Rating: 4.5/10

Writer: Richard Matheson (short story), Richard Kelly (screenplay)
Director: Richard Kelly
Cast: James Marsden, Cameron Diaz, Frank Langella
Studio: Warner Bros.

As a director Richard Kelly has made a great film and also a truly awful film before his latest film, THE BOX, and he has only directed two films before THE BOX. Kelly is the twisted genius who made one of the most beloved cult films in the last decade in DONNIE DARKO. He is also the hack that made the overstuffed, wretched mess that is SOUTHLAND TALES.

With such a huge discrepancy in quality between his first two films, I was very eager to see THE BOX not just because it looked cool, but it because it would give us a more an idea of where Kelly really is at as a filmmaker. Sadly, THE BOX is closer to SOUTHLAND TALES than DONNIE DARKO, and Kelly is now 1 for 3 as a filmmaker and not looking too promising.

Where does Kelly take his BOX? I will not get too in-depth, I don’t want to ruin anything for you. I will say that THE BOX seems to be a morality tale for around its first thirty minutes, but not a convincing one. It does not seem like the characters are very worried about making a decision that could kill another human being. There is not enough bickering or worrying done by the couple of Arthur and Norma Lewis (James Marsden and Cameron Diaz) in THE BOX over their decision. This is probably because Kelly doesn’t really care too much about the moral dilemma, he wants to get to the weird trippy shit (perfect use of that word). After we leave morality land, THE BOX becomes a government conspiracy film for a little while, before finally unfolding into an ill-conceived sci-fi story that Kelly seems to be coming up with on the spot.

THE BOX is ultimately a movie of silly twists and underdeveloped, or altogether abandoned, plot developments. There is a scene in a library that comes out of nowhere and features realms and other dimensions. Why? Likely so Kelly can indulge his hyperactive science fiction-loving inner child, which is exactly what he seems to be doing through most of the film’s second half. Although, let me be clear about one very important thing, THE BOX isn’t nearly as random or as stupid as SOUTHLAND TALES. The film’s ideas do get pretty unfocused and wobbly at times, but not nearly on the level of SOUTHLAND TALES.

THE BOX does have some positives. The film’s score, done by Arcade Fire, comes off as a well-done homage to the soundtracks of old school horror films. Also, the film looks pretty cool; interesting shots and sleek visuals do tend to appear in THE BOX.

Yes, THE BOX does contain a musical score and visuals that are above-average. Unfortunately, the film as a whole is a disappointment. As Richard Kelly is now one for three with feature films, it is already looking like his best days are behind him as a director.