Post by Will on Oct 23, 2006 21:13:57 GMT
Ring 2 **
Feeble sequel to the incredibly freaky original dilutes its predecessor's sinister atmosphere and memorable imagery in a frequently insensible plot. The returning secondary characters spend far too long discovering what we already know, which renders the movie incredibly boring long before the pseudo-science, psychic water and random inserts of ghostly occurrences kick in. There are a couple of feet-back-under-the-covers moments (the hands on the balcony; the hair under the sheet), but they're forgotten as soon the lights come on. The irony is that this dullard was intended as a replacement for the black sheep of the 'Ring' family, the original sequel 'Spiral', which, while no great shakes, is far superior to this one.
Ring 0 **
Pointlessly filling in Sadako's backstory a la 'Psycho IV', this prequel is at least an improvement on the soporific 'Ring 2' but fails to justify its existence. Sure, it's well made, interesting at times, sad at others; but there's no real need for it, is there? Continuing the sequels' penchant for bogging down the mythology in unnecessary detail, this story of Sadako's pre-vengeful spirit days as a member of a drama troupe does the character's mysterious spookiness no favours, especially when it comes to the barely-explained twin, which seems to be nothing more than an excuse to have the usual lank-haired, shuffling figure in a story set before she should rightfully appear.
Feeble sequel to the incredibly freaky original dilutes its predecessor's sinister atmosphere and memorable imagery in a frequently insensible plot. The returning secondary characters spend far too long discovering what we already know, which renders the movie incredibly boring long before the pseudo-science, psychic water and random inserts of ghostly occurrences kick in. There are a couple of feet-back-under-the-covers moments (the hands on the balcony; the hair under the sheet), but they're forgotten as soon the lights come on. The irony is that this dullard was intended as a replacement for the black sheep of the 'Ring' family, the original sequel 'Spiral', which, while no great shakes, is far superior to this one.
Ring 0 **
Pointlessly filling in Sadako's backstory a la 'Psycho IV', this prequel is at least an improvement on the soporific 'Ring 2' but fails to justify its existence. Sure, it's well made, interesting at times, sad at others; but there's no real need for it, is there? Continuing the sequels' penchant for bogging down the mythology in unnecessary detail, this story of Sadako's pre-vengeful spirit days as a member of a drama troupe does the character's mysterious spookiness no favours, especially when it comes to the barely-explained twin, which seems to be nothing more than an excuse to have the usual lank-haired, shuffling figure in a story set before she should rightfully appear.