THE RUINS
RYAN: “The Ruins.” Go.
CAROLINE: Admittedly, I saw this movie only because I had read the book and I wanted to see how the movie version turned out. As you know, I don’t normally like horror movies.
RYAN: I’m glad that you saw it because I’ve already pretty much exempted you from seeing children’s films, and I’m not about to do the same with horror movies. So what’d you think of this one?
CAROLINE: I enjoyed it, mostly because I had read the book. I think that made me appreciate it more. It’s not a great book by any means, but it’s quick, fun and disturbing, and I’d say the same about the movie. I feared since it didn’t screen for critics and it doesn’t have any big stars in it, it might totally suck. But it didn’t.
RYAN: Jena Malone is in it, whom I’ve loved since she played a young Jodie Foster in “Contact.” All four of the lead actors are very hot, and that added to my viewing pleasure.
CAROLINE: That one dude Eric was a little big-haired and scruffy for my tastes.
RYAN: I loved Mathias though. And there was that Jeff who I thought was merely cute until he took his shirt off, and I was like, “Wow.” Everyone in the movie looked great except the murderous Mayans. I thought it was a decent film, and the effects were good, but it’s more of a gore movie than horror to me. The trailer made me think it was scarier than it turned out to be.
CAROLINE: It’s definitely gruesome at times, but there’s still a lot of interesting psychology in it; like their survival techniques, and the way they’re tormented by the ruins.
RYAN: I wished they’d explored inside the ruins more. Overall, the movie moved a little slowly. I was waiting for the parts I saw in the trailer that looked so freaky and good, and it took a long time to get there. I liked the philosophy of it though. It’s like “Lord of the Flies” meets the non-musical version of “Little Shop of Horrors.”
CAROLINE: [laughs’ Since I knew what was going to happen from the book, I enjoyed the slow burn and tension. I can see why you found it slow, but I loved the dramatic build. And I enjoy this type of horror movie more because it’s not about some demented psycho killer torturing and killing people. It’s not as nightmare inducing as something like “Funny Games,” which could actually happen in real life.
RYAN: True, but there is some creepy and crazy stuff in this movie that got to me. There are layers to the horror.
CAROLINE: I want to point out the blond actress, Laura Ramsey, because she was really good and she had some tricky, intense acting to do. Bottom line?
RYAN: It’s not the best horror film by any means, but it’s good. It’s a slow burn so if you want a chill but bloody scary movie, you’ll like this.
CAROLINE: It definitely intrigued me. I don’t think it’s a must-see on the big screen, but it would be a fun rental if you like horror movies.
RYAN: I was frustrated by the ending though. It left some questions open.
CAROLINE: Yeah, it was way different from the book, and not totally realistic. The movie took a few liberties, but we’ll let it slide.