Review By Doc Byron
Okay, so Paramount Films may be just about the lowest studio on the horror genre totem pole, but that may change with the release of The Ruins.
And I am glad, because Paramount did kick some major ass back in the 80s with the Friday The 13th franchise { and most recently with Cloverfield}, so I think they deserve a break
The Ruins, is quite simply, a gory, pretty much relentless horror movie that packs a real power-punch to the old nutsac. The plot is simple enough – to the untrained eye – as a small group of young travelers go in search of a missing friend. Before long, they happen upon The Ruins, an ancient temple guarded by a tribe of local nasty natives that force the group to climb atop The Ruins, and if they come down?
They will die.
Why?
Well, to his credit, { a first-time director, believe it or not}, Carter Smith and his co-worker Scott B. Smith {adapting from his own novel} keep the burning answers hidden from the viewer – until just the right moment, that is.
What ensues is an intense, blood-soaked, psychological horror-fest that leaves one breathless and wanting more. Hell, the actors can even act, even though in most horror films acting ability isn’t even a requirement. But to me, it was just another add-on bonus to keep the viewer interested.
The Ruins is a kick-ass horror film that actually shocks you as much as it scares you, and some of the shocks are {realistically} brought forth in broad daylight, in such a right-in-your-face manner that you almost need a little extra time to believe what you are seeing.
And Yes, the answer to the inevitable question, if you liked the book, you will love the film. A must see.
My rating:
5 stars {out of 5}
