For those of us who perpetually encounter bizarre malfunctions and technological stubbornness from our VCRs, the idea of a malicious spirit taking revenge against humanity through a videotape makes perfect sense. DreamWorks' "The Ring," an American version of a hugely successful Japanese horror film about a mysterious videotape, is an undeniably creepy, unnerving experience that turns mundane things -- a refrigerator door, a ringing telephone, TV static -- into moments of terrific suspense. The supernatural elements don't always add up logically, but director Gore Verbinski is firmly in control of the film's strong visuals, and an attractive cast headed by Naomi Watts lends credibility to the scary goings-on.

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