The Ruins (2008)
5.927 /10
1417 Reviews
Rate This Movie:
Americans Amy, Stacy, Jeff and Eric look for fun during a sunny holiday in Mexico, but they get much more than that after visiting an archaeological dig in the jungle.
Videos & Photos
cast
... Jeff McIntire
... Amy
... Eric
... Stacy
... Mathias
User reviews
***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 "The Ruins" that makes it effective, which is reinforced by the acting of the five protagonists.
Speaking of whom, the main cast consists of Jonathan Tucker as Jeff, Laura Ramsey as Stacy, Jena Malone as Amy, Shawn Ashmore as Eric and Joe Anderson as Mathias, the German. The two girls and Tucker (Jeff) especially stand out. I found these protagonists likable and fairly fleshed-out for a 90-minute horror flick. For one, they're not the typical frat trash you see in so many horror flicks. Secondly, we see signs of character again and again, which I detail below.
Critics complain that the antagonists are decidedly un-scary, but that's one of the main points of the movie. Like 1963's "The Birds," it takes something we see every day and are NOT scared of and turns it/them into a source of horror.
One memorable scene is when Stacy and Amy are in the dark bowels of the pyramid searching for a cell phone they keep hearing. What they discover is equal parts shocking, surreal and amazing (more on this below). Another memorable sequence is when Jeff & Eric are forced to perform a gruesome operation. The climax is also well-done and suspenseful.
While the story takes place on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, it was surprisingly shot at Gold Coast and Tamborine Mountain, Australia, just south of Brisbane, which is on the East coast. In any case, the locations are spectacular.
BOTTOM LINE: "The Ruins" surprised me in light of the inexplicable mediocre ratings and incessant panning. It's an adventure story mixed with psychological horror utilizing something common and un-scary as the "monster." It features quality gore, excellent locations & props, quality performances and proficient filmmaking in general. Plus it takes advantage of the presence of Laura Ramsey and eschews the overdone cartoony-ness of too many horror flicks, which are more funny than creepy or horrifying. In other words, "The Ruins" delivers the goods.
The theatrical version runs 90 minutes and the unrated version 93 minutes. I viewed the latter.
GRADE: B+/A-
***SPOILER ALERT*** (Don't read further unless you've seen the film)
The plants that live on the pyramid and what they are able to do spur a fascinating point: The animal kingdom spans the spectrum of worms to human beings. What about plant life? The plants at the Mayan ruins are obviously from the higher-developed end of the plant kingdom – they work as a team to obtain sustenance and are able to mimic sounds, like human voices and the ringtone of a cell phone.
I've heard complaints about how the protagonists constantly make the wrong decisions. Answer: The foursome had befriended Mathias and therefore trusted him. They wanted to experience some Mayan history off the beaten track. When the Natives suddenly arrive on the scene and brutally shoot one of their members in the head the only place for them to safely flee is the pyramid. At that point they're stranded because the Natives have the ruins surrounded. How is any of this a wrong decision?
Someone complained that the youths never attempt to escape the pyramid until it is basically too late, which supposedly defies logic. Answer: They're only on the pyramid for two nights and were waiting for help to arrive. Their only other recourse was to make a run for the jungle, which was impossible because the pyramid was surrounded by Natives with deadly weapons who already proved they would kill without mercy anyone infected by the plants. As such, the most logical thing to do was to wait for help and only make a run for it (to the jungle) if they absolutely had to, which is what happens. It sounds logical to me.
Another criticism is that the protagonists are imbeciles with little character development. I found them likable, as noted above, and there are numerous examples of character: They desire to experience the culture of the area and not just utilize their exotic vacation to party, like the average one-dimensional spring-breakers. Also, they refuse to leave Mathias for dead in the pyramid and the girls risk going down the same dubious rope that resulted in his fall. Moreover, Jeff insists on performing the gruesome task of cutting off Mathias' legs and Eric agrees to help even while the primitive operation causes him to vomit. Lastly, Jeff willingly sacrifices himself so that Amy has a chance to escape and she makes a bold dash for freedom. All this sounds like character to me.
Needless to say, the criticisms leveled at the film are mostly invalid or easily explained.
Director:
Writer:
Scott B. Smith (Screenplay)
Genres:
Release Date:
2008-04-02
Run Time:
91 min
MMPA Rating:
R
Reviews of
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 "The Ruins" that makes it effective, which is reinforced by the acting of the five protagonists.
Speaking of whom, the main cast consists of Jonathan Tucker as Jeff, Laura Ramsey as Stacy, Jena Malone as Amy, Shawn Ashmore as Eric and Joe Anderson as Mathias, the German. The two girls and Tucker (Jeff) especially stand out. I found these protagonists likable and fairly fleshed-out for a 90-minute horror flick. For one, they're not the typical frat trash you see in so many horror flicks. Secondly, we see signs of character again and again, which I detail below.
