Movie Review                                                                                                                               

24 Dec 2002

THEATRICAL RELEASE
Oct 18, 2002 (Wide)

NUMBERS
Box Office: $126,222,408

MPAA RATING
PG-13, for thematic elements, disturbing images, language and some drug references

RUNTIME
1 hour, 55 minutes

RELEASE COMPANY
DreamWorks Distribution LLC

Directed by Gore Verbinski

Starring:
 

Naomi Watts   Martin Henderson   David Dorfman    Brian Cox       Daveigh Chase  Lindsay Frost     Amber Tamblyn

Movie Review                                                                                                                               

A video tape, you watch it, you die 7 days later. Scared already? Well that's nothing compare to what happen next. I guess, you know what movie it is already, - The Ring. This American remake of the critically acclaimed and Japan box-office hit movie also named The Ring, reached new heights for Hollywood thrillers, but somehow still lack the intensity of the original Japanese's The Ring. But still, if you want suspense, be scared, afraid and curious, then The Ring is a must for you.

The story line is exactly the same as the Japanese version, and as the phone rings, the tension begins and next moment your heart will stop as the character suffers death from horror after watching a video tape 7 days ago. As a result, the auntie played by Australian Naomi Watts of the dead child began to investigate as to how she die. She watched the tape and have 7 days to live and try to escape death, but unfortunately, his mysterious son (played by a talented child - David Dorfman) and former boyfriend (Martin Henderson) both watched the tape. This leads to a dramatic tension right through to the end and even then, the suspense does not stop.

The casting of Australian pretty actress, Naomi Watts as leading lady is indeed pitch perfect as she showcase the talent and presence shown by fellow Aussie Nicole Kidman in another thriller - The Others. The mysterious child played by David Dorfman shown great potential and talents as a future Six Sense Kid as his movement is of a 9 year old but yet he speaks like an adult with great maturity and also helps to create even more suspense. But the casting of Martin Henderson as boyfriend is both almost unnecessary and unforgettable.  

Looking for suspense, bone chillers, thrilling ride and be scared, well I was, maybe it is only because the theatre was almost empty except for my dad, but nevertheless, The Ring definitely showcase great potential for many more better thrillers to come and setting a new standard for thriller and respect for Japanese films. At the end of the movie the audience was warned that we have watched the tape several times, so before you sleep tonight remember to ask your wife or husband to take off her/his ring or else......  

  Ratings:

                                                           8/10

By Andrew Chan (25 December 2002)