THE BOX **

Richard Kelly wrote the screenplay and directed this Thriller which stars: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some violence and disturbing images. Running time is one hour and fifty-five minutes.

A teacher (Diaz) at a private high school and her husband (Marsden) are an average couple living a normal life in the suburbs with their young son...until a mysterious man (Langella) with a horribly disfigured face appears on their doorstep and presents her with a box containing a button that, if pushed, brings you a million dollars...but simultaneously takes the life of someone you don't know.Based on a short story by Richard Matheson.

I vaguely remember reading the short story this film is based on but I don't think it's plot resembles the film's to any great extent. The screenplay is much closer to a sci-fi tale than a thriller. Unfortunately, the original premise has been stretched to encompass a much larger story and I don't think it works. It's confusing rather than expansive. It will keep you interested throughout but when it's over if you're like me you're going to be saying, "huh?". Yet, while it was disappointing it could act as the start of a spirited discussion on some of the moral questions it raises. The DVD version will be more than suitable for those who think they want to see it.