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Monday, November 29, 2010

The Box (2009)



I have recently watched a movie that has been nagging at me on my DVR. I have never heard a good thing about  it but well it was worth a look. It is Richard Kelly's THE BOX. Starring Cameron Diaz, James Marsden. Frank Langella. A married couple Norma Lewis (Diaz) and Aurthur Lewis (Marsden) have been hit with a little financial difficulties.  They receive a small wooden box on their doorstep with a large red button on the top. Along with the mysterious box is a note that Mr. Steward will come by.  Perplexed at receiving the box and no knowledge of a Mr. Steward they but the box aside. Well Mr. Steward (Langella) makes his appearance to Mrs. Lewis and  he offers her and her husband a financial deal. If the the red button is pushed somebody they don't know will die and they will receive one million dollars. They ultimately have a moral dilemma about the offer. But on the other hand they are aware of their financial woes and push the button. After they realized what they have done once the money is delivered their morals take over about the possibility of another person losing their life. They try and give back the money put once the button is pushed it can't be undone. The movie really starts to take a bizzare twist.  I sat there wondering what the fuck just happened.  Honestly the best part of the 2nd half of the movie when they are presented a new test.



Honestly the movie seemed to have a decent start with an interesting plot. But it really took a turn for the worse. The movie changed into a huge cluster fuck. I think with what they where wanting to accomplish with the  emotion it was very poorly done. I honestly can say don't waste your time or money on this movie. I am glad I recorded it on my DVR so I have no money invested in the movie just the 2 hours of my life wasted.

2 comments:

  1. I'm kinda glad you hated it. I had never seen it, and after you tweeted about planning to watch it, I read the synopsis on Wikipedia. It sounded craptastic just from the synopsis, and not something I would want to see. I agree - concept was good, but the rest of the story sounded clusteriffic. No sequel hopefully...

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  2. Damn, I don't know, man. I liked DONNIE DARKO and thought SOUTHLAND TALES was an interesting mess (but a watchable mess, nonetheless), I was thinking of giving Richard Kelly the benefit of the doubt and give THE BOX a shot, but your review (and every other review) is saying No Way. Hmm.

    I remember reading somewhere that this was one of 5 films that received an "F" grade from CinemaScore (company that tracks audiences responses from movies) in the company's entire 28-year history. The other films were DARKNESS, BUG, Soderbergh's SOLARIS, WOLF CREEK.

    Anyway, cool blog, Lance. Looking forward to reading more of your thoughts on movies here.

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