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The Box: An Inadequate Package to Unwrap

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:30:56 PST

I so wanted The Box to be a worthy successor to Donnie Darko, director Richard Kelly's first film and much-appreciated cult fave. Unfortunately, I didn't exactly get my wish.

The Box is a highly stylized, good-looking thriller, from the retro 1976 Virginia setting to the Barbie and Ken looks of leads Cameron Diaz and James Marsden. They play husband and wife Arthur and Norma Lewis, who run into a bit of a financial jam when a strange opportunity conveniently presents itself. A creepy, disfigured man (Frank Langella) offers them a million dollars if they push a button inside a box - but a stranger will die if they do.

Kelly has all the right elements and the creativity to give us a hip, entertaining thriller, but there are a number of blatant missteps that make the movie unsatisfying. To see more about what I mean, just

read more. Kelly puts his stamp on everything, namely the constant eerie atmosphere and the random sinister characters (apparently an old person standing still in the road is his trademark). Though many questioned the casting of Cameron Diaz and her requisite Virginia accent, there was a similar doubt when Drew Barrymore and Patrick Swayze were cast in Darko, and it ended up working. With Diaz, it's not that I would say that she nailed the part, but that the accent and greater aspects of the plot are very campy. And I like campy, but I don't know if that's what the film is going for. If you're not taking it seriously, the movie is a pretty good time, with some frightening scenes and jumps. There are also many parts that are supposed to be creepy, but they're so labored that they come out as funny. Like, laugh out loud in the theater funny. I wouldn't call that a failure, I'd just invoke the term I used before: campy. The major problem the movie runs into is when it begins exploring these sci-fi and supernatural angles, which end up being red herrings. For instance, much is made of Arthur's job at NASA and Mars, which made me think we were in for a weird, wild sci-fi ride. I was ready to embrace something really out there (I'm a big David Lynch fan, after all), but you don't really get it. There are so many elements that are introduced but never followed to a conclusion, so you're left shrugging your shoulders when the movie ends. It's even more perplexing because the mystery of The Box itself is explained, but you're left with all these details that went nowhere, in retrospect. It's one thing to leave things open-ended, but you have to give the audience something to work with. Honestly, if you're a Kelly fan, you'll probably find it enjoyable. But if you want complete resolution, I'd wait for the director's cut.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

Cameron Diaz Leaves London and Heads to Comic-Con

Molly — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:07:59 PDT

Cameron Diaz was decked out in her new favorite travel outfit when she arrived at LAX from London yesterday. While she was overseas, Cameron apparently enjoyed attention from both Jude Law and Leonardo DiCaprio - though you are all pretty split over which guy would be a better match. She was paired with a few new male faces today when she appeared at Comic-Con in San Diego. Cameron joined James Marsden and director Richard Kelly to chat about The Box, which looks like a promising thriller despite its unusual premise.

To see more of Cameron just read more.

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Movie Preview: The Box

BuzzSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:45:42 PDT

I've been watching out for director Richard Kelly's (Donnie Darko) movie The Box for a long time now, and I'm excited to say that while the premise sounds odd/silly, I think this could turn out to be a great film. Cameron Diaz and James Marsden play married couple Norma and Arthur Lewis who have a pretty storybook life but eventually run into money troubles. Cue very creepy music and Frank Langella showing up on their doorstep with a box. He tells them that if they push the button in the box someone they do not know will die and they will receive a lot of money.

Again, it sounds silly but so did a movie about a teenage boy who talks to a bunny rabbit named Frank, and we know how well that turned out (really well). The trailer is weird and creepy, and totally smacks of Richard Kelly. Count me in! The movie will hit theaters Oct. 30. To watch the trailer for yourself,

read more. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Would You Go See a Donnie Darko Sequel?

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:30:06 PDT

There's a crazy bit of news floating around today that the 2001 cult classic, Donnie Darko might get a sequel. According to one story, this new film would pick up "seven years after the first film when little sister Samantha Darko and her best friend Corey are now 18 and on a roadtrip to Los Angeles when they are plagued by bizarre visions."

Daveigh Chase, who originally played Donnie's sister, is on board and but that's about it from the original Darko team.

The first film earned a devoted following due to writer-director Richard Kelly's knack for eerie, strange storytelling. Dorm room conversations have never been the same ever since Kelly tantalized his fans with philosophies about time travel and alternate universes. Seriously, people have spent a lot of time breaking down this movie! It's hard to imagine these folks would be happy with a sequel without his involvement or at the very least his blessing.

What do you think? Is this something you would check out?

Source

Cameron Diaz Scores Role in Horror Film

BuzzSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:14:27 PDT

The news:
Cameron Diaz will be trying her hand at a thriller, The Box.

Why I'm excited:
The movie is written and directed by Richard Kelly, who also brought us the creepy cult classic Donnie Darko.

What's it about?
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the movie is based on a Richard Matheson short story about an unhappy couple who receive a box with a mysterious button; at the push of the button, they become wealthy - but they also kill someone they don't know.

