The Box (2009) with Trailer

This is the first of hopefully few films that I wish I never had spent any time on. It drove me insane to say the least. I was so hoping to enjoy (no, actually adore) this film that I was left feeling very disappointed. Maybe I'd pinned my hopes on this film being as interesting and intriguing as Richard Kellys previous works (Donnie Darko and Southland Tales). It feels like a missed opportunity and I feel cheated and want my 115 minutes back.

I usually try not to spoil a film by writing too much about the story or giving the ending away but if you do wish to endure this torture of a film then I would advise you not to carry on reading. The basic premise is that a young family (The Lewis's played by Cameron Diaz and James Marsden) are given an opportunity to become rich very quickly and simply just by pressing a button. Bang! There are drawbacks and stipulations to this offer (of course). When they push the button they will be paid a guaranteed sum of one million dollars and the other guarantee is that someone, somewhere in the world, who they don't know, will die. Sounds interesting....right? That's what I thought till I got to the end.

There isn't anything wrong with the idea or premise which was based on a short story by Richard Matheson which also, was adapted to TV by the show The Twilight Zone (and therein lies the problem). It's just an hour too long! The film seems to try to cram in too many ideas and convoluted plots which stalls the film mid way through. I did actually enjoy the first half an hour or so, wondering where this would be going. Of course they push the button and the leading consequences towards an inevitable ending just got more and more baffling and tirelessly unbearable to watch. This idea would be better suited as a short film/TV adaptation.

Interesting ideas aside, the film suffers from it own inability to gel into a cohesive narrative. The tone is difficult to describe. It starts off like a mystery/thriller/suspense and starts veering off into more of a science fiction flick and it seems to be lacking in clear direction. What was Mr Kelly trying to prove...? I can fit so many ideas in you won't be able to tell or care what really happens to the Lewis family (and to be honest with you I stop caring when they started to do idiotic and stupid things).

It's just questions after questions...Why can't films be a little bit more simpler and not try to make you think about a dozen things and hope they can pass it off as entertainment. Nosebleeds, multiple boxes, vessels, transportation, Mars, NASA, wind tunnels, zombie-like followers...the list of weird oddities goes on. It's just a little too much info and not enough clear sense. I don't mind being challenged but this is taking the proverbial biscuit. There is no clear reason as to why people are being given boxes with buttons on (you would push it) and it seems no one will ever learn the lesson. It's an experiment (apparently) we learn later on through the film but what are they trying to learn from us. People are greedy..?

Arlington Steward (Frank Langella)

The film isn't without some merit, It does have some glimpses of mild entertainment and enjoyment. Frank Langella plays the mysterious Arlington Steward very effectively, he is creepy and ominous and the scene always feels a lot more menacing when he's onscreen. Some of the dialogue is very well written and are very creepy (and humorous). The liquid transportation into the bedroom is impressive and what little effects are on show are done well.

I feel that, maybe if you haven't got such a high expectation from the director who I felt made a effortless feature debut with an abundance of promising talent, you may enjoy it but I would never wish to inflict this nonsense on even my worst enemy. It left me frustrated and disappointed. Even with a downbeat ending, it doesn't feel like it should have ended that way. I'm all for downbeat endings but I just didn't care in the end.

5/20