The Ruins - Better Than You'd Think

Scott Smith has written two books, both of which have been made into movies. He is an excellent writer. The words just flow beautifully, (unlike mine). His first book, "A Simple Plan," was the better book, but the movie was awful. His more recent book, "The Ruins," has just been made into a movie, and it's pretty good. In fact, for a horror movie, where a bunch of attractive college kids manage to die in grisly ways, it's very good. This is what a horror movie should be.

Adjustments were made to the plot from the book version, but all were acceptable. I waited with dread to see how badly they'd screw up the ending (as they did in "A Simple Plan"). But mercifully, although it was different than the book, it adhered to the spirit. Well, let me offer a caveat to that comment. On the "Uncut" DVD there are three endings. Both the actual ending and the so-called "alternate ending" adequately capture the spirit of the book. However, the ending listed as the "theatrical ending" was not good. So I guess if had I seen this in the theatre, I'd be pissed.

I rate "The Ruins" at 3 Boos.