The Ruins

***Horror adventure in the Mayan jungle*** RELEASED IN 2008 and directed by Carter Smith based on Scott B. Smith’s novel, "The Ruins" refuses to make the mistake of too many conventional horror flicks by NOT going over-the-top with the situation, the "monster" or the horrific thrills; films that do so are usually more goofy than horrifying. Take the ending of "The Ruins,” which is different than the book and, in my opinion, better: In a typical horror movie there would've been a wild (i.e. thrilling but totally unbelievable) vehicle pursuit by the Mayans; not here. It's the BELIEVABILITY of…

Just a solid horror-movie I come back to this horror-movie over and over, and it is enjoyable on each rewatch. The "monster" for lack of a better word, is very engaging, the characters' plight feels real and grounded. The premise is wild, the claustrophobia needed for this sort of horror-movie works well, and the desperation brought by the tension of the story just lands really well. It is a solid pick of a horror-movie, and I highly recommend it.