Critics complain that the antagonists are decidedly un-scary, but that's one of the main points of the movie. Like 1963's "The Birds," it takes something we see every day and are NOT scared of and turns it/them into a source of horror.
One memorable scene is when Stacy and Amy are in the dark bowels of the pyramid searching for a cell phone they keep hearing. What they discover is equal parts shocking, surreal and amazing (more on this below). Another memorable sequence is when Jeff & Eric are forced to perform a gruesome operation. The climax is also well-done and suspenseful.
While the story takes place on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, it was surprisingly shot at Gold Coast and Tamborine Mountain, Australia, just south of Brisbane, which is on the East coast. In any case, the locations are spectacular.
BOTTOM LINE: "The Ruins" surprised me in light of the inexplicable mediocre ratings and incessant panning. It's an adventure story mixed with psychological horror utilizing something common and un-scary as the "monster." It features quality gore, excellent locations & props, quality performances and proficient filmmaking in general. Plus it takes advantage of the presence of Laura Ramsey and eschews the overdone cartoony-ness of too many horror flicks, which are more funny than creepy or horrifying. In other words, "The Ruins" delivers the goods.
The theatrical version runs 90 minutes and the unrated version 93 minutes. I viewed the latter.
GRADE: B+/A-
***SPOILER ALERT*** (Don't read further unless you've seen the film)
The plants that live on the pyramid and what they are able to do spur a fascinating point: The animal kingdom spans the spectrum of worms to human beings. What about plant life? The plants at the Mayan ruins are obviously from the higher-developed end of the plant kingdom – they work as a team to obtain sustenance and are able to mimic sounds, like human voices and the ringtone of a cell phone.
I've heard complaints about how the protagonists constantly make the wrong decisions. Answer: The foursome had befriended Mathias and therefore trusted him. They wanted to experience some Mayan history off the beaten track. When the Natives suddenly arrive on the scene and brutally shoot one of their members in the head the only place for them to safely flee is the pyramid. At that point they're stranded because the Natives have the ruins surrounded. How is any of this a wrong decision?
Someone complained that the youths never attempt to escape the pyramid until it is basically too late, which supposedly defies logic. Answer: They're only on the pyramid for two nights and were waiting for help to arrive. Their only other recourse was to make a run for the jungle, which was impossible because the pyramid was surrounded by Natives with deadly weapons who already proved they would kill without mercy anyone infected by the plants. As such, the most logical thing to do was to wait for help and only make a run for it (to the jungle) if they absolutely had to, which is what happens. It sounds logical to me.
Another criticism is that the protagonists are imbeciles with little character development. I found them likable, as noted above, and there are numerous examples of character: They desire to experience the culture of the area and not just utilize their exotic vacation to party, like the average one-dimensional spring-breakers. Also, they refuse to leave Mathias for dead in the pyramid and the girls risk going down the same dubious rope that resulted in his fall. Moreover, Jeff insists on performing the gruesome task of cutting off Mathias' legs and Eric agrees to help even while the primitive operation causes him to vomit. Lastly, Jeff willingly sacrifices himself so that Amy has a chance to escape and she makes a bold dash for freedom. All this sounds like character to me.
Needless to say, the criticisms leveled at the film are mostly invalid or easily explained.
