The Ring [VHS] [2003]

I do still prefer the original Japanese masterpiece (and the two sequels that it spawned) for an overall plot that combines madness and obsession with several psychological twists, as opposed to the fact that, well, it was the original. That doesn't mean to say in any way, that the Hollywood remake failed to do it justice, by turning it into just another blockbuster. The remake takes the best of the original, adds some ideas of its own, and pays special attention to just how the original got its atomosphere. All in all, there was a lot more thought behind this remake than ticket sales.

The Hollywood remake of "The Ring" still retains the all-important menace of the original, where a certain look, stance or static image can invoke more horror than a room full of hacked-up bodies. While the main plot has not been altered, the sub-plot to the origins of the protagonist and creator of the video has been 'tweaked' (presumably to make it easier for Western viewers to accept a storyline involving 'psychic powers' without reducing credibility). Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is debatable, but fortunately, the adapted storyline works well, and that is what matters at the end of the day.

Naomi Campbell is very well suited to the leading role. Her star turn in "Mulholland Drive" earned her several well-deserved critical acclaims, and she has not rested on her laurels here. Again, she turns what could have been another "Nancy Drew" character, into something more adult and believable.

My only criticisms of the movie is that more of the onus was on the videotape itself, whereas the original "Ring" placed equal emphasis on the menacing character behind the videotape. The climactic scene as well, despite being brilliantly excecuted does choose to give the game away a little bit too early, rather than hold out for 'that bittersweet gut-wrenching moment'.

All in all, however, the US version of "The Ring" is still a very satisfying and scary movie, without resorting to good old Hollywood cheese, or by-the-numbers film-making.

In brief (and without revealing anything crucial), a sceptical journalist hears of a videotape which causes anyone who watches it to die seven days later. Of course, she boldly investigates, finds the tape, watches it (in a most foolhardy fashion if you ask me...) and starts to wonder if perhaps the story is true. Because if it is, she has only seven days to get to the bottom of the mystery.

A truly atmospheric psychological thriller, where the horror element is supplied by a steadily growing sense of menace, rather than copious quantities of blood and gore. Creepy, seemingly random images get even more scary as the story unfolds and their significance is revealed.

I have deducted one star simply because there are some deleted scenes in the special features that should have been left in.

Watch it, but not on your own. And you might want to turn all your mirrors to the wall before it starts. Oh, and the day after watching it, don't do what I did and accidentally flip to an untuned channel on the video. I swear I left my seat.