The Story:
Set in the 70’s, the story begins when a couple answer a knock at their door, but only find an abandoned box on the step. On opening the box they find another, with a domed top protecting a red button and an envelope notifying them that a man will be around the next day with an explanation of the bizarre instrument. Without fail the next morning a strange man with a quarter of his face burned off named Arlington Stewart comes baring a key as well as rules to The Box, If you press the button you will receive $1,000,000.00 cash, the only downside is somebody you don’t know will die.
The Characters:
The character development in the movie kept me interested enough to continue watching. I thought both Cameron Diaz, and James Marsden did an excellent job playing the couple, desperately second guessing they’re obvious decision, and racing against the clock to figure out all the secrets behind the box. The character of Arlington Stewart is played with a creepy mystique, but that unfortunately fades away with the story. Other ‘extra’ villains came off too hammy sometimes ruining the mood of the situation.
Effects/Gore:
Mr. Stewart’s face is the largest effect of the movie. It’s a disturbed effect in the way that when you look, the scar looks too clean;there’s something off putting about it. In the end the effect just adds to the mystery and menace behind the old man. Other computer effects in the movie look pretty weak considering the year it was filmed.
Lasting Appeal:
Overall the movie had me looking at my watch way too often. Slow pacing and an over thought script drags through the last hour of what could have been a neat little sci-fi mind fuck.
Final Headcount:
There’s too many unknown strings attached to pressing the button that are never presented before the cash is received. Rather than being genuinely remorseful over the choice, the characters are forced into regret through the paranoia of they’re own survival. The two hour running time felt stretched out, and couldn’t hold our interest after the halfway mark.
