Review of The Box (2009) by Joe M — 10 Apr 2012
If you are coming to this film expecting the brilliant storytelling and extraordinary acting of one of the previous films of director/writer Richard Kelly, DONNIE DARKO, then save your money and your time.
THE BOX will be a disappointment if you are a fan of his previous work. It is mostly more incomprehensible than logical, complete with a horrible third act. The only saving grace is that the acting is picture-perfect, especially where Frank Langella is concerned.
Diaz is convincing as a mother and wife and James Marsden gives an absorbing performance. Unfortunately, this is a movie that is obviously trying to bloat itself into feeling culturally important, but ultimately succeeds in being nothing more than a shoddy attempt at a mainstream art film with nothing to offer.
The most irritating aspect of the whole thing is how good the film was at its core. It could have been so great suspense thriller. It could have possibly surpassed DONNIE DARKO. But even as the suspense rises and we truly begin to wonder how this will all smash together, we are in for a let down, as there is no perfect ending moment.
Unfortunately, Kelly does not feel like delving into the full potential of the story, and he ultimately settles for a film that could only be considered a second-rate thriller.
This review of The Box (2009) was written by Joe M on 10 Apr 2012.
The Box has generally received mixed reviews.
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