Ring Two, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

This sequel to the 2002 hit picks up six months after the previous film left off. Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) and her son, Aidan (David Dorfman), relocate to the peaceful community of Astoria, Oregon, hoping to escape the horrible memory of their dealings with the evil spirit, Samara (Kelly Stables). But after a short time there, Rachel hears about a murder that sounds strangely familiar, involving a videotape and a frightening, disfigured face. And soon afterward, Rachel discovers that Samara has found her way to their new home. Rather than let the cycle of terror continue, Rachel immediately destroys the only copy of the tape. But for some reason, that doesnt stop Samara. Instead, she invades Rachels and Aidans lives, trying to escape her own prison while killing anyone who gets in her way. So Rachel and Aidan must try again to finally put an end to Samaras evil plans.

The Ring Two suffers from a disease common to sequels. Motivated only by the success of its predecessor, the film does nothing to advance the original storyline and only frustrates fans who have returned for seconds. That said, the film is not all bad. Sissy Spacek provides an intriguing performance as a mental-ward patient who attempted to drown her infant daughter because, she claims, the voices told her to do so. Spaceks character hits a bit too close to home in light of recent reports of parents who have jeopardized their childrens lives because spiritual forces told them to do so. Films like this may be partly to blame when people are unable to distinguish fact from fiction. At any rate, viewers should remember that God, not frightening or malevolent spiritual forces, is in control of all things. The best way to do that, of course, is to avoid this mediocre sequel along with its violence and disturbing images.

Preview Reviewer: Shaun Daugherty
Distributor: Dreamworks Pictures