Sadako 3D

Wow, we have a new format. Quick, let’s exploit it by remaking/rereleasing an old film in said new format and millions will be made.

Now, ‘Ringu’ is a film that actually might work with the 3D format…except that it isn’t. ‘Ringu’ is largely a suspense film, as a reporter seeks to unravel the mystery behind the deaths of some local students. The film is very darkly shot and uses slow, moody shots, before one final moment at the end that would be made that bit more special in 3D. Therefore, to justify making a film based on Koji Suzuki’s original novel ‘Ring’ and ripping-off Hideo Nakata’s film adaptation in 3D format, there needs to be a lot more thrown in to make it seem worthwhile.

ShiBOOya

With this the case, the suspense, intrigue and fear created by ‘Ringu’ is thrown out the window for endless moments designed simply to make you jump by adding unnecessary bangs and people walking up behind someone to make their pulse race. It’s the 21^st Century, so video is thrown out for viral content on the Internet and the cast all seem younger and more attractive (sorry Yurei Yanagi, you look like a monkey), and as such are much worse actors.

Being in Nihon-go, I couldn’t fully understand the plot, not that that was particularly necessary. People try to watch a video online, if they succeed they die soon after. Simple.  The ending, however, becomes farcical, again trying to justify the 3D format further and is neither scary nor good. The best part of the film is the end credits, for more than one reason.

With two trailers before it for the new ‘MIB 3’ (do we need this?!) and the new ‘Amazing Spiderman’ – a character necessary to remake with a new lead actor as there have only been at least three Spiderman films made in the last decade – it seems that films are merely going to be lazy remakes of old stories in a new format, displaying a lack of creativity or substance, from here on in. So, just like the cinema of the last ten years then…