The Box (2009)
Mature themes and violence
| Director: | Richard Kelly |
| Actors: | James Marsden, Cameron Diaz, Frank Langella |
Norma (Cameron Diaz) and Arthur Lewis (James Marsden), a suburban couple with a young child, receive a simple wooden box as a gift, which bears fatal and irrevocable consequences. A mysterious stranger, delivers the message that the box promises to bestow upon its owner $1 million with the press of a button. But, pressing this button will simultaneously cause the death of another human being somewhere in the world; someone they don't know. With just 24 hours to have the box in their possession, Norma and Arthur find themselves in the cross-hairs of a startling moral dilemma and must face the true nature of their humanity.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 115mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (87)
87 Member
Reviews
Andrew
says
The longer this movie goes, the sillier it gets. It's like a 12-inch mix of a Twilight Zone episode, so basically it's 100 minutes too long.
Karli
says
The storyling seems intriguing, but once you start to watch the film it was SO disappointing, storyline was ridiculous - a complete waste of time!
Maxine Sticher
says
The Box was intriguing for the fact that this little box simplicity in its' design could actually kill someone from afar. It is also that other beings from another planet are actually trying to work out the human emotion for greed. To press a button and get One million dollars who would not think about that. The end result is though the person who presses the button dies and the husband/spouse goes to jail. Leaving their children to inherit the money in a trust later. Is greed and money worth the life of some one you don't know? Isn't your life and the harmony of a family worth more than money can buy.??
Liz x
says
A fairly thin storyline with not enough substance to last the length of the movie. Acting was good. Felt the director tacked on the ending in case someone could be convinced to fund a sequel - or perhaps to add a couple of minutes to the finished movie length. There was no other apparent reason for the final scene,
Personally, would not watch this again.
MDM
says
This was orginally a short twightlight series episode "button, button".
I saw this when I was a kid and always remembered it as a great storyline. However, this movie tried to add too much alien/NSA and other conspiracy issues onto the back of it. Very disapointing.
zags
says
very, very weird. occasionally interesting but very strange. horrible ending
JK
says
I can't believe I wasted almost 2 hours of my life watching this film. I kept watching in the hope that something good would happen and there would be a decent ending .... how very wrong I was! It didn't even make sense, I can't even begin to explain what the film was about!
Lloyd
says
A brave try but this short story doesnt work as a feature film. A couple get a strange box from a stranger and if they use the box they get a million but a stranger dies but all is not what it seems. The acting def deserves this 2 stars as its well done acepet diaz sounds fake with a southern accent like someone taped over her voice. Langella comes off best thou he was better in Brainscan. The direction starts off well but it gets more and more silly till it falls apart at the end. It comes across as they were making it up as they went and they never explain anything. Nothing speical effects wise apart from a cool water effect so the film is quite tame. An average movie at best and horror fans can do much better then this as I found it more frustrating then entertaining.
ka-tet
says
First saw this as a half hour Alfred Hitchcock Presents special more than 20 years ago, and it may have been the first story to blind side me because it stayed with me all this time. Amused to see the first 30 minutes play out pretty much the same way right up to what should have been the last line. But that wasn't enough for the Donnie Darko director who thinks he has added another twist by convoluting a story that was beautiful in its simplicity.
Tracey
says
This would have to be the most boring movie I've seen in a while. The whole movie was the man buried in the box. No other filming took place. This must have been the most least expensive movie ever made. Don't waste your time!
Annie
says
Don't bother. Another crap post-modern movie that doesn't make any sense, make any points or have an ending.
antonella
says
Didn't watch it when i read the back of cover to see what is was about knew i can't watch scary movies alone.. so just returned it!
Matthew B.
says
Intriguing but quite often just doesn't make sense.
Susanne
says
What absolute rubbish. Easily the worst movie we have seen in a long time.
Do not bother putting this one in your queue.
Tanya
says
Wierd movie but must admit I cried at the end. Wish it ended differently.
Fiona
says
No ending, couldn't quiet follow the story line
robeert
says
not what i expected
Shelly
says
Oh my God, what the hell?? This movie just did not make any sense at all. Did they Chloroform Cameron Diaz to do this movie? One of the worst movies I have seen. Any Pamela Anderson movie is an improvement on this rubbish.
em
says
worst movie I think I have ever seen!
rosslyn
says
a very bad movie, don't waste your time.
coco
says
not worth watching, did not understand most of it until the ending
Arni
says
Started well but ended rubbish. I am a sci fi head and I did not get and still don't get the ending. Probably would not bother
Gigi D
says
This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The idea of the storyline sounded good
but the movie itself was slow and a waste of time.
BjAY
says
The movie 'The Box' deserves to be put IN a box, 6 feet under. What a shocker!!
