Preview: The Box (2009)

Synopsis:

A couple, down on their luck, receive a staggering opportunity to press a single button and earn $1 million. The catch. The button will result in one random stranger's death.

• Poster: B-

Review:

The poster is a bit hackneyed, displaying the actors of the film arrayed across the poster with serious expressions and Frank Langella with a box at the center is oddly familiar, though I can't recall where I've seen a similar poster, but it's not so awful that it doesn't fit the film's dark themes.

• Trailer: A-; A-

Review:

The plot is fascinating. Though, it does seem rather tired. However, Cameron Diaz and James Marsten seem to embrace their rolls with some vim and the period-set style make it seem more than your standard thriller.

The possibilities that this will be a terrific genre effort are further cemented in this full length trailer. Not only is the concept intriguing, but the overall design and shot selection from the trailer alone make it look like a potentially great film.

Oscar Prospects:

It's really hard to tell. It's probably too far out there for mainstream Academy tastes, but if critics and audiences agree and love it, it might have an opportunity, though a very limited one.

Release Date:

• November 6, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (June 28, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (July 26, 2009) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (August 9, 2009) New Release Date (changed from 10/30/09)

-Wesley Lovell (September 6, 2009) New Trailer