsis:
When journalist Rachel Keller's niece Katie dies an unexplained death. Katies mother asks Rachel to find out what happened to her daughter. She hears from Katies friends that her and some friends watched a mysterious video tape that kills you a week after watching it. She tracks down the tape and watches it. Her time is running out and her and friend Noah have to find out what the tapes origins are, and what follows is a much better movie.

Review:
The remake. It has a lot of the same twists that the original did, with one twist, its done through an investigation. This time around we are treated to a way better back story. I think the horse ranch idea was great. This time around we get a psyhic kid Adien(Yochi) who is WAY easier to digest than Ringu's Ryuji. And he gets one of the films best lines at the end. Not to mention he is a well fleshed out character and the actor playing him does a very good job potraying him IMO.

Rachel and Noah are a lot more digestable this time around and are likeable characters. The flashbacks that shows what happened to this versions girl Samara(played well by Deviegh Chase) are very good, and she is truly an interesting character and I loved the line "But I do, and Im sorry" The way her death is done and shown is a great scene. The bodies in this film are way better and more disturbing than a normal looking dead body that looks like its scared and the quick flash that you see them as makes you remember it. And the little crazy things in this movie makes it better. Subliminal rings and other oddities choughing up odd things, tvs rippling all add to the effect which is SCARY. And the ending... well... while Sadako is freaky with her weird walk.... Samara is SCARY. The infamous "flicker" is scary and its ending still creeps me out and I've seen it 4 times. My only gripe is the revealing of her face. It would have been better if they had kept Samara looking the same when you see her face rather than corpse looking. Hopefully we'll see the alternative scene on the DVD.

In all... this version is more indepth in my opinion, more scary, and overall a more enjoyable experience IMO.

Overall: 5/5 scariest film i've ever seen.

well... there ya have it. sorry if it was a lil too long.

[Giselle]

Ok to start off I didn't see the original so no comparisons............I think for the most part it was a very good horror movie. The imagery was really effective & creepy. Usually split second images don't phase me but the finger-nail ! Usually i'm not thrown off with plots (on account of all plot twists being predictable these days) but this did it.........I thought the sappy ending was it! All in all a bitchin modern horror movie although Naomi Watts is a wee bit overdramatic but hell, aren't all Lynch girls;) ?

[Juice]

Ringu: 10/10. One of the few movies that scared me.

The Ring: 5/10. The fact that I wasn't scared for one moment is no reason to denie Naomi Watt's good acting and Gore Verbenski's good directing. But since it isn't scary or suspensefull for one moment, it missed its target for me.
And of course I feel they totally ruined the big scene (SPOILER the tv crawling scene ) and turned it into a comedy.

[Juice]

Originally posted by Zombie

I believe that it was the same "scariness", intensity, darkness, ect., but, the reason that we enjoyed it more and think that Ringu sucked is because of one reason, it is an English made movie! This may seem useless, but think about it, would you enjoy reading subtitles the whole time OR actually viewing/understanding the movie in perfect English.


Being from Holland, there are few good movies I see that don't have subtitles. :rolleyes:

[rikimaru187]

My rating for this film is a 10/10. And it is without a doubt the scariest movie I've ever seen. Twice during this movie, I had to pause just to collect myself for a few moments. IMO, this film makes The Exorcist look like an episode of Sesame Street. Truly terrifying. :eek:

[ANTBond007]

I love this film. I was there opening day, and seven times after in theaters. However, I don't think you really get the "oomph" the sound offers unless you have a 5.1/DTS system.

It worries me that the film may be labeled less scary by people who catch it on DVD and only have 2-speakers.

[Juice]

Originally posted by ANTBond007
I love this film. I was there opening day, and seven times after in theaters. However, I don't think you really get the "oomph" the sound offers unless you have a 5.1/DTS system.

It worries me that the film may be labeled less scary by people who catch it on DVD and only have 2-speakers.

I saw it in cinema and found it not scary whatsoever.

[Juice]

Originally posted by rikimaru187
My rating for this film is a 10/10. And it is without a doubt the scariest movie I've ever seen.

Then I asume it's also the only movie you've ever seen?

[ANTBond007]

Originally posted by Juice
Then I asume it's also the only movie you've ever seen?

He has a right to his opinion (never thought you'd hear me say that, huh rikimaru?)

[Shockwave]

The ring was a great movie that really scared me(and ive seen nearly everything there is to see.) but i gotta admit, i really didnt care for the original Ringu as much. The Ring just seemed like a sharper, more thought out movie.


