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Reviews
The Box (2009)
A Classic Story Minus the Classic Tale
I've always been a fan of the Richard Matheson short story this is taken from, so I couldn't wait for this film adaptation. Now, I don't need my adaptations to be exact. I like to walk away with a feeling that I'm reminded of the source material, but then we are taken to another level. Unfortunately, in this case, that level was one below where we started.
PLUSES: The film is set in 1976 and the styling is great. It appears the art department, casting, FX and the AD did their jobs to perfection. Its a beautiful movie on screen. But that pesky plot, and story line... that's where they lost themselves, and me too.
SPOILERS:
Weird people laughing at parties, and an "it came from outer space" explanation for the strange things happening- these are just two of the clichés that make my eyes roll. But I think I was saddened most that the oh-so-satisfying ending of the short story by Matheson was deleted altogether.
Do yourself a favor & pick up the short story- not only will it give you more satisfaction, but you'll save yourself 2 hours.
Houdini (2014)
Quick Cuts Too Flashy.. but...
HOUDINI, The latest biopic from History Channel is engaging, insightful, and filled with commendable acting (how could it not be with Oscar Winner Brody at the helm?) However, the attempt to update a centuries-old story with trendy quick cuts, and CSI/NCIS/SVU-like sound effects is just plain annoying, and may make you want this mini-series' to disappear forever.
Adrien Brody turns in a fine performance as the famed magician, playing him as a complicated figure, as charming with audiences as he is jealous, and egotistical behind the curtain. You know... human.
Kristen Connolly is great as Bess Houdini, illustrating how frustrating it must have been to always be in the wings, both on stage and around Houdini's ever-present mother. However, I'd have liked to see more of the suffragette struggle since Bess' inequality personified what the 19th Amendment, THE hot topic at the time, was all about in the first place.
The many "how'd they do that?" trick reveals were entertaining, if not a buzz kill. And while they may take the pizazz out of magic as we know it, they also serve to show Houdini as a clever man willing to push his body to the limit for entertainment value.
Leave it to History Channel for blowing the lid off of myths that have surrounded Houdini's story for years. Previous biopics have played with the facts far too long for dramatic effect.
HOUDINI is entertaining enough, and the two night length was just right. Sadly, the production effects and other digital wizardry will date this mini-series long before the Great Houdini's legend escapes our cultural legacy.