Epic, Artistic, Beuatiful and Disturbing
Added 11/7/2009
This movie is great, and even greater on blu-ray! It is full of many amazing scenes that are both disturbing and artistically beautiful at the same time. I'm not even a J-Lo fan but she is great in this film, and Vincent D'Onofrio plays an excellent psychopathic serial killer. I will say though, that this movie is not for everyone. If you were to actually travel through the mind of a psycho it would probably be something like this. Some scenes are just plain twisted. If you like this film you should also check out "The Fall", also directed by Tarsem Singh.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Visually brilliant, but terrible script, muddled plot, and riddled with cliches
Added 7/16/2009
I think the amazon editorial review is spot on.
Here's the thing - visually the "dream sequences" (I know technically they're in a coma) are some of the most interesting technical things I've seen on film. It's in the ballpark of Metropolis, and many German films of the silent era. Of color films, Bram Stoker's Dracula (Coppola), What Dreams May Come, several of Tim Burton's big budget films (e.g. Batman Returns) and Natural Born Killers are really the only other color films in the same visual ballpark. I honestly have not the slightest clue how some of the special effects were done. It's obvious many of them aren't CG either. I'm assuming camera.
Unfortunately, while the visuals are nothing short of astounding, the plot is cliche serial killer stuff. It seems like they made the dream sequences and then just decided to do some perfunctory bookending. Because of this, the movie is extremely highly recommended for film students. People interested in dream interpretation might get a kick out of it, too. Everyone else can safely avoid this.
The movie as a whole is boring and to be frank, not very interesting to watch. The characters have no defining characteristics and are the cliche psychologist, cliche detective (complete with chainsmoking, sleeping in the office, etc) and cliche serial killer (who was abused). There is no character development despite two instances where it should have been obvious there could have been some. The plot is muddled and confusing and riddled with Dickensian deus ex machina (the serial killer character has a rare form of schizophrenia, the doctor at a hospital knows about a top secret dream machine, the killer uses a torture machine that works too conveniently for the plot). Also, there's no closure at the end of the movie. There's zero chemistry between Vince Vaughn and J-Lo, too which is a missed opportunity.
If you're really interested in dreams and psychology or just a good movie with them, I'd recommend watching Paprika instead. Similar movie, but vastly better. Or if you want a surreal mystery thriller, rent Blue Velvet.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
This is a great film. And it should have took notice when Oscar time came around... It is the story of meetings of minds. only with horror added.One of my favorite movies. That will haunt you mind for some time. By the way part two sucks so dont bother.. A big five stars for this one...
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
The fantasy sequences are worth the price of purchase "...It's not real! It's not real!"
Added 5/11/2009
"The Cell" is a two-fold story; part crime drama and part surreal art film. It tells of a truly twisted murderous piece of work with a growing body count. This is a VERY sick man, physically and mentally. Different from most "Whodunnits," the police catch the criminal fairly early into the story, but he has lapsed into a catatonic state just prior to being taken into custody. There is a victim still missing; she's alive, but sure to die if not found. It becomes a race against time.
Credibility is stretched to the breaking point during the story, as an investigative, experimental method is used to enter someone's mind, and probe their innermost fantasies. Such technology isn't in effect, not yet, anyway, but once you accept this as part of the story, it becomes an incredible viewing experience. The visuals and accompanying soundtrack are among the most vivid and imaginative to date. Filmed almost a decade ago (at this writing), it doesn't look dated in the least, except that it is better than a lot of films that followed it. In the decade that ensued, less and less really good ones have come out. You can discount the story if you like, the cast, and so on, but indisputable, is the film's sensory impact. Despite the ugliness it has in spots, and some terrifying imagery, it has a breathtaking beauty to it. The director set the sky as the limit, and even then, the sky was no limit.
Synchronicity is a major part in the film's last reel, as the surviving victim is found, and the killer's dark side is finally put to rest at the exact same time; water being part of the plight of the abducted victim, and the purging of the schizophrenic's personal demons as well.
Bottom line: "The Cell" is an extreme roller coaster ride for the senses. Watch in a darkened room, when you know you won't be interrupted.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
|
This product came in the time expected and it was in excellent condition. I would highly recommend.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Epic, Artistic, Beuatiful and Disturbing
Added 11/7/2009
This movie is great, and even greater on blu-ray! It is full of many amazing scenes that are both disturbing and artistically beautiful at the same time. I'm not even a J-Lo fan but she is great in this film, and Vincent D'Onofrio plays an excellent psychopathic serial killer. I will say though, that this movie is not for everyone. If you were to actually travel through the mind of a psycho it would probably be something like this. Some scenes are just plain twisted. If you like this film you should also check out "The Fall", also directed by Tarsem Singh.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Visually brilliant, but terrible script, muddled plot, and riddled with cliches
Added 7/16/2009
I think the amazon editorial review is spot on.
Here's the thing - visually the "dream sequences" (I know technically they're in a coma) are some of the most interesting technical things I've seen on film. It's in the ballpark of Metropolis, and many German films of the silent era. Of color films, Bram Stoker's Dracula (Coppola), What Dreams May Come, several of Tim Burton's big budget films (e.g. Batman Returns) and Natural Born Killers are really the only other color films in the same visual ballpark. I honestly have not the slightest clue how some of the special effects were done. It's obvious many of them aren't CG either. I'm assuming camera.
Unfortunately, while the visuals are nothing short of astounding, the plot is cliche serial killer stuff. It seems like they made the dream sequences and then just decided to do some perfunctory bookending. Because of this, the movie is extremely highly recommended for film students. People interested in dream interpretation might get a kick out of it, too. Everyone else can safely avoid this.
The movie as a whole is boring and to be frank, not very interesting to watch. The characters have no defining characteristics and are the cliche psychologist, cliche detective (complete with chainsmoking, sleeping in the office, etc) and cliche serial killer (who was abused). There is no character development despite two instances where it should have been obvious there could have been some. The plot is muddled and confusing and riddled with Dickensian deus ex machina (the serial killer character has a rare form of schizophrenia, the doctor at a hospital knows about a top secret dream machine, the killer uses a torture machine that works too conveniently for the plot). Also, there's no closure at the end of the movie. There's zero chemistry between Vince Vaughn and J-Lo, too which is a missed opportunity.
If you're really interested in dreams and psychology or just a good movie with them, I'd recommend watching Paprika instead. Similar movie, but vastly better. Or if you want a surreal mystery thriller, rent Blue Velvet.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
This is a great film. And it should have took notice when Oscar time came around... It is the story of meetings of minds. only with horror added.One of my favorite movies. That will haunt you mind for some time. By the way part two sucks so dont bother.. A big five stars for this one...
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