The Ring, 9/10 and right up there with Frailty for my fav horror movie of the year.

Ringu, 7/10 while still good it felt a little muddy to me.

[Juice]

Originally posted by ANTBond007
He has a right to his opinion (never thought you'd hear me say that, huh rikimaru?)

I have the right to tell I don't agree. I'm not personaly attacking anybody for what he thinks, but we're on a discussion forum here, and we won't come very far if we start every discussion with 'everybody has an opinion and that's it'.

[Shockwave]

If u come on the boards and post something negative about someone everytime he/she says they like the Ring your going to be posting a hella lot.

[ANTBond007]

Originally posted by Juice
I have the right to tell I don't agree. I'm not personaly attacking anybody for what he thinks, but we're on a discussion forum here, and we won't come very far if we start every discussion with 'everybody has an opinion and that's it'.

You weren't discussing, and you were attacking. It would be similar to me calling you an idiot for liking Evil Dead.

[Juice]

Originally posted by ANTBond007
You weren't discussing, and you were attacking. It would be similar to me calling you an idiot for liking Evil Dead.

I can't personally attack someone I don't know.

[Juice]

Originally posted by Shockwave
If u come on the boards and post something negative about someone everytime he/she says they like the Ring your going to be posting a hella lot.

Point, but I didn't post something negative about SOMEONE, it was about a movie.
But you right, guess i could have been a little more nice there.

[Antonio]

I must say, I didn't enjoy THE RING upon viewing it during its theatrical release last year, but after renting it last week, I changed my grade from a "C" to a "B+".

Although I initially praised the film for its stunning visual effects (which are far better than Roger Ebert's FEAR.DOT.COM raves), I appreciated the movie as a whole this time. The acting and characters were much better, also.

While I still don't think this is the scariest movie ever made (the image of the ghost crawling out of the TV still had me laughing), nor was it well-paced (talk about slowwww in some spots!), I still enjoyed it on a certain level, and am forced to eat my original words.

[Juice]

Originally posted by Antonio
While I still don't think this is the scariest movie ever made (the image of the ghost crawling out of the TV still had me laughing), nor was it well-paced (talk about slowwww in some spots!), I still enjoyed it on a certain level, and am forced to eat my original words.

AARGH! spoiler warnings!!!

[Gluttony]

Just saw this on DVD, and to be honest I think the movie is much more intimidating on VHS, the obvious reason is that it is about a killer Tape (More or less), the movie itself had me going and I was creeped out by the music but the film itself is very entertaining and I was never really bored or distracted.

I liked the ending and it showed that this is something that can not be stopped.

And to think, most of my friends liked FearDotCom better than the Ring, Fear didn't even make sense for the most part! and even though I like both films, I feel the Ring is far superior.

Ring- 5/5

FearDotCom- 3/5

[SimplePlanGurl8]

Well I absolutley loved this move it was brilliant had everything to keep me glued to the screen and actually want to still watch the movie.
The movie itself was very disturbing but well done. It is probably one of the scariest movies I have ever seen.
The twists throughout the story were very good.
10/10

[Ghostface 2000]

I didn't like this movie at all, nothing really happened in it apart from people dying for no reason, and the woman doing research.

4/10 just for the beginning which was the best part.

[countchocula]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000089728.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

HEAVY SPOILERS

Whenever a well-renowned horror film is given a revamp, those responsible for the remake feel the brunt of a vehement backlash from fans of the original. I can understand this mindset, as there’s really no justification for tampering with perfection. Of course, perfection is subjective. 1998’s Ringu floored many a horror freak, but it didn’t sit well with me. I dug its eerie atmosphere and unnerving imagery, but on the whole, it didn’t fulfill my expectations. The film suffered from poor dialogue, a few plot holes, and slothful pacing. Most feared that once Americanized, Ringu would lose a considerable amount of its sheer dread and taut, well-executed scares. Most were proven wrong. The Ring isn’t an empty, vapid disgrace to the original. As sacrilegious as it may sound, I actually prefer it to the original. Director Gore Verbinski sees to it that none of Ringu’s austere potency is lost in the “translation.” Everything is saturated in disconsolate colors, most of the film bearing a darkened aqua hue. When the rain isn’t pouring, the skies are overcast. When the skies aren’t overcast, well, the mood is downbeat anyway! Visually, you couldn’t ask for a more toothsome film. But eye candy alone can’t salvage a weak script, which is why the filmmakers also saw to it that the The Ring’s slick coating was sustained by believable dialogue, layered characterizations, and clever plot twists. The remake answers questions that the original ignored. The narrative is tighter and you feel gratified after the end credits have rolled. Still, this film borrows from other supernatural chillers, namely The Changeling, Stir of Echoes, and even A Nightmare on Elm Street. I wasn’t too troubled by the partially derivative storyline, though. I was too busy sopping up the stylish visuals, the stellar cast, and Rachel’s engrossing investigation.

