Movie Reviews: "The Box" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 11-08-2009, 06:52 PM

Movie Reviews: The Box

How much you’re likely to enjoy The Box may well depend on how well you are able to deal with preposterous story lines. Indeed, that word -- “preposterous” -- crops up in many, if not most, of the reviews of the film.

In her mixed review, Manohla Dargis in the New York Times regards The Box as “a serious work that insists on its own seriousness even when it edges toward the preposterous.”

However, Claudia Puig in USA Today writes that “director Richard Kelly has fashioned a preposterous tale that lacks the wit that made his Donnie Darko a cult classic.”

Elizabeth Weitzman in the New York Daily News scoffs at the movie’s “preposterous special effects.”

But Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun-Times, while acknowledging that “preposterous” is “one of my favorite adjectives,” nevertheless goes on to write, “If you make a preposterous movie that isn't boring, I count that as some kind of a triumph.”

He concludes: “This movie kept me involved and intrigued, and for that I'm grateful. I'm beginning to wonder whether, in some situations, absurdity might not be a strength.”

But “boring” is indeed the operative word for several critics. “Have you ever actually tried watching paint dry? A sloth walk? Grass grow?” Asks Betsy Sharkey in the Los Angeles Times. “You can have all the ‘thrills’ with none of the chills courtesy of The Box.”

-IMDB News

JamesG · 11-13-2009, 01:38 AM

Didn't a Twilight Zone episode have the same plot as this?

I know this film is a dud but I'm interested in seeing it as I like Richard Kelly.

Zoneboy · 11-13-2009, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

Didn't a Twilight Zone episode have the same plot as this?

Yes, "The Box" is adapted from the 1985 "Twilight Zone" episode "Button Button" starring Mare Winningham and Brad Davis

Zoneboy · 11-13-2009, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

I know this film is a dud but I'm interested in seeing it as I like Richard Kelly.

How do you know it's a dud if you haven't seen it? It's not fair to judge a movie based on the thoughts of some critic whose opinion is no better than mine or anyone elses. Personally, I rarely watch movies and try my best to avoid them but if the mood does strike me, I'll give a film a chance and without the advice of a critic.

JamesG · 11-13-2009, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

How do you know it's a dud if you haven't seen it? It's not fair to judge a movie based on the thoughts of some critic whose opinion is no better than mine or anyone elses. Personally, I rarely watch movies and try my best to avoid them but if the mood does strike me, I'll give a film a chance and without the advice of a critic.

Well, The Box is a dud in terms of the box office. It's reviews have been mostly mixed to negative and it currently is one of the lowest rated films ever on Cinematical.com

I don't watch movies based on the opinions of critics but I just pointed out that despite this film's negative reception I want to see it.

JamesG · 11-13-2009, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Yes, "The Box" is adapted from the 1985 "Twilight Zone" episode "Button Button" starring Mare Winningham and Brad Davis

And, upon looking it up, the episode was attapted from Richard Matheson's short story of the same name; author of I Am Legend.

Dude111 · 03-21-2024, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

Didn't a Twilight Zone episode have the same plot as this?

Thats what I thought this thread was about but Zoneboy put the title of that episode (Button Button)

Would you press it for all that $$$$$$?? -- Knowing someone YOU DIDNT KNOW would die?? (The next person who pressed the button,it might be YOU!!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

How do you know it's a dud if you haven't seen it? It's not fair to judge a movie based on the thoughts of some critic whose opinion is no better than mine or anyone elses.

Well I know how dumbed down people are now,how they cant act worth a damn.

I HAVE NO INTEREST OF SEEING ANYTHING AFTER ABOUT 2OO6 (I like that movie FIREWALL but I dont like anything after it)

11-08-2009, 06:52 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,136	Movie Reviews: "The Box" Movie Reviews: The Box How much you’re likely to enjoy The Box may well depend on how well you are able to deal with preposterous story lines. Indeed, that word -- “preposterous” -- crops up in many, if not most, of the reviews of the film. In her mixed review, Manohla Dargis in the New York Times regards The Box as “a serious work that insists on its own seriousness even when it edges toward the preposterous.” However, Claudia Puig in USA Today writes that “director Richard Kelly has fashioned a preposterous tale that lacks the wit that made his Donnie Darko a cult classic.” Elizabeth Weitzman in the New York Daily News scoffs at the movie’s “preposterous special effects.” But Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun-Times, while acknowledging that “preposterous” is “one of my favorite adjectives,” nevertheless goes on to write, “If you make a preposterous movie that isn't boring, I count that as some kind of a triumph.” He concludes: “This movie kept me involved and intrigued, and for that I'm grateful. I'm beginning to wonder whether, in some situations, absurdity might not be a strength.” But “boring” is indeed the operative word for several critics. “Have you ever actually tried watching paint dry? A sloth walk? Grass grow?” Asks Betsy Sharkey in the Los Angeles Times. “You can have all the ‘thrills’ with none of the chills courtesy of The Box.” -IMDB News

11-13-2009, 01:38 AM	#2
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,136	Didn't a Twilight Zone episode have the same plot as this? I know this film is a dud but I'm interested in seeing it as I like Richard Kelly.