Cast & Crew of
The Ruins
Cast
... Jeff McIntire
... Amy
... Eric
... Stacy
... Mathias
... Lead Mayan
... Mayan Bowman
... Mayan Horseman
... Dimitri
... Taxi Driver
... Mayan Archer
... Mayan Rifleman
... Archeologist
... Heinrich
... Additional Vine Vocal (voice)
... Groundskeeper (uncredited)
Crew
... Director
... Producer
... Producer
... Editor
... Director of Photography
... Original Music Composer
... Screenplay
... Costume Design
... Casting
... Casting
... Makeup Department Head
... Utility Stunts
... Stunts
... Utility Stunts
... Utility Stunts
... Stunt Double
... Stunt Coordinator
... Utility Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunts
... Stunt Coordinator
... Stunts
... Post Production Supervisor
... Production Design
... Art Direction
... Art Direction
... Art Department Coordinator
... Script Supervisor
... Assistant Production Coordinator
... Supervising Art Director
... Lighting Technician
... Additional Hairstylist
... Makeup & Hair
... Makeup & Hair
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Makeup Artist
... Hair Supervisor
... Key Hair Stylist
... Art Department Coordinator
... Assistant Property Master
... Carpenter
... Conceptual Illustrator
... Conceptual Illustrator
... Construction Coordinator
... Construction Manager
... Graphic Designer
... Head Greensman
... Leadman
... Prop Maker
... Property Master
... Props
... Props
... Props
... Props
... Props
... Sculptor
... Set Designer
... Set Designer
... Set Dresser
... Set Dresser
... Standby Painter
... Storyboard Artist
... Storyboard Artist
... Storyboard Artist
... Casting
... Casting
... Casting Assistant
... Casting Associate
... Costume Supervisor
... Costumer
... Costumer
... Costumer
... Costumer
... Costumer
... Set Costumer
... Additional First Assistant Camera
... Additional Second Assistant Camera
... Additional Second Assistant Camera
... Assistant Chief Lighting Technician
... Camera Operator
... Camera Operator
... Chief Lighting Technician
... Chief Lighting Technician
... Dolly Grip
... Dolly Grip
... Electrician
... Electrician
... Electrician
... Electrician
... Electrician
... Electrician
... First Assistant "A" Camera
... First Assistant "B" Camera
... First Company Grip
... Grip
... Grip
... Grip
... Libra Head Technician
... Lighting Technician
... Lighting Technician
... Rigging Supervisor
... Second Assistant "B" Camera
... Second Company Grip
... Steadicam Operator
... Still Photographer
... Underwater Camera
... Video Assist Operator
... ADR Mixer
... ADR Mixer
... ADR Recordist
... ADR Supervisor
... Assistant Sound Editor
... Boom Operator
... Boom Operator
... Cableman
... Dialogue Editor
... First Assistant Sound Editor
... Foley Artist
... Foley Artist
... Foley Editor
... Foley Mixer
... Production Sound Mixer
... Sound Designer
... Sound Effects Editor
... Sound Effects Editor
... Sound Effects Editor
... Sound Effects Editor
... Sound Mix Technician
... Sound Mix Technician
... Sound Mixer
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Supervising Sound Effects Editor
... Supervising Sound Editor
... Supervising Sound Editor
... Foley
... 3D Generalist
... Animation
... Animation
... Animation
... Animation
... Animation
... Animation
... Animation
... Animation
... CG Supervisor
... CGI Supervisor
... Compositor
... Compositor
... Visual Effects Coordinator
... Visual Effects Coordinator
... Visual Effects Coordinator
... Visual Effects Coordinator
... Visual Effects Editor
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Production Manager
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Producer
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Creature Design
... Senior Animator
... Special Effects Coordinator
... Special Effects Technician
... Special Effects Technician
... Special Effects Technician
... Special Effects Technician
... Special Effects Technician
... Special Effects Technician
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Prosthetics
... Animal Wrangler
... Animal Wrangler
... Armorer
... Armorer
... Assistant Accountant
... Assistant Production Coordinator
... First Assistant Accountant
... Dialect Coach
... Payroll Accountant
... Payroll Accountant
... Post Production Accountant
... Production Accountant
... Production Assistant
... Production Assistant
... Production Assistant
... Production Assistant
... Production Assistant
... Production Assistant
... Production Assistant
... Production Assistant
... Production Assistant
... Production Assistant
... Production Coordinator
... Production Coordinator
... Production Executive
... Production Secretary
... Prosthetic Designer
... Publicist
... Researcher
... Script Supervisor
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Stand In
... Unit Publicist
... Associate Editor
... Color Timer
... Colorist
... Digital Intermediate
... Digital Intermediate Editor
... Digital Intermediate Producer
... First Assistant Editor
... First Assistant Editor
... Negative Cutter
... Post Production Coordinator
... Music Editor
... Music Programmer
... Location Manager
... Special Effects Supervisor
... Executive Producer
... Sound Effects Editor
Similar Movies To
The Ruins
Supergator (2007)
5.2/10
Geologists encounter a giant alligator while investigating an active volcano in Hawaii.
Release: 2007-07-14
Critters (1986)
6.5/10
Carnivorous aliens arrive unannounced at a Kansas family farm; two intergalactic bounty hunters soon follow, determined to blow them off the planet.
Release: 1986-04-11
Stung (2015)
5.3/10
A fancy garden party turns into upper class prey when a colony of killer wasps mutates into seven foot tall predators.
Release: 2015-07-03
Mimic (1997)
6.066/10
A disease carried by common cockroaches is killing Manhattan children. In an effort to stop the epidemic an entomologist, Susan Tyler, creates a mutant breed of insect that secretes a fluid to kill the roaches. This mutant breed was engineered to die after one generation, but three years later Susan finds out that the species has survived and evolved into a large, gruesome monster that can mimic human form.
