Scripted by Scott B. Smith based on his own novel, "The Ruins" at least has a somewhat interesting if not entirely novel premise that helps it stand apart from other modern horror films. Granted, its characters have the potential to grate on the nerves of some viewers, but their situation is a grim one indeed and compelling in its disgusting little way. It may get under your skin just as the people in the story find their bodies invaded by an insidious natural force.
Two couples - Jeff (Jonathan Tucker), Amy (Jena Malone), Stacy (Laura Ramsey) and Eric (Shawn Ashmore) - are on vacation in Mexico when a new acquaintance, amiable German Mathias (Joe Anderson) convinces them to accompany him to an ancient Mayan temple that's the sight of an archaeological expedition. Once there, they're accosted by hostile locals and flee to the top of the temple where a much worse danger awaits them. As it so happens, the plants here are aggressive meat eaters - and pretty darn clever to boot.
As things go from bad to worse throughout this movie, it's hard not to wince and feel a moderate amount of sympathy for what our protagonists go through, even though they get annoying at times. The special effects are quite well done, and we get to see the plants envelop our hapless quartet and force themselves down their orifices. The gore in the unrated version is very juicy as one character goes utterly crazy and mutilates herself in her attempt to remove the offending vegetation. The location shooting (actually done in Australia) is excellent and the atmosphere is therefore quite effective. The acting from all concerned is pretty good, with Anderson standing out in the most sympathetic role of the bunch.
Horror fans looking for something a little different may find this to their tastes. It's played very straight, with no winking at the audience or obvious self-conscious genre references. Overall, a good effort.
Seven out of 10.
Two couples - Jeff (Jonathan Tucker), Amy (Jena Malone), Stacy (Laura Ramsey) and Eric (Shawn Ashmore) - are on vacation in Mexico when a new acquaintance, amiable German Mathias (Joe Anderson) convinces them to accompany him to an ancient Mayan temple that's the sight of an archaeological expedition. Once there, they're accosted by hostile locals and flee to the top of the temple where a much worse danger awaits them. As it so happens, the plants here are aggressive meat eaters - and pretty darn clever to boot.
As things go from bad to worse throughout this movie, it's hard not to wince and feel a moderate amount of sympathy for what our protagonists go through, even though they get annoying at times. The special effects are quite well done, and we get to see the plants envelop our hapless quartet and force themselves down their orifices. The gore in the unrated version is very juicy as one character goes utterly crazy and mutilates herself in her attempt to remove the offending vegetation. The location shooting (actually done in Australia) is excellent and the atmosphere is therefore quite effective. The acting from all concerned is pretty good, with Anderson standing out in the most sympathetic role of the bunch.
Horror fans looking for something a little different may find this to their tastes. It's played very straight, with no winking at the audience or obvious self-conscious genre references. Overall, a good effort.
Seven out of 10.