Fulcrum
says
Starts off well with an intriguing question - "will a nice but financially struggling couple press a button on a mysterious box to get a million dollars, knowing that some stranger will die?". It then veers off into a confusing miss mash as characters come and go and slick set piece scenes raise questions that are never answered. The ending left me saying 'Huh?' and feeling cheated.
Brindle
says
Ohhh its freaky! With a hint of "Sixth Sense", this movie will make you sit back and think.... WHAT THE!?!?! Loved it, DiCaprio is spellbinding and Mark Ruffalo is brilliant. A great movie - will watch it again.
Nat
says
Strange movie - hard to follow and bizarre story line
Jana
says
I have no idea what possessed Cameron Diaz or James Marsden to do this movie! It is intriguing for the first 20mins then you seriously have no idea where it is going. Congratulations on being the most terrible movie I have ever seen.
TC
says
Not worth the time.
shaun
says
weird movie - really out there, bizarre. Not sure what they were trying to prove or what message.
Marilyn
says
Not bad, bit hard to follow but sat through it anyway, not recommended
stayaway
says
Contender for worst movie of all time.
I can sit through and enjoy some pretty far out stuff. But the big problem with The Box is that there is far too much of the story which is unrelated and not linked to the other parts.
The part sci-fi, part natural cohesion was just terrible
Geraldine
says
One of the most interesting movies we have seen. It kept us totally hooked. My partner and I were most pleased when we found out that this was a sifi as well. Helps not to have heard too much about a movie before seeing it for ourselves.
Totally enjoyed it.
Crepha
says
Very slow start. Couldn't get involved in the movie. Not sure if it was the actors or the direction. Not at all exciting.
Anita
says
Found this movie to be hard to follow and not overly good.
mary t
says
I started off very intrigued in this movie but as it went on it became confusing and too unrealistic and was all over the place. I didnt like it at all at the end.
Clare
says
The preview of this movie looked good but I was very disappointed with the movie. The plot line couldn't really sustain the movie so it was filled up with things that didn't make sense and other repetitive fillers. It ight of been ok for a short film but not for a feature length.
A. Tapaatoutai
says
alright
Tania
says
One of the worst movies I have watched in a while - the ending made absolutely no sense and the movie was incredibly slow and nonsensical - don't waste your time.
Anita L.
says
I found this movie a little strange. I thought be more of a thriller and keep me in suspense. It's part conspiracy theory, part 'what would you do in their situation'. In the end credits, it said 'inspired by the short story'. I would have preferred a short story. I found the movie a bit too long.
Kara
says
has to be the worst "thriller" ever, gave up watching it because it was so boring
janie
says
bad...bad....bad movie. this is definitely a case of buyer beware!!!!!!!
suzie
says
this is without a doubt the worst movie I have ever watched! Not that I watch it all - what was Cameron Diaz thinking!!!
lizziemun
says
Another aliens-controlling-the-destiny-of-earthlings-who-are-not-worthy story. Interesting and keeps you guessing but is a bit silly and disjointed in places. If you like sci - fi there may be enough there to keep you watching - otherwise I'm not sure.
annon
says
weird!!!! i didnt mind it but it ended and i went what the!! i didnt get the ending, is there another part coming?? as i said weird!!!
ashmalog
says
cameron diaz - not one of her better films. very slow and repetative. i ended up watching this bit by bit as it was boring.
ie
says
Quite enjoyable - think it tried too hard to be a bit weird. Think someone has already commented - not sure if it was being religious or alieny (or both) ...
JG
says
I feel dumber for having watched this movie!! What a load of chaff!!
Liz C
says
I enjoyed this film but it would have worked so much better as an hour's episode of 'The Twilight Zone'. There just wasn't enough story to last through an entire movie. Marsden and Diaz normally play comic roles but were playing against type here and that was interesting to watch. Quite a lot of Kubrick references to keep me entertained as well. Not a great film but it's Richard Kelly and he always comes up with something a little bit off kilter.
Scott P.
says
Bit of a let down for the actors involved in this movie. Definately could have been better.
Mars
says
One of the worst movies I have seen. No stars.
Sarah. S.
says
I don't like movies that leave me STILL confused when it ends. I think it was a cool idea and everyone acted well.... but what was it all about????
Art S.
says
The Twilight Zone premise roped me in (press the button, get a million, some stranger dies) and there is a general level of creepiness maintained throughout which is good. BUT, it just doesn't hold together (bad editing or bad writing, not sure which).
Leo
says
Very "Twilight Zone" and although I'm not a Cameron Diaz fan she does act well (not over the top!) in this film. Some twists and turns and that sense of spooky inevitability. Not edge of your seat but watchable.
Kerrie F.
says
An interesting concept, but a bit confusing in places.
Snosey
says
Interesting but a little out there - Hated the ending!
Karen
says
Good movie, acting could have been slightly more authentic with the dying scenes otherwise overall kept me interested in just what was going on til the last 15 minutes. The ending was rather weird, so basically you're left to think how you would've liked it to end. Anyway if like a light thriller/drama/sci-fi then this is worth the watch.
