By Jamie Buzek
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

"Seven days," whispered the mysterious, child-like voice over the telephone.

Victims who received this message after viewing an unmarked videotape were found dead a week later.

In The Ring Naomi Watts plays Rachel Keller, a reporter who investigates the tape in an attempt to explain the deaths of four local teens, including her niece.

Martin Henderson and Naomi Watts (right) star in the thriller "The Ring."
photo by Merrick Morton

Rachel, of course, watches the tape herself, which gives her a bit of incentive to meet her one-week deadline.

The movie's plot is not original; it turns out to be another "vengeful ghost" story that takes form as an urban legend.

Despite the movie's lack of plot development, Watts carries the film through with a great performance. The other cast members provide an adequate performance; the dialogue is too skimpy to allow them a real chance for acting.

The film's ending is surprising; it takes a twist from the usual cliché ending of a horror film.

While surprising, it is somewhat unsatisfactory. The ending is confusing and does not successfully explain what is happening. Stylistically, the movie makes up for what it lacks in plot and characters. The film uses creepy images that stay in the mind long after the movie is over.

The movie had an overall great reaction from the audience.

Despite its lack of originality and plot, it still serves its purpose as a "scary movie." It is a fun movie to see, especially for Halloween.

The film, based on the '98 Japanese film "Ringu," hit theaters Oct. 18 and is director Gore Verbinski's first feature length horror film.

Ehren Kruger wrote the screenplay for this DreamWorks film.

Rated PG 13-special parental guidance strongly suggested for children under 13.

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