The Ruins (DVD)
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The Ruins, an ambitious feature film based on a popular novel by Scott Smith, came out in theaters a few months back. The flick — which follows a small flock of young tourists on a deadly jungle jaunt as they become overrun with vile vines — bowed to mixed reviews, but overall fans of the novel were satisfied by the horror the invasive vines wrought. (I wasn't one of them… read my detailed review of the movie here. I am not saying it's a bad trip overall, but the intense, histrionic antics of the terrified characters contrasted with the inherent silliness of the setup does the otherwise competent cast a disservice.)
Although the movie was rated R, Paramount Home Entertainment has miracle-growed the disc version, offering up a no-holds-barred unrated experience, complete with more skin, added gore and a truly different — and more downbeat, yet thoroughly ridiculous — alternate ending. (As the unrated feature plays, we see part of the alternate ending, but to get to the follow-up "gotcha" double-twist, you'll need to refer to the additional release materials on a separate menu.)
I wish I'd had time to see The Ruins again, unfettered, to know if it hit my funny bone as hard the second time around, but unfortunately I was only able to watch it with the commentary by director Carter Smith, and editor Jeff Betancourt. Fortunately, their remarks and observations are quite interesting, given the material.
While Smith kept saying, "We were hoping it wouldn't come off as comical," I couldn't help but chuckle. And to be honest, I can't help but recommend this DVD to all horror fans — whether you're like me and think it's entertaining in its overly-earnest approach, or if you really do find the premise scary, there is no denying it's a well made film (kudos on the practical effects, the natural light stealing cinematography, and the meticulous attention to detail). Besides, wicked weeds are all the rage right now (see: the commotion-starting plant in Wall*e, the soul-sucking flora in The Happening, and the terrifying tree monster in Hellboy 2… can Chia Pet: The Movie be far behind?).
Smith and Betancourt's commentary helps point out some of the subliminal nuances (such as Mathias — a character whose legs will soon be thwacked off — dancing happily on the beach, the night before), and the fact that in the book it's based upon doesn't actually have any ruins in it and they were added to aid in the film's visual impact.
The pair talks a bit about test screenings, and how they allowed themselves to be guided by that (personally, I think too many producers in the kitchen may have ruined this dish… but then again, the studio is king and if they want to meddle in a first time director's debut, they will). Smith keeps fairly mum, but Betancourt says test screening comments help him as an editor, so he knows where the static moments are, or when a character gets too redundant.
As I mentioned, the alternating endings are different. You have one incorporated into the unrated version of the film as it unfolds, and must play the theatrical version (which I actually prefer) separately. Then there is an additional ending scene, which is also a standalone item, which is just ridiculous and completely uproarious — I love all the (di)vine comedy!
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Reviewed by Staci Layne Wilson