Pile of 'Ruins'

Remember the days when horror films didn’t need to depend on gut-wrenching pain, gobs of blood and mere shock value to frighten audiences? I hardly do, and unfortunately, neither do the creators of “The Ruins.” Instead of keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, this flick is more apt to leave you squeamish and running for the bathroom. The few thrilling cinematic moments are easily forgotten amidst the grotesqueness.

“Ruins” is not suspenseful, not a thriller and hardly a horror film, and its classification as such almost requires a realignment of movie genres. Given the latest wave of movies that make your stomach cringe, this new addition belongs in the yet-to-be-labeled “gore-or” genre.

If you liked “Hostel” and the “Saw” series, chances are you will appreciate “The Ruins” and its gruesome visuals – complete with leg breaking by rock, self-mutilation by knife and do-it-yourself leg amputations. Similar to how its predecessors in gore have gravitated toward scenes of agonizing torture, this newest installment disregards substance in favor of slaughter.

The setup is nothing if not minimal – four college kids on a drunken, sex-riddled vacation in Mexico decide to follow a random German guy to an archaeological site of ancient ruins. Upon arrival, it is clear that something is odd about the ruins. Perhaps it’s the angry, armed foreigners surrounding the site or the strange noises emitting from the mystery well, or maybe it’s the unidentified insanity-inducing killer “vines” that are never clarified. Villain notwithstanding, the film’s evil remains faceless and begs the question that will remain unanswered: Who, or what, is responsible for the ensuing chaos?

If you are expecting an explanation, the film will leave you frustrated. Director Carter Smith’s intention is not to provide a spotless narrative but rather to put his characters in a state of chaotic helplessness where nothing makes sense beyond the struggle for survival. In that respect, he succeeds admirably.

Warning: This film is not for the weak of stomach. Do not drink alcohol or eat pudding before seeing this movie.