is a great book by Scott Smith - the guy who wrote A Simple Plan
.Book Description
Trapped in the Mexican jungle, a group of friends stumble upon a creeping horror unlike anything they could ever imagine.Two young couples are on a lazy Mexican vacation–sun-drenched days, drunken nights, making friends with fellow tourists. When the brother of one of those friends disappears, they decide to venture into the jungle to look for him. What started out as a fun day-trip slowly spirals into a nightmare when they find an ancient ruins site . . . and the terrifying presence that lurks there.
I didn't care much for the beginning of The Ruins. The characters were annoying and a few things were cliche. Thankfully this did not last long. The Ruins managed to turn into a great page turner. Do not let the beginning sway you. I loved this book.
. Scott Smith wrote the screenplay as well, but the movie is surprisingly different than the book. The characters were switched around, the injuries and events were switched around, and the ending was changed. This rarely happens, but I liked the movie ending more than the book ending.If you haven't checked out either of them - read it (always first) and watch it! It's fun to see the Scott Smith's different visions between print and screen. Plus, it makes for some awesome entertainment.
Have you read and watched The Ruins? Which ending did you prefer?
Hey Jen,
ReplyDeleteI liked The Ruins also (both book and movie). Funny enough, I just ordered the pb of A SIMPLE PLAN a couple days ago. Not overly prolific, which is too bad.
Love the review :) I had never heard of this one even though it is a movie as well. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteI liked both the movie and the book equally since I thought each had their own unique qualities. The movie I enjoyed because the acting was superb, I thought! Very underrated film.
ReplyDeleteThe book was eerie and subtle, and just.. yeah *shudders*
Oh and I too liked the movie's ending better!! Much more uplifting. However, the DVD has an extended ending and it ends...
ReplyDeletespoiler
with the girl driving. there's a slow mo shot towards her eyes and we can see vines moving on the eyeball!!
You know, Andrew, I have never read A Simple Plan. I'm a big Bill Paxton fan, so the movie was a must see when it came out. I have a strict read the book first policy, but I had no idea I was breaking my rule. It's hard to make myself go back and read the book after the fact. (Even though I've been wanting to for a long time.)
ReplyDeleteJillian - really? Ew, I need to go back and watch that! I just remember the forehead!