Release: 1997-08-22
The Evil of Frankenstein (1964)
6.1/10
Once hounded from his castle by outraged villagers for creating a monstrous living being, Baron Frankenstein returns to Karlstaad. High in the mountains they stumble on the body of the creature, perfectly preserved in the ice. He is brought back to life with the help of the hypnotist Zoltan who now controls the creature. Can Frankenstein break Zoltan's hypnotic spell that incites the monster to commit these horrific murders or will Zoltan induce the creature to destroy its creator?
Release: 1964-05-08
The Horror of Frankenstein (1970)
5.9/10
Brilliant but arrogant scientist Victor Frankenstein builds a man from spare body parts, only for the monster to come alive and wreak havoc.
Release: 1970-11-08
Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter (1966)
4.1/10
Dr. Frankenstein's Granddaughter Maria, and her brother assistant Rudolph, moved to the old west because the lightning storms there are more frequent and intense, which allows them to work on the experiments of their grandfather. But the experiments are failing and Rudolph's been secretly killing the corpses afterwards. Meanwhile, the Lopez family leaves the town because of the evil going on there
Release: 1966-04-09
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
6.194/10
Grave robbers open the grave of the wolf man and awaken him. He doesn't like the idea of being immortal and killing people when the moon is full so tries to find Dr. Frankenstein, in the hopes that the doctor can cure him. Dr. Frankenstein has died; however, his monster is found.
Release: 1943-03-12
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
6.788/10
Baron Victor Frankenstein has discovered life's secret and unleashed a blood-curdling chain of events resulting from his creation: a cursed creature with a horrid face — and a tendency to kill.
Release: 1957-05-20
Black Pines (2022)
0/10
Young art school student Lana travels deep into a secluded area of the New Jersey Pine Barrens to sketch wildlife, but after a chance encounter in the woods, she struggles as a malevolent force tries to take control of her mind, body, and soul.
Release: 2022-10-26
30 Days of Night (2007)
6.4/10
This is the story of an isolated Alaskan town that is plunged into darkness for a month each year when the sun sinks below the horizon. As the last rays of light fade, the town is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires bent on an uninterrupted orgy of destruction. Only the small town's husband-and-wife Sheriff team stand between the survivors and certain destruction.
Release: 2007-10-17
Lisa and the Devil (1973)
6.2/10
Lisa is a tourist in an ancient city. When she gets lost, she finds an old mansion in which to shelter. Soon she is sucked into a vortex of deception, debauchery and evil presided over by housekeeper Leandre.
Release: 1973-05-08
Species III (2005)
5.184/10
After she delivers her child in an ambulance, alien Eve is killed by a half-breed. Fortunately, Dr. Abbot scoops up the baby alien and escapes. In time, the baby grows into a gorgeous blonde named Sara and begins her quest to find a worthy mate. But Sara is also savage and leaves a trail of deaths in her wake. This carnage makes chemistry student Dean question whether to help her race or not.
Release: 2005-01-14
Wolf Creek (2005)
6.229/10
Three backpackers stranded in the Australian outback are plunged inside a hellish nightmare of insufferable torture by a sadistic psychopathic local.
Release: 2005-09-16
Turistas (2006)
5.471/10
A group of young backpackers' vacation turns sour when a bus accident leaves them marooned in a remote Brazilian rural area that holds an ominous secret.
Release: 2006-12-01
Alas Roban (2026)
5.2/10
The lives of Sita and her daughter, Gendis, change after a terrifying night. Their journey through Alas Roban is filled with fear and relentless terror. Can they uncover what's happening there?
Release: 2026-01-15
Mimic 2 (2001)
5.3/10
Detective Klaski investigates the death and mutilation of three men and soon crosses paths with Remy, an entomologist. Soon, he discovers that she is being stalked by a giant shape-shifting insect who is bent on taking over New York.
Release: 2001-07-17
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
7/10
Seymour Krelborn is a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik's; a flower shop in urban Skid Row. He harbors a crush on fellow co-worker, Audrey Fulquard, and is berated by Mr. Mushnik daily. One day, Seymour finds a very mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II. The plant seems to have a craving for blood and soon begins to sing for it’s supper.
Release: 1986-12-19
Martyrs (2008)
7.304/10
A young woman’s quest for revenge against the people who kidnapped and tortured her as a child leads her and her best friend, also a victim of child abuse, on a terrifying journey into a living hell of depravity.
Release: 2008-06-12
Dead Ringers (1988)
7.118/10
Elliot, a successful gynecologist, works at the same practice as his identical twin, Beverly. Elliot is attracted to many of his patients and has affairs with them. When he inevitably loses interest, he will give the woman over to Beverly, the meeker of the two, without the woman knowing the difference. Beverly falls hard for one of the patients, Claire, but when she inadvertently deceives him, he slips into a state of madness.
Release: 1988-09-23