The Kovak Box

A Hitchcokian retreaded plot line is welded to A-movie production values to great effect in thriller "The Kovak Box." A crazed scientist plays God on a gorgeous Mediterranean island, causing sexy Spanish sirens to jump off roofs )often naked!) in Manchurian-like premise. Although lacking in originality, this slickly made thriller still manages some sense of freshness largely thanks to a great cast, including a terrific performance by Irish vet David Kelly. great paranoid thriller less concerned with CGI explosions and improbable chase and more concerned with ideas like the power fo suggestion. Still, the film does contain enough shock, action and beautiful locations (not to mention sultry Spanish chicks) to hold most Americans attention!

I love the basic premise of this movie and it sounded like it could be good based on the plot, filming locations, and some decent actors.

Unfortunately the movie fails at being creepy, scary, or even creating any form of tension. I get the feeling that the actors were just going through the motion.

There is no chemistry between the two main characters, the Villain seems very weak, and there are no real surprised or twists.

This movie seems like a toned down "In the Mouth of Madness" filmed in the Mediterranean.

My best advice is to rent In The Mouth of Madness instead.

Dean

The story concerns about David (Timothy Hutton), a sci-fi bestsellers author . He arrives in Mallorca (Spain) along with his fiancée . But after a phone call , she spontaneously jumps from hotel balcony , committing herself suicide. The writer investigates the deeds but happen lots of people committing suicide all around him . Later on , he meets Silvia (Lucia Jimenez) who has survived her own and inexplicable suicide trying , jumping from a room . Both of them join forces and are plunged into a nightmarish game . They pursue a suspect doctor (Gary Piquer) with dark intentions . Meanwhile , David is appointed a strange character named Kovak (David Kelly) who hands him over a rare box . The plot stretches plausibility to the final breakpoint, proceeded in the Caves of the Hell.

This exciting picture packs suspense , noisy action , twists plots , tension and marvelous landscapes from island of Mallorca . The film contains thrills and chills and is quite entertaining because is a laborious and intriguing suspense tale . Timothy Hutton is good as a writer who becomes the reluctant hero of one of his own stories , though this time , he has no idea how it ends . Interesting and thrilling screenplay by Jorge Guerricaechevarria (Alex De Iglesia's usual screenwriter) . Colorful cinematography by Carlos Gusi (Torrente, Box 507) who photographs splendidly island Mallorca outdoors and luxurious interiors . Spectacular and atmospheric musical score by Roque Baños (Fragiles , Machinist ,Sexy beast ,800 bullets). The motion picture was well directed by Daniel Monzon , a former cinema critic . He previously directed fantasy (Heart of warrior ) , comedy (Biggest robbery never told) and wrote the thriller ¨Camino de Paraiso¨ ; his greatest hit was the prison movie titled ¨Celda 201¨ . Rating : Good , better than average . The film will appeal to twisted stories buffs and Timothy Hutton fans.

I'm not sure I've seen the 'Gloomy Sunday' reference explained here. 'Gloomy Sunday' was written by Hungarian composer Rezső Seress in 1933. The song is legendary for (allegedly) causing people to commit suicide after hearing it. Check out Wikipedia (search 'Gloomy Sunday') for the very interesting background on the song.

As for the movie, I really thought it was first-rate. I found it at the video store, and got it thinking it might at least entertain me. It did more than that - the plot had me hooked from the first five minutes on.

A "Kovak Box" is explained in the movie, but that itself is a reference to the "Skinner Box" of B.F. Skinner. This article, which comes from Snopes.com provides some very interesting background tidbits to the movie - you will recognize where certain plot elements come from - http://www.snopes.com/science/skinner.asp.

If you like movies with a lot of intrigue, this is a great one to rent.

I kept reading the description of this Movie as a Sci-Fi genre. It isn't.

It's more a Suspense Thriller. NOT an ACTION Thriller-- A Suspense Thriller. But you have to be patient. It starts off with what seems to be two disparate story lines than will slam together very soon.

A writer on book signing tour becomes embroiled in a very convoluted and deadly conspiracy which centers around one of his books.

The tone and visual flow of the movie makes me think of the old Bond Movies-- but like I said-- this is NOT an action flick. The web of conspiracy makes me think of some old spy Movies-- yet this isn't a Spy Movie.

Another reviewer hit a bulls-eye with one descriptor-- Hitchcock. This is Hitchcock for the 21st century.

SO this one is a movie for a Saturday Evening. You have to be ready to think and LISTEN to the dialogue. If your Girlfriend does not pay attention with you, you need a smarter girlfriend.

Oh, and this movie goes good with wine.