Horror film opts for violence over plot

Blood and gore ruin a potentially good story in ‘The Ruins’

Jessica Baldwin - baldwije@plu.edu

mast a&e reporter

The Mayan ruins are some of the greatest tourist attractions in South America. Many great myths and speculations exist about Mayan culture, so it is no shock that someone thought to write a book—and make a movie—about a secret ruin hidden deep in the jungle.

This vacation thriller, based on the novel by Scott B. Smith, begins with two couples on spring break soaking up the sun at a Mexican resort. When a German vacationer, Mathias (Joe Anderson), tells the group about an ancient ruin his brother went to see with a archeologist, they all agree to spend their last day hiking to this hidden adventure.

But this little hike gets dangerous when the locals become hostile, after the group finds the fabled ruins. The group escapes up the steps of the hidden ruins. During the night they discover that the vines that cover the ruins are alive and growing inside of them. That is not the only unbelievable moment: apparently the flowers on these vines can mimic sounds as well.

While the acting in this movie is done fairly well, considering the number of rookies, the gore is rampant and unnecessary. When the group learns that there are vines growing inside them, they begin to cut themselves open. We watch in horror as the camera zooms in on one of the group as his legs are smashed with rocks and cut off with a dull hunting knife. We also get to enjoy one of the girls cutting her head and legs open with the same knife.

Once these spring breakers go up the steps, the plot ends and the gore takes over. And simple blood and gore can’t drive a movie.

"THe Ruins "

Directed by Carter Smith

Starring Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone

Rated R, 91 mins