'The Box' Movie Review

Hi Grace! I love your show and watch every episode faithfully; I enjoy having multiple perspectives on a movie from regular movie-goers, and you are, of course, a most wonderful host! This time, however, I really feel that someone needs to speak up on behalf of The Box, because (at least in this viewer's opinion) it was a GREAT movie. I'd give it a 9, easily. It was intense and involving right from the get-go. Somewhere between a Hitchcock thriller and a classic science fiction tale, what made all the mind-bending weirdness (and there was lots!) work was the humanity behind it; as in Donnie Darko, Richard Kelly has created a cast of relatable but unusual characters, and the acting talent brings them to life with great skill and emotion. I don't believe I have ever been so impressed by Ms. Diaz or Mr. Marsden, and Frank Langella is in top form here, even with part of his face missing. And why is his face missing? There is in fact a good explanation for this (he was struck by lightning), and this disfigurement plays an important role in the plot. As does the 1970s setting: connected to many of the mysterious events in the story is the 1976 landing of the Viking probe to Mars. I also felt that the setting helped give the movie much of its unique character, in many ways making it more "real" than if he had simply used a generic "modern day" setting. The other thing that I feel really deserves a mention when talking about this movie is the SOUNDTRACK. Composed by Win Butler and Regine Chassagne of Arcade Fire and Owen Pallett of Final Fantasy, it is truly a classic film score, harkening back to the feel of Bernard Hermann's music while being truly unique. It was unsettling and powerful and is one of the best pieces of music composed for film that I've heard in some time. I loved this movie and just wanted to share my enthusiasm! Thanks so much for the show!

I have tried twice to get through Donnie Darko and fell asleep both times, which is quite a feat for someone who almost never falls asleep during even a terrible movie. Maybe the third time will be the charm? It seems like it would be difficult to apply Cameron Diaz' megawatt smile to a PG-13 thriller and James Marsden shines on a case by case basis, although I loved him as the snarky Cyclops in X-Men (no I didn't see Enchanted or Hairspray, sorry!). Though he didn't withstand Ratner-ification in X:3. Tisk tisk, Frank Langella. I guess a guy's gotta work.

Donnie darko was quite a good movie it freaked me out. But The Box wasnt one of richard kellys best films.

Although I'm sure the idea of this movie was made before it,this movie really reminds of of a popular short film on youtube called the black box and the ending has something to do with heaven and hell.And I agree why is the plot in the 70s and why does Frank Langella have like half of a face? I'm confused?