Jenny
says
I thought it a bit freaky but it was watchable : ]
Maggie
says
This was a very interesting movie and this is definately on the HIGHER scale of TWO. I don't know if it was Alien inspired or GODLY inspired, but defianately did not see it coming. Infact I left the movie a little confused-lol.
Ben
says
This movie should have never been let out of the box. Terrible!!!!
Janine
says
I agree with some of the other reviews, this would have been better if left to follow the short story that inspired it. To much has been added to pad out the time. The original plot line is very good and gives you a lot to think about.
BJ Carter
says
Richard Kelly once again weaves his disturbing web and flips the movie on its head about half way through. Great stuff!
Rickie A.
says
This movie had one good idea and totally stuffed it up. just read the desciption its the best bit and don't bother to watch the movie as it has nothing to add.
Guy D.
says
My wifw atched it and said 'if you like the first twenty minutes you'll like the movie, otherwise don't bother.'
I didn't like the first twenty minutes. Don't bother
Leah
says
Unreal, I really liked the concept of this movie-trippy! A bit slow but once it kicks in its great.
Ann E.
says
Yes well this is certainly a strtange movie. . . it is 'The X Files' meets 'Pay It Forward', I assume 'aliens' have decided to 'test' the human race by tempting them with lots of money against our love for our fellow man while deciding if we are worthy of existing? ? ? ? Sadly they find us somewhat lacking! ! ! ! It left me feeling very depressed.
Rod L.
says
An intriguing sci fi thriller based on Richard Matheson's short story, "Button Button". The storytelling is a little uneven but acting is good and the storyline is odd enough to keep you curious. As the plot progresses however, you need to focus more to keep with the bizarre twists that develop.
Leon P.
says
absolutely terrible.....
started well, but thats it.
Terrible storyline and plot.
But if your having any trouble sleeping at night i highly recommend you watch this movie as it is sure to put you to sleep.....
2 BIG THUMBS DOWN!!!!!
Celeste
says
This movie was shocking. Dont bother!
Ann
says
not as good as I thought it would be but ok
Joy S.
says
This was an extremely depressing story, if you're looking for a feel good movie try something else!
Patricia
says
What the heck was this movie about? And whoever wrote that review about the 'real person behind it' in the window at the end? What is THAT about? Is there ANYONE who can actually explain this movie out there? I will never get those hours back!!!
Michelle H.
says
The movie that could have been good! Had me captured until the movie went into a rediculous direction. Pointless and very disappointing!
Vonna E.
says
Probably one of the worst movies I've seen!! Long, slow, weird, boring, confusing. Don't even bother opening the box!!
Jane T.
says
Just one word for this movie.......LAME!
Ian
says
What The?????
Mischa
says
Did not really make a lot of sense - Bizarre!
Tracey H.
says
Disappointed with this film - I just didn't get it !!! I really like Cameron Diaz, but what was she doiing in this ???
Aloma C.
says
Don't watch it!!!! It is really pointless. The meaning of the film could have been presented in a much more realistic way. Very bizarre!!!
Amour S.
says
An interesting turn of events at the very last minute. You wonder who is behind it all and then there he is. In the window. You would have to watch the whole movie. It was alright, I don't think I would watch it twice. I am not sure with the accents they are using, just does not seem right to hear it unless there is something wrong with my tv sound.
Stewart J.
says
This movie is a disconnected shambles: the director has taken a 6-page short story, mixed in the true story of his parents and then added in some ridiculous and disjointed science-fiction to flesh out 90 minutes. It's confusing, pointless and unsatisfying.
Jodie J.
says
It started off looking tlike it was was going to a great thinking person's type of movie. However....it quickly went downhill with pointless 'clues' which lead to a ending which leaves you thinking what was the point of all that? Really disappointing... get something else!
Trent S.
says
Richard Kelly curbs (most of) his excesses to deliver an intriguing little sci fi thriller that (mostly) makes sense, unless you'd rather see Cameron Diaz in Charlie's Angles 3.
Sunet N.
says
I felt I have wasted my time watching this. What a stupid flick! It's as dumb as The Happening. It's like they had a good start and then didn't know where to go, what to say ... Very awkward and if Cameron Diaz could stick to light comedies, THANX! It says Thriller? Where is the thrill. It's slow, boring as nothing is happening. It'll be hard for all viewers not to push fast forward.
A non-sense SFX movie to leave in its box.
Lharry
says
a movie that is 'out of the box' . Cameron Diaz is fantastic without the usual light 'fluff' humour. make sure you can watch unterrupted as every minute of this movie leads to the climax. 4&half stars on this one!!
Apaullyn E.
says
good
Kieran P.
says
Can someone please explain what the point of this movie was? Unfortunately I will not be able to get that hour and a half of my life back. An absolute shocker!!!!! Please do yourself a favour and don't press the button (to add it to your queue).