Teens discover a video tape that kills the viewer in seven days of watching it. When her niece falls victim, a reporter tries to unearth the secrets behind the tape.

A largely entertaining thriller that many audiences have applauded for its frightening themes. The unfolding story behind the deadly video is interesting, but also rather cryptic. For example, I am uncertain as to the exact nature and importance of the many horse references made. There seems to be a history attached to these animals but I didn't quite get it. That is a specific example of a larger impression I got from the film as a whole. The audience is treated to a nifty twist at the end of the film, but it too seems inconsistent with rest of the story. I understand the premise, characters and circumstances but I am left with more than a few questions as to the outcome of the film.

I also wasn't taken in with the "scariness" of the film as much as I expected. It is certainly one of the more effectively suspenseful movies in recent years, but not entirely jump-out-of-your-seat frightening.

I liked the treatment of the main characters, Watts as the reporter and Henderson as her one-time lover. They are interesting enough but do not overpower the mystery of the story. I was puzzled, though by their son's character Aidan. I am not sure where he was coming from or how he seemed to "know things" others didn't. This was unclear.

I enjoyed The Ring's efforts in suspense and the many nice film elements it takes to pull this off. But I was left under-whelmed with its cryptic, inconsistent nature. Audiences expecting a quality thrill-ride won't be disappointed, however.

Directed by Gore Verbinski.

Based on the Japanese film Ringu (The Ring).