The Box

It’s been very long since a film made me feel so nervous and uncomfortable. The Box has a great atmosphere, a surprisingly brilliant digital retro look and a disturbing story. The direction is quite insane, but with a style that you can tell is intentional. And Frank Langella in the role of a “weird fellow” is almost the incarnation of my nightmares. (12/13/2009)

I can say for myself that I really enjoyed The Box, and if the director and screenwriter in-one had waited a little longer with the point and the tension had increased, my satisfaction would have been maximum. I realize that even many famous films often don't work at their core. Here, the mysterious atmosphere and omnipresent tension work very well. Actually, the only significant criticism I would have is towards Cameron Diaz's casting. Sweet Cameron, may she not be mad at me, has always been and remains just a typecast actress with limited range. In a film like The Box, the viewer's impression primarily depends on the performances, and it requires someone from among the best character actresses. I don't know, maybe Cameron Diaz was involved in the film as a co-producer, or the production demanded a famous face, but in any case, it was a mistake. Overall impression: 75%. (01/11/2015)

The Box offers an interesting premise and a unique, intoxicating atmosphere (music, set designs and the overall retro feel of everything from the costumes to the wallpaper). Too bad that the sci-fi plot in the background of the story is so phantasmagorical that you cannot take the film seriously. But it’s worth seeing this anyway as a creative trip, inspiring longer discussions than most unoriginal, formulaic sci-fi thrillers. (02/08/2010)

I think Kelly's gonna give me an ulcer. The man is unbelievable. His films have wonderful elements in them. In the case of The Box, it's the box itself and its concept, the elements of sci-fi, and the excellent retro style. However, as you try to piece it together and follow the film, similar feelings arise as with Apocalypse or Donnie Darko. There are too many themes here. Kelly tries to present his ideas as pivotal, but at the same time, he can't avoid B-movie qualities and he lacks perspective. Kelly just doesn't work for me, and The Box is just further proof of that. There are some great ideas, but they lack consistency. The point is good, but unfortunately you also realize how banal it all is. (05/15/2014)

Ugh, we've ended up someplace completely different... I expected a lot from this movie. Unfortunately my expectations were not met. The movie was so bland and flavorless and there was too much unnecessary sci-fi. I do appreciate how it could be confusing, since I had to check about three times to make sure the film was from 2009. The clothes, home furnishings, and overall atmosphere are more in keeping with the time 20 years ago. A bit unhinged, but again, boringly unhinged. (10/30/2010)