THE RING TWO

“The Ring” is one of the most suspenseful horror movies I’ve ever seen. It has drama, mystery, and an undeniable logic that sustains the movie from beginning to end. “The Ring Two,” however, is another story. Logic is tossed to the wind and the mystery is gone. We know where the water that streams out from under closed doors comes from. Samara - the evil spirit who lived on through the magic of video technology is back. Another unfortunate soul finds a video with her on it and pays the piper. But that’s not enough. She wants revenge and will do anything to get it. She is on the loose living outside her VCR limbo ignoring all the tenets that made the first “Ring” so compelling. Throughout the film, I kept wishing that the filmmakers might have updated her escape route through  a DVD.  Maybe they could have invented a twin sister. If there could be more than one “Alien” or “Godzilla” why couldn’t there be another ‘Samara’ out to avenge her sibling? Whether or not these ideas crossed the minds of the filmmakers is irrelevant. A good sequel should be able to stand on its own, which begs the question: Why would anyone want to sit through “The Ring Two”? I can only think of one reason. The actors! They perform with such conviction, it’s enough to forgive and forget.

Naomi Watts attacks her repeat role as investigative reporter Rachel Keller with the same zeal that made you care about her in the first “Ring.” This time the accent is on her maternal instincts. To save her son, she must destroy Samara. But what is she to do if Samara dwells within her son Aidan? Exorcism is the first things that popped into my mind but surprisingly it is never considered.  Rachel looks for the answers to her questions by delving into Samara’s past. Her journey leads her to a crazed Sissy Spacek who almost steals the movie in a brief but pivotal role. Her character is locked away in an asylum for attempted infanticide. She holds the key to Samara’s undoing. All Rachel has to do is unlock the secret and have the courage to do what must be done to release Aidan from Samara’s grip.

David Dorfman, several years older, but playing Aidan as less than a year later from “The Ring” makes Aidan seem wise beyond his years. Dorfman is given a lot more screen time and rises to the occasion with a stand out performance running toe to toe with Naomi Watts. His credible transition from the good son to a kid possessed is another plus.

Additional support comes from Simon Baker (TV’s The Guardian) as editor Max Rourke who gives Rachel a job at a local Oregon paper where she hopes to get her life back on track. Elizabeth Perkins is the shrink who believes Aidan is the victim of child abuse. Gary Cole (The Vice President on TV’s West Wing) is the shady real estate salesman who hides the evil history behind the house Samara once lived in. Evelyn Van Camp (from TV’s Everwood) is Samara while Kelly Stables plays the eeeeevil Samara.

“The Ring Two” may hold few surprises, but the movie is drenched - literally and figuratively - in a sense of dread. This probably as more to do with the contributions of director Hideo Nakata who was responsible for the original Japanese versions of  “The Ring” films.

                                                                                                                      Copyright 2005

Some other horror movies about possession by evil spirits.

“The Possession of Joel Delaney” (1972) - A first rate thriller with Shirley Maclaine in search of her elusive brother in New York City. Perry King plays the ever changing brother who may or not be responsible for his actions. The title tells all but good atmosphere and terrific acting puts this a notch above similar fare.

“Fallen” (1998) - Denzel Washington is a cop chasing down one copycat murderer after another. He’s slow to realize that the spirit of a killer is hop scotching from one host body to the next. It’s obvious early on but - once again - good acting and plenty of creepy atmosphere make this worth a look. With Donald Sutherland and John Goodman.

“The Shining” (1980) - Based on the best seller by Stephen King, this is not one of my favorite Stanley Kubrick movies but the film does have its fans. Is Jack Nicholson possessed or crazy - you decide. He plays a caretaker at a resort during the winter months. With Shelley Duvall as his wife, Danny Lloyd  as his son and a terrific Scatman Crothers as a man who can recognizes Danny’s ability to shine.

“Christine” (1983) - Another Stephen King story gets the treatment by horrormeister John Carpenter about a classic Plymouth possessed by an evil spirit. With Keith Gordon.

“The Love Bug” (1969) - If Stephen King can do it why not Disney Studio. About a Volkwagon bug who does his own stunts. How could it do that if it wasn’t possessed? It’s not “Christine” and a lot more fun. With Dean Jones, Michelle Lee and some old time Borsht Belt comedians like Buddy Hackett.

The mother of all evil spirit possession movies

“The Exorcist” (1973) - I would be remiss if I didn’t list this. Do I have to say what it’s about? From the best seller by William Peter Blatty who won the Oscar for the screenplay. Linda Blair is the possessed kid. Ellen Burstyn is the mother. Jason Miller is the priest who must confront his own demons before he can help Blair. This was reissued in 2000 with shots of the demon which took away some of the mystery of the original.