The stunning Naomi Watts plays Rachel Keller, a journalist desperately trying to decipher Samara’s cursed videotape before her seven days are up. Watts simply dazzles and makes for a sympathetic heroine. Martin Henderson plays Noah, Rachel’s ex-husband. Noah is more emotive and compassionate than Ringu’s Ryuji. Henderson gives an authentic, heartfelt performance and has strong chemistry with Watts. Genre fans have pegged David Dorfman, who plays Rachel’s son, Aidan, as another Haley Joel Osmont or Rory Culkin. Yeah, the fact that we’ve seen this character too many times is a bit off-putting, but Dorfman comes out of this looking pretty decent nonetheless. I bought that Aidan was severely traumatized by his cousin’s tragic death, and that drawing was his catharsis of choice. In other words, he felt like a character, not just another child actor. While I feel that this is irrefutably the superior film, The Ring doesn’t live up to Ringu in certain areas. The videotape itself looks professionally shot. For me, part of the charm of Ringu’s tape was its murky grit. It added realism to the disturbing imagery. However, I was intrigued by the images within The Ring’s tape. They aren’t just there to rape your psyche (although I’m sure that Verbinski intended to give you a royal mindfuck). Some of them serve as clues, others are allegorical. This is only my interpretation, but the umbilical cord being drug out of a man’s mouth probably symbolizes Richard Morgan’s denial of his own offspring. The centipede…I’m still not sure what in the holy hell that’s supposed to mean! This flick also fudges the infamous TV sequence. When Samara steps out of the television screen, she’s still a figment of the videotape. In theory, that’s a cool idea, but the cool idea is bogged down with unnecessary special effects. Again, it boils down to realism. Ringu’s TV sequence is less fancy, which in turn, augments Sadako’s creepy crawl, walk, and stature.

I’ve read complaints that this remake is too Americanized, what with the frequent “boo” scares and the “rapid cut” editing, but I don’t see this as a terribly commercial film. In fact, I’m surprised that it did so well at the box office. The story structure is fairly inaccessible (with the exception of the prologue) and the pace burns slowly. I’m glad that it caught the public’s attention, though. Dreamworks is already laboring on a sequel. I hope that it doesn’t follow the line of continuity offered by the Japanese series. If it does, the methods to Samara’s madness will become too scientific. But as long as most of the cast and crew return, I’ll be a happy camper.

My rating-4.5/5

[ChesterRockwell]

This film is totally not scary and deserved to bomb harder than Stuart Saves His Family In the Box Office

[ANTBond007]

Originally posted by ChesterRockwell
This film is totally not scary and deserved to bomb harder than Stuart Saves His Family In the Box Office

Such an intelligent, insightful post :rolleyes:

[countchocula]

Hey, Stuart Saves His Family kicked ass!

[The Claw]

Originally posted by countchocula
Hey, Stuart Saves His Family kicked ass!

Damn right.

[KandS]

I thought the Ring was brilliant and terrifying!
This, honestly has to be one of my favourite films of all time. And one of the scariest and most interesting movies i have ever seen!

10/10,
5/5
100/100

Awesome!

[JivaFox]

Oh. My. God!

I saw the Japanese version first, but I like the remake so much better!

I thought this was going to be a cheesy, campy version of Ringu, but I was so surprised!!!

This is a complete remastering on the original, and it works! I loved this film, it was stylish disturbing and spooky, and was proportioned perfectly.

One of my favourite films of all time. :)

10/10

[PackBacker]

"The Ring" 2002

Directed by: Gore Verbinski ("Pirates of the Carribbean")
Screenplay by: Ehren Kruger ("Scream 3")
Starring: Naomi Watts (Children of the Corn IV), David Dorfman (TCM remake), Martin Henderson

Tagline: Before you die, you see the ring

Rating 8/10


Plot: After several mysterious deaths, a reporter begins to investigate the rumors that a videotape is involved. After viewing the tape, she begins to see strange changes in her own life. Having only seven days to figure out the origin of the tape she sets off on a rapid chase to figure a way to save herself and her son.

