'Ring' sequel not as scary as original

It begins like it's predecessor, with a frightening incident involving scared high school kids and an evil VHS tape. What follows is not surprisingly scary nor distinct among recent horror films. \n"The Ring Two" finds journalist and single mother Rachael Keller (Naomi Watts) and her son Aidan (David Dorfman) having relocated to Astoria, Ore. where they are attempting to build a new life after the events of "The Ring" left Aidan's father dead. The mother and son continue their chain letter-like spread of the mortally dangerous video tape, in order to ensure their own survival. Now Rachael is trying to adjust to her new job and really plug into motherhood. It also looks as though there may soon be a new man in their lives, Max Rourke (Simon Baker from CBS "The Guardian"). But of course, as promised by the previews, Samara (Kelly Stables), the evil girl from "The Ring," will not allow Rachael and Aidan to settle down in peace. This time she singles them out for special attack and may want more than revenge. \n"The Ring Two" has some frightening moments, mostly facilitated by suspenseful music and jarring cuts. The distorted, whispery voice of Samara is pretty chilling, but the movie is not nearly as scary as its predecessor. It is dragged down by several incidents that are meant to be scarier than they are, but seem rather stupid instead. Most notably there is a bad "When Animals Attack"-type incident involving a bunch of CGI deer that should have been left out of the film altogether. The American version of the first "Ring" movie was, to much of its audience, a first exposure to certain elements of Japanese horror that seemed breathtakingly unexpected but will now be unsurprising to most people. Also "The Ring" was scary because it extended a threat to its audience, that by watching "The Ring" you expose yourself to the same danger that is killing the characters onscreen, "The Ring Two" doesn't employ this kind of psychological terror. Fortunately, you are able to care enough about the Kellers that you are concerned for their well-being. \nThe plot of "The Ring Two" seems familiar, not just because of it's elemental associations with "The Ring" but also because it resembles several recent movies, especially "Hide and Seek" (a tense story about a single parent and a creepy child attempting to make a new home after a tragedy). The film also has too much in common with "The Grudge" and the upcoming "Dark Water." As the creepy child, Dorfman, who is now looking less like a Rory Culkin clone and more like an old man with a little kid's body, is good. He is sufficiently scared/scary when called for, although he is not quite at the point of giving Dakota Fanning a run for her money. Fans of "The Ring" may be happy to know that this installment continues to address questions about Samara's origin and plot devices from the first film. \nIf you go into "The Ring Two" with low expectations you may have a decent time with it. If you're expecting great scares like the original, then you'll more than likely be sadly disappointed.