I love horror movies. Unfortunately, only 1 out of every 10 are so are great spine-chilling experiences. The Ruins, is not one of those that transcend the genre, but nonetheless, it is a very solid effort, if anything, because it is unique.
The set-up is generic for a horror film. Sexy (and occasionally naked) college kids in a foreign place (in this case, somewhere in Latin America) where they do not speak the native tongue and decide to visit some Mayan ruins that are hidden well in the jungle.
However the movie then takes some very unexpected turns. The movie becomes much more of a psychological thriller than a horror film, but the gore is still plentiful for the gore-hounds out there. Another unusual aspect, most of the film takes place in broad daylight. As a result, the special effects are fantastic.
The film is eventually undone by poor directing (the movie would have been much more suspenseful if the director did not make each clue as to the secret threat obvious to any fan of horror film).
Overall, this is a horror film that while not great (like the Descent or Slither) is worth the time, if only to see something different. The characters are given realistic dialogue and the actors are all competent (especially Donnie Darko's Jena Malone!). Overall, a good time to be had by those who enjoy clever, gory, supernatural films, even if it is not all that scary.
The set-up is generic for a horror film. Sexy (and occasionally naked) college kids in a foreign place (in this case, somewhere in Latin America) where they do not speak the native tongue and decide to visit some Mayan ruins that are hidden well in the jungle.
However the movie then takes some very unexpected turns. The movie becomes much more of a psychological thriller than a horror film, but the gore is still plentiful for the gore-hounds out there. Another unusual aspect, most of the film takes place in broad daylight. As a result, the special effects are fantastic.
The film is eventually undone by poor directing (the movie would have been much more suspenseful if the director did not make each clue as to the secret threat obvious to any fan of horror film).
Overall, this is a horror film that while not great (like the Descent or Slither) is worth the time, if only to see something different. The characters are given realistic dialogue and the actors are all competent (especially Donnie Darko's Jena Malone!). Overall, a good time to be had by those who enjoy clever, gory, supernatural films, even if it is not all that scary.
Tell Your Friends