Review: The adjective I'd most like to use to describe "The Ring" is original but the whole thing was usurped from a Japanese film entitled "Ringu." Ignoring that huge fact, Hollywood does it proper this time around. Creepy scenes, artistic nightmarish video, a plot (!), suspense, and more await viewers in this stolen film.

The story is terrific. The opening is a bit silly but gives us a proper segue into the discovery of the videotape. The tape itself is like watching a film student production. The first time around it seems like a mismash of random images with a incredibly creepy/evil vibe. Unlike those student films, though, this one gets explained with time. The pacing is tight with an element of nightmarish terror thrown in whenever you start to settle in.

The acting features a key point- a strong child actor. Dorfman is certifiably eerie and his character works so well because of his paucity of lines. He is restricted to 1-2 sentences in most scenes and it gives them just that much more impact. Watts is stellar as the strong feminine lead while Henderson doesn't have much to work with throughout the film.

The gore is light but the overall edge the film oozes wins out. The flashing imagery works (its all explained) and the deaths are particularly effective. Kudos to the horse scene...that was crazy.

"The Ring" works because the film wasn't Hollywood-ized. You had to think a little bit and it wasn't paint by numbers. Some footage was grainy and we aren't given a shit eating grinning finale. Unfortunately the sequel was given the full Hollywood treatment and you should avoid that piece of suckage with all your power.

[zombievictim]

I can't believe there are so many that like this movie. I thought it was extremely dumb. I didn't find it scary at all. The directing and acting was good (for the most part) but the atmosphere was horrible. It just didn't feel like a scary movie, it felt like a drama. I laughed when I saw the horse go right out of the boat. I just thought this is WAAYYY overrated and should not be loved so much.

5/10 (thats only because some shots were cool and who doesn't love looking at Naomi Watts for that long)

[teenkiller]

I'm only about five years behind everyone else on the planet but I watched The Ring for the first time yesterday. I'm not going to bother giving a rundown of the plot because it's already been done so many times in this thread but I'll just say I was pleasantly surprised.

I usually don't care to watch ghost tales and while I really wasn't creeped out during the film I will say that it was very interesting. My attention started to wander near the middle (horse suicide? suuuuuure) but I got drawn in again by the end.

While I thought the film was pretty good there is no way I would list it among the top twenty scariest films of all time. TCM '74, The Hills Have Eyes '06, The Beyond, BLACK CHRISTMAS '74, The Exorcist, ANOES... hell I even thought Eaten Alive made for a scarier flick. Way too much hype around it.

I'm wondering if I should even bother with the sequel.

The Ring - 8/10

Well thats all for now GOoD JOURNEY my fellow schmoes.

[Gore_Love]

Yep, 2002 was an average year. Couple of normal movies came out about teens, Red Dragon bla bla bla... Then there's The Ring.
Whoever thought of the idea of a girl coming out of a TV seven days after the person has watched the tape to kill them was a fucking genius!

I have to be bland when I say that the first time I watched this movie, it ruled. Spine chilling. The second time... occasional jumps. Third time... I got bored.

Naomi Watts was a GREAT actress in this film. It wasn't just her acting that kept my eyes on her. Too bad she didn't treat us...

The Ring 2 was just a bad imitation, I think. They tried too hard.

I think The Grudge remake came out after The Ring. That spoiled the joy of watching a doll croak and kill someone for me, really. I was still in suspense from The Ring for like the 100th time, so when they brought out the remake of the Grudge, I just got bored.

That's Me For Now.
Love Gore And Gore Will Love You.

[Narfellus]

While I thought the film was pretty good there is no way I would list it among the top twenty scariest films of all time. TCM '74, The Hills Have Eyes '06, The Beyond, BLACK CHRISTMAS '74, The Exorcist, ANOES... hell I even thought Eaten Alive made for a scarier flick. Way too much hype around it.

I'm wondering if I should even bother with the sequel.


I thought the Ring was absolutely terrifying and a great film.

The sequel, Ring 2, i absolutely pointless dreck from the same director i wonder how in holy hells did he pull the first one off? Do NOT watch the second one unless you just have to prove to yourself how shitty it is.

SPOILER




Oh, you'll just love the deer attack...



/SPOILER