The Box [Theatrical Release] |  | Manufacturer: Warner Bros.
Category: Theatrical Release
This item is no longer available
Rating:  15 reviews
Language: English (Unknown)
Region: 1
Number Of Discs: 1
ASIN: B001UV4XWO
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Director Richard Kelly has crafted yet another evocative, spectacular, maddening film guaranteed to provoke passionate love-it or hate-it responses. Though far more straightforward than his previous cult favorites, Donnie Darko or Southland Tales, The Box is crammed just as full of stunning visuals and ambiguous metaphysics. Norma and Arthur Lewis (Cameron Diaz of Charlie's Angels and James Marsden of X-Men) find a plainly wrapped package on their doorstep one day. Inside is a strange box with a large, red button--and if they press that button, explains a courtly but alarming-looking gentleman (Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon), they will receive a million dollars… and someone they don't know will die. This is but the starting point for an increasingly creepy tale, featuring eye-popping wallpaper, spontaneous nosebleeds, allusions to Jean-Paul Sartre, overly attentive library patrons, boxes of water, warehouses full of light, and a bell-ringing Santa Claus standing in the middle of a road. Some of it makes sense, some of it doesn't, but the person who's going to love this movie won't care. The Box's true power lies in the slow accumulation of dizzying hypnotic images and a tangible sense of unease and anticipation. Kelly aspires to capture the beauty and terror of existence on film; even if he doesn't succeed--and every viewer will have to decide that for himself or herself--his sheer ambition is remarkable. --Bret Fetzer
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 15
 An interesting and suspenseful sci-fi thriller February 4, 2010
D. Petersen
I didn't see a lot of hype for this film nor did I have any strong desire to see it aside from it's intriguing premise. I finally caught it recently and have to say I really enjoyed it. The story begins simple enough but as the film progresses it becomes more involving and mysterious. A unique Twilight Zone-esque tale with fine performances and creepy moments. It's not on the level of Donnie Darko but it's still a fine film. Recommended.
 Aspect ratio? February 2, 2010
Ingve Kaltveit
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Are they sure about this 1.77/1 aspect ratio? This is absurd. What are we living in the 80s? Warner Brothers are idiots.
 Interesting At the Very Least... January 30, 2010
Matt Poole (Louisville, KY USA)
I'm going to keep this review short and sweet, as I feel other 4-star reviews have made any point I could make already.
This movie was nothing if not interesting and mind-boggling. It kept me guessing and in the end...I couldn't stop thinking about what I'd just witnessed and how much I want to see it again so I can study it further.
No, it was not the best sci-fi film ever...not even the best by the director, Richard Kelly. But, what it was is an engrossing, interesting, and (although it was based on a short story and Twilight Zone episode) original film, produced in an era where run-of-the-mill actions and romantic comedies rule the screen. And the acting wasn't too shabby either. Cameron Diaz's fake Southern accent could be a little much at times, but I think that was the intention. And Frank Langella was phenomenal.
Plain and simply, rent this before you buy it. It is a movie you'll likely either 'get' or loathe ravenously. But you should at least give it a chance. Yes, the plot is a bit incoherent at times, but it's not supposed to be an easy movie...it's cerebral and visual. It makes you think.
I'll be adding it to my blu-ray collection for sure, as I already have Kelly's other 2 films, Donnie Darko and Southland Tales.
 Abysmal...worst adaptation EVER of a Richard Matheson work January 29, 2010
Christopher E. Payne (Tulsa, OK, USA)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Based on an excellent short story, this one gets the Raspberry Award for worst adaptation. Matheson has been incredibly lucky over the years in that he has inspired some amazing adaptations . . . which, in my opinion, points to the strength of the source material. I went in with high hopes with "The Box" given the strong cast, but this one is a Class-A stinker, something way less than the sum of its parts. It's unfortunate.
Not What I Expected!!! January 22, 2010
Pumpkin Man
At first, the movie started off really well. I loved that it took place in the 70's, and around Christmas. It was toward the middle of the movie that it became confusing, and added supernatural references. I'm still not sure what Mr. Steward and his employees were supposed to be. I couldn't tell if they were aliens, or people under mind control. Norma and Arthur Lewis receive a black box with a red button on it. If they push it; they will receive a million dollars, and someone dies. Once the button is pushed, they must deal with the consequences. If you were given the opportunity for a million dollars, would you push the button on THE BOX!!!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 15
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