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The Ruins (2008)
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Movie Review by Zara 
April 6th, 2008
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First of all, let me start off by admitting that I haven't read the source material for this movie, a book of the same name written by Scott B. Smith. But I suppose it helps that the screenplay adaptation was written by the author, because the movie appears to be lovingly made, even if the content is scary and gory. The characters are stereotypical in many senses for this genre and yet they are crafted to be real people and not caricatures, how they might have ended up in the hands of a screenplay writer who didn't care for the source material.
That said, I still don't like Jena Malone. From jump, she's annoyed me in pretty much every movie she's been in (making me cringe through DONNIE DARKO and keeping me from wanting to rewatch it too many times) and she still annoys me here, as does the other female lead played by Laura Ramsey. At least you can feel a little bad for Ramsey's character, even if she's just another dumb American who should have known better than to go trampling through native culture.
Aside from my acting preferences (I prefer twin Aaron Ashmore to Shawn, and Jonathan Tucker will always have a soft spot in my heart from 100 GIRLS, but why does it seem that so many male leads in movies recently have been named Jeff?), the movie is a very solid mix of thrill, chill, blood and gore. Suspense is what keeps it from being too horrifically disturbing in its more graphic scenes (just turn away when the bloody parts come and the noises alone will screw with your head) and yet the blood, when applied, is appropriate and fitting for the timeline, considering the circumstances.
Actor Joe Anderson, last seen in ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, was the main question mark that I had about the story that makes me want to read the book. His character remains a slight bit shady, even if he doesn't come out on top in the end. I'd like to think there was something deeper to him. But Joe Anderson, the actor doesn't have to worry about much, as he's got 5 movies in either pre- or post-production.
Good flick, especially for those who might not be as horror inclined to the "standards" and be searching a suspenseful turn here and there.
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 | Suzanne
Apr 8, 2008 8:32 PM
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| Excellent review Zara. I thought the movie was great. The only thing that bothered me was what I felt to be unnecessary nudity, and like you said, a bit of flaky silliness in the beginning. I definitely cringed at parts. I also felt itchy throughout, unless I was just allergic to the theatre seats. |
 | The Alpha Craig
Apr 29, 2008 3:48 PM
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| I thought it was stupid that this movie suffers from the same thing other movies do by looking down upon oral, implying that the person giving it is somehow a slave or subservient. This movie makes it the punishment for losing a bet. Pretty stupid if you ask me. |
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