The Box (2009) PG13 - 2½ Stars

The best thing about this movie is the special effects of Frank Langella's scarred face. It had me staring in amazement of how well that was done. With Cameron Diaz starring, it has to be great right? Not! Wow, I was so disappointed, as the trailer looked so very thrilling. The beginning is okay but really, why would anyone take a box from a complete stranger and even listen to what he had to say about it. And if the stranger explained the consequences of pushing the button, why did he leave out the most important part of their greediness? What is the point of the movie taken in an earllier time period, 1976? The family is selected based strictly on their work background. Without saying to much about that, well really I can't say too much about that because I am pretty lost there, I did like the very ending with the box being passed to another. But, the middle of the movie has little direction and the outcome is preposterous. Cameron, must have saw the trailer too which is why she probably signed on for this let down.

Norma Lewis (Cameron Diaz), her husband Arthur (James Marsden), and son Walter (Sam Oz Stone), are living a basically normal life until a strange package arrives at their door steps. The door bell is rung, no one is there, just a plain brown wrapped box as a car drives away. The family opens the package to find a wooden box with a domed glass top covering a large red button. The box is locked and no key is included so they think it must be some part of a surprise for an upcoming wedding they will be attending.

Arlington Steward (Frank Langella), shows up at the front door while Norma is home alone and explains the purpose of box. It's simple, she only need take the key he is offering, open the box and press the button. For doing this, she will be paid one million dollars. But, there is one big consequence. Once the button is pushed, someone, somewhere in the world will die.


Lin Pictures, 1821 Pictures, Darko Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Richard Kelly
Writer: Richard Kelly
Producers: Sean McKittrick, Kelly McKittrick, Richard Kelly

I viewed 3/10