Movie Review Double Feature: Ringu and The Burning

Ringu:
This was much, much better than the American remake. I still wasn't too crazy about this movie, but it was definitely better. The storyline is a lot clearer, and the acting's definitely better. The special effects, while few, were really lame, sadly. The overall tone was a lot creepier than the American remake, as well. Overall, a fairly solid horror movie. 4/5

IMDB Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0178868/

The Burning:
While this seems like a cheap 'Friday the 13th' imitation, which it is, The Burning far exceeds the former in almost all aspects. The plot is much more believable, which is rare in slasher flicks, and the acting is much better than expected. The characters are likable for once, and the death scenes are imaginative without being unrealistic. My only complaint is that the villain, Cropsy, is only onscreen for about 3 minutes, and the special effects makeup makes him look like Pizza the Hutt from 'Spaceballs'. That and the first kill scene makes absolutely no sense at all. All that aside, this is a really well-done slasher movie. Very enjoyable. 4.5/5

IMDB Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082118/