Weak Plot Nearly Destroys The Ruins

"The Ruins" follows six friends on an adventurous vacation in Cancun, Mexico. The group intends to meet a research team at an archaeological dig near Coba, but they aren't fully prepared for what is in store ahead of them. The Mayan village near the dig is unwelcoming and creepy, but that doesn't stop the vacationers from continuing the path of the ruins. Along the way, things start to go terribly wrong and the group begins to find out the evil that lurks in the ruins.

Director Carter Smith brings together a somewhat known cast of Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Shawn Ashmore, and Laura Ramsey. Jonathan Tucker plays Jeff, an intelligent and stable graduate student ready to enter medical school along with his girlfriend Amy, played by Jena Malone. The couple is accompanied by Stacy, played by Laura Ramsey, and her boyfriend Eric, played by Shawn Ashmore. Stacy is a promiscuous ditz that has earned the nickname of "Spacy" by her friends and it only makes sense for her to date Eric, an irresponsible and immature school teacher. Pablo and Mathias are also a part of the group, played by Dimitri Baveas and Joe Anderson.

Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, and Shawn Ashmore are the most recognizable actors in the cast. Tucker had starring roles as Dennis in the movie "Hostage" and Morgan in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." I love his enthusiasm with whatever role he takes on and his ability to truly connect with a character. He can really make you feel terrified with his facial expressions, body language, and horrific screams. I think he could have picked a better role for his talents than Jeff, but he did play the part well.

I will never forget Jena Malone, as she played Gretchen in one of my all time favorite movies, "Donnie Darko." I will always think of her as Gretchen, so it is difficult to see her portray other characters in films. Maybe I am not the objective type when it comes to Malone, but I really don't think she fit the character of Amy. Her body language was stiff and her chilling screams sounded like nails on a chalk board. It was hard enough for me to watch her as Mary in the movie "Saved" much less a helpless girl in a horror flick.

Shawn Ashmore was the sole reason for me seeing this movie. If you haven't been hiding under a rock for the last few years, you will recognize him as Bobby from the X-Men trilogy. He has also taken starring roles in the movie "Solstice" and "The Quiet." He is an incredible actor that has always delivered his best performance. I wasn't too fond of the character Eric, but Shawn Ashmore did what he could to fit the character. His performance was raw and believable. I found myself cringing and covering my eyes during some of his scenes, which rarely happens since I am addicted to horror films.

I had low expectations for this movie because it appeared to be another cliché tourist slasher movie. I was right. The storyline was flawed, the dialogue was terrible, and the nudity got on my nerves. At least the acting was great, the special effects were believable, and the suspense was enough to keep me antsy. I was surprised with an unexpected and rare ending, which was very much enjoyed.

I rate this movie a 3 out of a 5. Ashmore saved the movie!