I'm a little confused:
I can't say I've ever thought of Cameron Diaz as a horror actress; she just seems so perky and giddy and happy all the time.

Odd bit of trivia:
"Button Button," the story The Box will be based on, also was adapted into an episode of "The Twilight Zone" in the '80s.

Source

What's Your Sign, Beautiful? Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Jaime Richards — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:15:00 PST

If popularity contests existed in the literal sense, Aquarians would probably be the winners. Often thought of as cool and somewhat eccentric, Aquarians love to surround themselves with family and friends. Those born under Aquarius, the 11th sign of the zodiac, are typically inventive, original, and want to make the world a better place. This free-spirited bunch is also known for wearing effortless, boho styles. Famous Aquarians include Brandy, Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Christina Ricci, Mischa Barton, and Denise Richards.

To bring out your inner Aquarian beauty: Accentuate your sparkling eyes with a pretty blue or violet shadow, toss your hair back into a carefree ponytail, and spritz yourself with fragrances that are citrus-based, crisp, and airy. Think: eucalyptus, bergamot, blue florals, and purple florals, like lavender. To find out more about the Aquarian-centric products featured above, just keep reading.

Announcing the 2012 Grammy Award Nominations

Rose Curiel — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:51:21 PST

For the second year in a row, the Recording Academy has given a hip-hop artist the most Grammy nominations. Last year, it was rapper Eminem with eight, and this year, Kanye West leads the nominees with seven chances at the golden gramophone, including a song of the year nod for "All of the Lights." West is also nominated twice in the rap album of the year category for his collaboration with Jay-Z on Watch the Throne and his own album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Brit crooner Adele wasn't far behind Kanye, picking up six nominations for her album 21, as well as a shot at song of the year with "Rolling in the Deep."

Bruno Mars also did well, racking up six nominations (that's down one from last year for those keeping track), while newcomers like Nicki Minaj and dubstep artist Skrillex are up for the best new artist category. See what other artists have a chance of walking away with a Grammy during the February 12 award show when you read more

What to TiVo: Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:59:00 PST

8:00 Last Man Standing (new)
8:30 Man Up (new)
9:00 Dancing With the Stars (new)
10:00 Body of Proof (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guest Patricia Heaton and Dancing With the Stars castoff)

8:00 NCIS (new)
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (new)
10:00 Unforgettable (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guests Bill Maher and Nikki Reed)
12:37 The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guests Ewan McGregor and Paula Poundstone)

8:00 Glee (new)
9:00 New Girl (new)
9:30 Raising Hope (new)

8:00 The Biggest Loser (new)
10:00 Parenthood (new)
11:35 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guests Howie Mandel and Snooki)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guests Ben Kingsley and Felicity Jones)

8:00 90210 (new)
9:00 Ringer (new)

Robert Pattinson Gets in a Bow-and-Arrow Battle With Jimmy Fallon

Katie Henry — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:25:56 PST

Robert Pattinson continued his domination over talk shows with a stop by The Late Show With Jimmy Fallon in NYC earlier today. So far this week he's been in the hot seat next to David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel, but things took a turn for the playful during this evening's interview. Rob and Jimmy were equipped with matching bow and arrows and took aim at each other's body parts. Archery may be a new concept for Rob, but his girlfriend, Kristen Stewart, seems to have mastered the ancient sport, along with horseback riding and fencing, for her kick-ass role in Snow White and the Huntsman - check her out in Snow White and the Huntsman's first trailer.

Kristen is currently back in England shooting new scenes for the dark fairy tale, while Rob and Taylor continue promoting their fourth chapter in the Twilight saga. Kristen's name came up in conversation last night during a taped interview with Jimmy Kimmel. Rob tried to describe why Breaking Dawn Part 1 almost got a R rating, which led to an embarrassing moment with his parents, Richard and Clare, watching from the audience. For his visits to the Today show and Live With Regis and Kelly, Rob kept the conversation light and instead of recounting the details of his sex scenes with Kristen, he opted to tell a sweet story about adopting his dog, Bear.

What to TiVo: Wednesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:59:00 PDT

8:00 The Middle (repeat)
8:30 The Middle (repeat)
9:00 Modern Family (repeat)
9:30 Happy Endings (repeat)
10:00 Primetime Nightline: Beyond Belief (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guests Larry David, Molly Shannon, and Matt Nathanson)

8:00 Undercover Boss (repeat)
9:00 Criminal Minds (repeat)
10:00 Blue Bloods (repeat)
11:30 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guest Kevin James)
12:37 Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (repeat, with guests Paul Reiser and Melissa McCarthy)

8:00 So You Think You Can Dance (new)

8:00 The Voice (new)
9:00 America's Got Talent (new)
11:35 Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guests Louis C.K., Richard Engel, and Raphael Saadiq)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guests Elijah Wood and Michael Rapaport)

8:00 America's Next Top Model (repeat)
9:00 America's Next Top Model (repeat)

More shows to watch when you