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Well now, isn't THE BOX just one odd little film. I was really expecting one thing when I stuck this one in the player and got a totally different viewing experience then I could have imagined.
The Box is based on a Richard Matheson short story title BUTTON, BUTTON and it basically tells the tale of "if something looks to good to be true, it probably is."
I don't want to get into any real in depth story discussion here because it would be very easy to ruin this film for you with just a few short sentences. I will set the stage for you though.
LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD.
The film opens with a young couple finding a box wrapped in plain brown paper on their door step one morning. There is no explanation only a note stating that a gentleman by the name of Mr. Steward will stop by at 5 PM to explain. Mr. Steward shows up as promised and explains that should the big red button on top of the box be pushed, two things will happen. The family will receive one million dollars and someone somewhere in the world, who the family does not know, will die.
They are told they have 24 hours to keep the box and make their choice. Mr. Steward leaves and the family find themselves wrapped up into a huge moral dilemma. They desperately need the money but the though of someone dying so that they can have it proves difficult for them to over come.
Needless to say, the button ends up being pushed and a series of events are set into motion that will change things forever. I'm stopping with the play by play here as the story arcs off in a couple of really odd directions but I think the film is best enjoyed the same way I watched it, kind of starring at the screen going, WTF?
I had no idea that THE BOX was going to take a more sci-fi route but it most definitely veers strongly in that direction and in the end, at least for me, end up playing out like a long TWILIGHT ZONE episode.
The film is well acted with Diaz taking a much needed turn to the dramatic side of things. This is not a break out performance for her but it is strong and she comes out of this one well. I would like to see her spread her dramatic wings again, she has the chops I think.
Frank Langella is strong, he's always strong. I've enjoyed him on many of the roles he's played from his turn as DRACULA oh so many years ago to his role as the presidents chief of staff in DAVE. He can always be counted on for a strong believeable performance. THE BOX is no different. He executes his turn as Mr. Steward flawlessly even when the poor CGI face disfigurement FX tries to distract you his strong performance brings you right back.
Don't stick this one in the player expecting a high action, high body count blood and guts horror film, this isn't that kind of ride. A slow steady build up with a lot of twists and turns is more this one's style and give it time and stick with it. You'll have more than a few "what the hell is going on" moments but give the writers the time and all gets explained.
I cant 'give THE BOX a rousing "see it now at all costs" praising but I did find the film interesting and when the weird stuff started happening I had to hang on till the end to see just what the hell was going on. As far as special features go the only offering is an interview with author Richard Matheson titled IN HIS OWN WORDS.
Get it on Blu-ray, DVD and Download February 23rd.
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