Rings
Written by David Loucka, Jacob Estes, Akiva Goldsman
Directed by F. Javier Gutiérrez
Based on the novel by Kôji Suzuki
Starring Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Galecki, Aimee Teegarden, Bonnie Morgan
Paramount Pictures
Rated PG-13 | 102 minutes
Release date: Friday, February 3rd, 2017

Rings is the third installment of the American “Ring” series which started back in 2002 with the Naomi Watts led, The Ring directed by Gore Verbinski. Perhaps counting on the fact that it’s been 15-years since the original and twelve since the sequel, the creators of Rings open with a scene eschewing all pretense and jump right into exposition from the first line. “Have you ever heard of the videotape where you watch it and die?” People in the theater were cracking up.

More below.

Dream House
Directed by Jim Sheridan
Written by David Loucka
Starring Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz, Marton Csokas, Claire Geare, Taylor Geare, Elias Koteas
Release Date: September 30, 2011

Jim Sheridan‘s Dream House is a distorting and turning journey of mind-bending proportions, taking elements of popular horror fiction and re-energizing them as 21st century psychological thriller fares. Featuring Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, it takes some unexpected detours, complete with some commendable performances.

(A side note: Before I do continue though, let me preface the rest of this review with the fact that I did not see any trailers for Dream House before seeing the film. I’ve been told that Morgan Creek films blew it by including some significant plot revelations in the trailer, so I went into the film fresh – so if you’re interested in seeing this movie, avoid all the trailers!)