Movie review: The Ruins

When two young couples take a vacation in Mexico they have the time of their lives. Until, that is, they decide to visit a remote archeological dig at some previously undiscovered Mayan ruins and get more than a history lesson.

Jonathan Tucker (Jeff), Jena Malone (Amy), Laura Ramsey (Stacy), Shawn Ashmore (Eric), Joe Anderson (Mathias), Sergio Calderon (Lead Mayan).

A simple summary for a simple movie. This one starts off with mild character development before settling into the telling of the real story. What it doesn’t do is tell a complicated story or really shock us with anything very revealing or extremely original. This is a simple story that doesn’t even attempt to give us good history or delve into the deeper questions of why or how things happen.

Although young and relatively unknown, acting was decent by the entire cast. As simple as the story was, it included the necessary horror elements with blood, guts, cute girls, pointless boob shots, mild sexual scenes, alcohol, a few BOO moments, and recklessness of youth.

CGI was surprisingly well done in this one without going overboard and making the story ridiculous. Camera work, sound, backgrounds, and dialogue were all nicely done exhibiting a quality made film.

Overall, this was a decent entry level horror flick with all the elements based on a solid simple spooky story with a nice twist or two to keep things interesting.

Foul language, some nudity, mild sexual scenes, and mild horror like blood, guts, gore, and self-mutilation so save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 7.21.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Creature Features, Dramas based on books, Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel