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Boxed in

Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 07/20/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If bleak moderrn noir is your thing, THE BOX (2003) is certain to please.

(Last paragraph is an ending spoiler.)



Since 1967, there have been 39 "Box" films and one TV mini-series. Doubtless few (if none) of these are as darkly violent as the one director Richard Pepin created from star James Russo's script.



SYNOPSIS--

Frank, an ex-con with unfinished business involving a large sum of cash, gets a junkyard job in a small town. After a violent confrontation with Frank over money owed, his old partner in crime sends two goons to settle matters, but they come to the party unarmed. So much for them, at least for now.



Frank gets friendly with Dora, a hooker turned waitress at the greasy spoon where he eats lunch, and she takes him home. Dora's physically abusive ex-husband shows up unexpectedly during one of Frank's visits; a wild confrontation leaves the ex quite dead.



Dora finds a small wooden box belonging to her husband and it's not until much later that she discovers what's in it: a pile of ill-gotten C notes. Things really spiral out of control when two of the nastiest, dirtiest "cops" imaginable enter the picture.



There's no happily ever after for Dora and Frank, no spending their loot in paradise, no fond farewells. There's just blood, and lots of it. This one's not for the squeamish.



CAST PRINCIPALS: James Russo, Theresa Russell, Brad Dourff, Steve Railsback, Jon Polito, Michael Rooker, John Snyder, Lee Weaver."